A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is assisting with the admission of a client who reports feeling depressed, sad, moody, and overly anxious. Which of the following assessments should the nurse make first?
Suicide risk
Coping abilities
Psychiatric history
Support systems
The Correct Answer is A
When assisting with the admission of a client who reports feeling depressed, sad, moody, and overly anxious, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client's suicide risk. This is because the client's symptoms, particularly feelings of depression and anxiety, can indicate a higher risk for self-harm or suicide. Assessing suicide risk is crucial to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate interventions if needed.
incorrect:
B. Coping abilities: While assessing coping abilities is important to understand how the client manages stress and emotional challenges, it is secondary to assessing suicide risk. Coping abilities can be explored in subsequent assessments to determine the client's resilience and available resources for support.
C. Psychiatric history: Although understanding the client's psychiatric history is relevant for comprehensive care, it may not be the most immediate concern during the admission process. Assessing suicide risk takes precedence to ensure the client's safety.
D. Support systems: While assessing the client's support systems is valuable for understanding the available network of support, it should not take priority over assessing suicide risk. The client's immediate safety and potential need for intervention require immediate attention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Asking the client how they feel about being discharged encourages open communication and provides an opportunity for the client to express their emotions and thoughts about leaving the
hospital. It shows that the nurse values the client's perspective and allows for further discussion and support if needed. This response promotes client-centered care and acknowledges the client's experience during the hospitalization.
The other options are less appropriate:
A. "I know you will do well living out in the community" assumes the client's feelings and may not accurately reflect their experience or emotions about the discharge.
B. "I will send you a note in a few weeks" focuses on the nurse's future action rather than actively engaging with the client's expression of gratitude.
C. "Aren't you excited about being discharged today?" assumes the client's emotional state and may not consider the potential range of emotions the client could be experiencing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. Respecting autonomy means acknowledging and honoring a person's right to make choices based on their own values, beliefs, and preferences. By importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments, the nurse is recognizing and respecting the client's autonomy. This shows that the nurse values the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare and supports their choice, even if it may differ from what the nurse may recommend.
Incorrect:
A. Spending extra time to calm an agitated client demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence, which is the duty to promote the well-being and welfare of the client.
B. Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation relates to the ethical principle of fidelity, which involves maintaining trust and keeping promises to the client.
C. Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications is important for informed consent and promoting understanding, but it does not directly involve the client's autonomy unless it is accompanied by a discussion of the client's choices and preferences regarding medication.

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