The nurse working in an outpatient clinic is performing an intake assessment for a female client. Which priority question will the nurse ask the client as part of the initial assessment?
"Do you have enough money to pay for your care today?
"Do you feel safe in your home?"
"Do you take Illegal street drugs?
Do you obtain regular medical care?
The Correct Answer is B
Explanation: The priority question the nurse should ask the client during the initial assessment is whether they feel safe in their home (Option B). This question is essential because it addresses the client's safety and well-being, particularly regarding the possibility of domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
Assessing for safety is a critical component of the initial assessment, especially for female clients, as they may be at higher risk for experiencing domestic violence or abuse. By asking about the client's safety in their home, the nurse can identify potential issues related to violence or unsafe living conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety.
Options A, C, and D are also important assessment questions, but they are not the priority in this scenario:
A. "Do you have enough money to pay for your care today?" - This is an important question regarding the client's financial situation and ability to access healthcare. However, safety and well-being take precedence over financial concerns in the initial assessment.
C. "Do you take illegal street drugs?" - This question is crucial for assessing the client's substance use and potential risk factors related to drug use. However, the safety question (Option B) is more immediate and directly addresses the client's well-being.
D. "Do you obtain regular medical care?" - This question is vital for assessing the client's healthcare needs and access to healthcare services. However, the safety question (Option B) should be addressed first to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The safety of both the client and others is the top priority in this situation. The client's aggressive behavior poses a significant risk, and immediate action is necessary. Calling for an emergency response from trained personnel, such as security or other staff members experienced in handling aggressive behavior, can help ensure the situation is properly managed and de-escalated in a safe manner.
Option B may not be appropriate in this situation, as trying to engage the client in verbal expression of anger while they are in an agitated and aggressive state can potentially escalate the situation further.
Option C is not recommended, as approaching the client in a confrontational manner may further escalate their anger and aggression.
Option D, while it may be beneficial in a different context and when the client is in a more stable state, is not appropriate when the client is actively engaged in aggressive behavior. The focus at this moment should be on ensuring the immediate safety of everyone involved.
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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