A nurse on an in-patient unit received the report at 15:00 hours. Which client should the nurse see first?

A. Enables the nurse to assign the appropriate Axis I diagnosis: Nurses typically do not assign Axis I diagnoses. Diagnosing mental health conditions is typically the responsibility of psychiatrists, psychologists, or other licensed mental health professionals. Nurses, however, play a crucial role in gathering information to contribute to the overall assessment process.

B. Enables the nurse to prescribe the appropriate medications: Nurses do not prescribe medications; that is the responsibility of physicians, nurse practitioners, or other prescribers. However, gathering client information is essential for providing accurate information to the prescriber, assisting in medication management, and monitoring for side effects.

C. Enables the nurse to modify behaviors related to personality disorders: While nurses can assist in the management of behaviors related to mental health conditions, the primary purpose of gathering client information is not to modify behaviors related to personality disorders. It is more about understanding the client's needs and tailoring care accordingly.

D. Enables the nurse to make sound clinical judgments and plan appropriate care: This is the correct answer. Gathering client information is a fundamental step in the nursing assessment process. It provides the necessary data for the nurse to make informed clinical judgments, identify health problems, and plan appropriate care interventions. It allows the nurse to understand the client's unique needs, preferences, and potential risks, leading to individualized and effective care planning.

A. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day one: This outcome may be challenging to achieve within the first day, and it is important to set realistic goals. Moreover, focusing on substituting a productive activity might not address the immediate need to reduce ritualistic behaviors.

B. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours: This is an appropriate initial outcome. It acknowledges the challenge of completely eliminating rituals but sets a realistic goal of refraining from these behaviors during daylight hours. This allows for gradual progress without setting unrealistic expectations.

C. The client will participate in unit activities by day three: While participation in unit activities is a positive goal, it may be too optimistic to expect this within the first three days, especially considering the severity of obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms.

D. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast: This goal does not promote a reduction in ritualistic behaviors; instead, it may reinforce and accommodate the rituals. The aim of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder is to reduce the impact of these rituals, not to support them.