An adult client presents to the community mental health center accompanied by the client’s spouse who reports that the client has been acting impulsively. The client has spent a large amount of money lately, made several last-minute decisions to take trips, sleeps only 2 to 4 hours a night, and has lost 33 pounds (15 kg) in the last 2 months. Which nursing problem has the greatest nursing priority?

The nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about assertive communication. Two of the adolescents are seated at a round table and another is sitting on a small sofa nearby. To facilitate group interaction, which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

The nurse is caring for a client who has been the victim of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse feels angry, embarrassed, and helpless. Which explanation best describes the cause of the nurse’s emotions?

A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

A client who is an alcoholic receives a prescription for disulfiram 500 mg PO daily. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client?

An adolescent who is a heroin addict is admitted to the unit for detoxification. What intervention is most important for the nurse to initiate during the first 24 hours after admission?

A client with opioid dependence makes a statement to the nurse about desiring to lead a healthier lifestyle by making changes in the next 2 weeks. How should the nurse respond?

The nurse is leading a group on the inpatient psychiatric unit. Which approach should the nurse use during the working phase of group development?

A male client, assessed in the emergency department (ED), has a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. The client denies thoughts of harm to self or others, and the healthcare provider discharges the client. As the client begins to leave, the nurse overhears the client mumble, “Now I’m going to shoot myself.” Which intervention should the nurse implement?

During a one-to-one session with the nurse, a female client admitted for chronic depression and attempted suicide discloses experiences of sexual promiscuity and prostitution. When the nurse asks the client if she was ever sexually abused as a child, the client says, “I don’t remember, but my mother ran my father off when I was five.” The nurse should recognize that the client may be using which defense mechanism?

When assessing a client who takes psychotropic medications, the nurse notes that the client has uncontrollable hand movements and is excessively protruding the tongue. Which assessment in the client’s record should the nurse review?