Nurses' Notes

Client ate 80% of lunch with encouragement. Mild edema to hands, feet, and ankles. Client states, "It feels like my heart is jumping in my chest."

Graphic Results

BP 100/64 mm Hg

Pulse rate 58/min

Respiratory rate 16/min

Temperature 36.4° C (97.5° F)

SaO2 96%

BMI 16

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Stop the newly licensed nurse from administering the medication – While it is important to prevent the administration of medication against the client's will, the focus should initially be on de-escalation to address the client's refusal.

B. Demonstrate how to verbally de-escalate the situation – This is the most appropriate first action. De-escalation techniques can help calm the client and create a dialogue, potentially leading to a willingness to discuss the medication and its benefits.

C.discussing the medication's purpose, is also secondary to honoring the client's current refusal.

D.assessing the need for restraints, would be inappropriate without first stopping the medication administration and could escalate the situation. Therefore, the first and most critical action is to stop the medication administration.

The correct answer is:

A. Implement continuous one-to-one observation.

Choice A reason:

Implementing continuous one-to-one observation is the most immediate and direct method to ensure the safety of a client who has been admitted after a suicide attempt. This involves assigning a staff member to stay with the client at all times, providing constant supervision to prevent self-harm. It is a standard safety measure in mental health facilities for clients at high risk of suicide.

Choice B reason:

While encouraging the client to participate in group therapy is a valuable part of the treatment plan, it is not the first action a nurse should take. Group therapy is beneficial for social support and developing coping strategies, but it is not an immediate safety measure for a client at risk of suicide.

Choice C reason:

Asking the client to sign a no-suicide contract can be part of the therapeutic process, but it is not the first step in acute care. These contracts involve the client agreeing not to harm themselves and to seek help if suicidal thoughts occur. However, they are not considered a substitute for active supervision and intervention.

Choice D reason:

Establishing a rapport to foster trust is crucial for effective nursing care and is an ongoing process. It helps in creating a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for the client's long-term recovery. However, it is not the immediate priority in a crisis situation where the client's safety is at risk.