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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation would be: "I'll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."
This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:
1. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2. "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Validation is a technique used to acknowledge and validate the emotions and experiences of individuals with dementia, even if their thoughts or perceptions do not align with reality. In this scenario, the nurse responds by saying, "You miss your mother," which shows understanding and empathy toward the client's emotions. The nurse is validating the client's feelings rather than attempting to correct or redirect their thoughts.
A. Orientation to reality involves providing factual information and attempting to reorient individuals with dementia to the present time, place, and situation.
B. Remotivation is a technique used to stimulate memories and engage individuals with dementia in meaningful activities.
D. Guided imagery involves using vivid language and descriptive prompts to guide individuals into imagining pleasant or calming scenes.
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