A nurse on a mental health unit notices that a client is becoming increasingly agitated and throws a table when he is unable to select the television (TV) channel. Which of the following should be a priority action by the nurse?

Attempt to talk the client down.

Administer a PRN antianxiety medication.

Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm.

Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Attempting to talk the client down is the priority action in this situation. Agitation can escalate to aggression or violence if not addressed appropriately. Engaging in therapeutic communication can help de-escalate the client's agitation, express understanding, and potentially find out the underlying cause of their distress. This approach prioritizes a non-pharmacological intervention.

Choice B rationale:

Administer a PRN antianxiety medication. While medication might be a consideration for managing agitation, it's generally not the first action to take. Non-pharmacological interventions, like therapeutic communication, should be attempted first to minimize the reliance on medications to manage behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

Place the client in a monitored seclusion room until he is calm. Placing a client in seclusion should be a last resort and should only be done when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. In this scenario, the client's agitation doesn't seem to present an imminent danger, so seclusion would be an excessive and restrictive intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Restrain the client to prevent injury to himself or others. Restraint should be an absolute last resort and only used when there's an imminent risk of harm that cannot be managed in any other way. Restraint can escalate agitation and trauma for the client, as well as pose legal and ethical concerns. Therefore, it should only be used when all other options have been exhausted and safety is a critical concern.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This response uses a confrontational tone and places blame on the client for their behavior, which is not an example of assertive communication. It can potentially escalate the situation and hinder effective communication.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is authoritarian in nature, using phrases like "you need to" and "forgive me," which can further upset the client and create a power struggle. It lacks empathy and understanding, making it ineffective for assertive communication.

Choice C rationale:

While this response acknowledges the consequences of the client's negative behavior, it uses commanding language ("you better go to your room"), which can be perceived as aggressive and may escalate the situation instead of facilitating effective communication.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is the most effective example of assertive communication. It acknowledges the client's feelings ("I understand that you are angry") while also asserting the nurse's adherence to protocol. This response demonstrates empathy, understanding, and a willingness to address the client's emotions in a non-confrontational manner.

A. "Tell me what is concerning you.” B. "Crying helps us let things out and we feel better.” C. "Your husband is making really good progress.” D. "Did your husband say something to upset you?”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The correct choice. In this situation, the nurse's priority is to gather information and provide emotional support. By asking the spouse to share their concerns, the nurse opens up a channel of communication and shows empathy, creating an opportunity to address the spouse's worries and provide reassurance.

Choice B rationale:

While the sentiment that crying can be cathartic and relieving is true, this response does not directly address the spouse's concern or encourage them to share their feelings. It's important to focus on the spouse's feelings rather than just explaining the benefits of crying.

Choice C rationale:

Assuming that the husband is making progress without knowing the specifics of the situation can come across as dismissive of the spouse's concerns. It's important to validate the spouse's emotions and provide support, rather than making assumptions about the husband's progress.

Choice D rationale:

Asking whether the husband said something to upset the spouse might be relevant, but it does not address the spouse's expressed concern about their husband. This response may not foster open communication and emotional support as effectively as choice A.

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A nurse on a mental health unit notices that a client is becoming increasingly agitated and throws a table when he is unable to select the television (TV) channel. Which of the following should be a priority action by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who is upset about the loss of privileges due to repetitive negative behavior. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates the effective use of assertive communication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse observes a client's spouse sitting alone in the waiting room crying. When approached, the spouse says, "I am really concerned about my husband." Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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