A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is admitting a client who has panic-level anxiety. After showing the client to his room, which of the following nursing actions is most therapeutic at this time?
Have the client join a therapy group.
Suggest that the client rest in bed.
Remain with the client for a while.
Medicate the client with a sedative.
The Correct Answer is C
Remaining with the client provides them with a sense of security, reassurance, and support. It shows the client that they are not alone and that the nurse is there to provide assistance and care. By being present and offering a calming presence, the nurse can help the client feel more at ease and gradually reduce their anxiety.
It's important to note that the other options are not the most appropriate actions in this situation:
A- Having the client join a therapy group may be overwhelming and may not be suitable during the acute phase of panic-level anxiety.
B- Suggesting that the client rest in bed may not address their immediate anxiety and may not be feasible if the client is experiencing intense anxiety symptoms.
D- Medicating the client with a sedative should be done based on a healthcare provider's order and assessment of the client's condition. It is not the initial therapeutic intervention and should only be considered if other non-medication interventions are ineffective or if the client's anxiety becomes severe and unmanageable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Anxiety and diaphoresis: Alcohol withdrawal commonly presents with symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis). These symptoms are due to the central nervous system's hyperactivity caused by the sudden cessation of alcohol intake.
Incorrect:
B- Muscle aches and chills: Muscle aches and chills are not typical manifestations of alcohol withdrawal. These symptoms are more commonly associated with opioid withdrawal rather than alcohol withdrawal.
C- Fatigue and depression: Fatigue and depression are common symptoms during alcohol withdrawal. The client may feel tired, lack energy, and experience a low mood due to the neurochemical imbalances that occur during withdrawal.
D- Arrhythmia and respiratory depression: While alcohol withdrawal can lead to some cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, severe arrhythmia and respiratory depression are not typical findings. These more severe symptoms may indicate a more severe withdrawal syndrome or coexisting medical conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
In this scenario, a priority action for the nurse is to ask the client if she has considered harming her newborn. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry raise concerns about the possibility of postpartum depression, which is a serious mental health condition that can affect new mothers. In some cases, postpartum depression can lead to thoughts of harming oneself or the newborn. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's risk and ensure the safety of both the client and her baby.
Incorrect:
A- Reinforce postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching: While reinforcing postpartum and newborn care discharge teaching is an important aspect of care, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's symptoms of feeling "down," sadness, lack of energy, and wanting to cry suggest the possibility of postpartum depression. The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional well-being and assessing for potential risks, rather than focusing on routine postpartum and newborn care teaching.
B- Anticipate a prescription by the provider for an antidepressant: While medication may be part of the treatment plan for postpartum depression, it is not the priority action at this stage. The nurse should first assess the client's condition, including the severity of her symptoms and any potential risk of harm to herself or her newborn. Initiating a discussion about medication can come later, in collaboration with the healthcare provider and based on a comprehensive assessment.
C- Assist the family to identify prior use of positive coping skills in family crises: While supporting the client's family and identifying positive coping skills are important, they are not the priority in this scenario. The immediate concern is addressing the client's symptoms and assessing for potential risks associated with postpartum depression. Once the client's immediate safety and emotional needs are addressed, the nurse can involve the family in the care plan and help them identify and utilize positive coping strategies.
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