A nurse who works in a psychiatric unit is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station at 0300 demanding that the nurse call the provider immediately. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
You are being unreasonable, and I will not call your doctor at this hour."
Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your doctor."
You must be very upset about something
I can't call a doctor in the middle of the night unless it's an emergency."
The Correct Answer is C
A. "You are being unreasonable, and I will not call your doctor at this hour."
This response is confrontational and dismissive of the client's request. It does not promote a therapeutic interaction and might escalate the situation.
B. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your doctor."
This response might temporarily calm the client, but it’s misleading if the nurse does not intend to call the doctor. It also avoids addressing the client's immediate emotional needs and could result in a loss of trust if the nurse doesn’t follow through.
C. "You must be very upset about something."
This is the most therapeutic response. It acknowledges the client’s feelings without judgment and opens up communication. It allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns, which is essential in providing appropriate care and support in a psychiatric setting.
D. "I can't call a doctor in the middle of the night unless it's an emergency."
While this statement is factually correct, it can come across as dismissive and could escalate the client's agitation. It does not acknowledge the client's emotions and might make the client feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Low self-esteem is a risk factor for depression because negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms.
B. Irritability is associated with depression, especially in adolescents. It can manifest as a mood symptom and is often seen alongside other depressive features.
C. Chronic pain can be both a symptom and a risk factor for depression. Persistent pain can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and physical function, contributing to the development of depressive symptoms.
D. Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is a common symptom of depression and can also be a risk factor. Sleep disturbances are often seen in individuals with depression, and they can contribute to the severity of the condition.
E. Euphoria is not a risk factor for depression. In fact, it is more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder, where individuals experience periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) alternating with periods of depression.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Are you thinking of harming yourself?": Correct
This is the priority response because it directly addresses the client's statement about being better off gone, which raises concerns about potential suicidal thoughts. Asking this question allows the nurse to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.
B. "Do you really think your family would be better off without you?": Incorrect
While this response attempts to engage the client in a conversation, it doesn't directly address the immediate concern of suicidal thoughts. It's important to prioritize assessing the client's safety before exploring their feelings about their family's perspective.
C. "When did you first start feeling this way?": Incorrect
While understanding the client's history and the onset of their feelings is important, it's not the priority response in this situation. Assessing the client's risk of harm takes precedence over gathering historical information.
D. "Tell me what is happening right now.": Incorrect
This response doesn't directly address the client's statement about being better off gone and doesn't assess the immediate risk of self-harm or suicide. While understanding the client's current situation is valuable, safety concerns should be addressed first.
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