The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

“If your behavior continues, we have no choice but to place you in seclusion."

"You have to take this medication to settle you down and stop your behavior."

“I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others."

“Let’s go to a quiet area and talk about what is upsetting you."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Explanation: This response demonstrates the use of therapeutic communication, specifically offering the client an opportunity to express their feelings and concerns in a non-confrontational manner. By suggesting a private and quiet area to talk to, the nurse provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and process their emotions. This approach can help the client feel heard, validated, and understood, which may reduce their need to act out or engage in argumentative behaviors to express their feelings.

The other responses are not as effective or therapeutic:

A. Threatening the client with seclusion is an aggressive approach and may escalate the client's behavior or cause them to feel cornered and defensive, leading to further acting out.

B. Telling the client they have to take medication to stop their behavior does not address the underlying issues that may be causing their behavior. It can also come across as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns.

C. Saying "I don't know what set you off today but you have to get along with others" may be perceived as dismissive and does not offer the client an opportunity to express their emotions or address their concerns.

In summary, offering a private space to talk and explore the client's feelings in a non-judgmental and supportive manner is the most beneficial therapeutic response to help the adolescent client decrease acting out behaviors and promote positive communication and coping skills.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Aggression is a behavior characterized by hostility, anger, or violent actions toward others or objects. In the scenario described in option B, the client demonstrates aggressive behavior by stomping away from the nurses' station and grabbing a pool cue from another client. This behavior indicates hostility and potential violence towards others, which is a clear example of aggression.

Options A, C, and D do not describe aggressive behavior. Option A describes a client expressing sadness and seeking comfort by hugging a pillow and sobbing. Option C describes a client expressing anger verbally but not exhibiting aggression. Option D describes a client refusing to take medication, which may not necessarily involve aggressive behavior.

A. Call security and ask them to detain the client from leaving. B. Contact the client's family to request they convince the client to stay. C. Allow the client to leave, with a referral to community resources for follow-up care. D. Contact the psychiatrist for initiation of commitment proceedings.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

In this situation, the client's safety is of utmost importance. Expressing a desire to leave the facility and harm oneself with a gun raises serious concerns about the client's safety and the risk of harm to themselves. Initiating commitment proceedings, also known as involuntary hospitalization or psychiatric hold, allows the facility to legally detain the client temporarily for their protection and evaluation by mental health professionals. This allows for a thorough assessment of the client's mental health status and the formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure their safety.

Options A, B, and C are not appropriate in this situation:

A. Calling security to detain the client may escalate the situation and could potentially lead to increased risk of harm.

B. Contacting the client's family may not be enough to ensure the client's safety, and it is essential to involve mental health professionals in evaluating the client's risk.

C. Allowing the client to leave without addressing their expressed suicidal ideation is not safe, as the client may be at high risk for self-harm or suicide. Simply referring them to community resources without further evaluation and intervention is not sufficient to address the immediate safety concern.

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The nurse is working with an adolescent client that is argumentative with staff and peers on the behavioral health unit. Which therapeutic response will be most beneficial for the client to decrease acting out behavior?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for several clients on the behavioral health unit. Which client will be assessed as demonstrating aggression?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with depression is admitted for voluntary treatment. While in the hospital, the client makes several comments about leaving the facility and kiling themselves with their gun. Which is the most appropriate action by the nurse when the client requests to leave against medical advice?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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