Nursing Elites

1. A mental health worker is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior. Which action by the mental health worker warrants immediate intervention by the RN?

• A. Attempting to physically restrain the client.
• B. Remaining at a distance of 4 feet from the client.
• C. Telling the client to go to the quiet area of the unit.
• D. Using a loud voice to communicate with the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Attempting to physically restrain the client without proper protocol and preparation can escalate the situation. This can lead to increased agitation and aggression in the client, potentially putting both the client and the mental health worker at risk. Remaining at a distance, directing the client to a quiet area, or using a loud voice are all strategies that can be used to de-escalate the situation and ensure safety without resorting to physical intervention. Therefore, the immediate intervention is needed when the mental health worker attempts to physically restrain the client. Option B, remaining at a distance, is a safe practice to ensure personal safety. Option C, directing the client to a quiet area, is a de-escalation technique to create a calmer environment. Option D, using a loud voice, may be necessary to establish boundaries and ensure the client can hear instructions clearly.

2. The client states, “It seems strange that I don’t have a TV in my room.” Which statement would be best for the nurse to provide?

• A. You can watch TV as much as you want outside of your room.
• B. Sometimes clients feel like the TV is sending them messages.
• C. It’s important to be out of your room and talking to others.
• D. Watching TV is a passive activity and we want you to be active.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because clients with depression or psychosis may interpret TV as sending messages, so it is often removed to prevent this risk. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the client's concern and may not be feasible. Choice C is incorrect because it diverts from the client's immediate issue regarding the TV. Choice D is incorrect because it does not address the client's specific concern and instead focuses on the activity level.

3. When developing a plan of care for a client admitted to the psychiatric unit following aspiration of a caustic material related to a suicide attempt, which nursing problem has the highest priority?

• A. Impaired comfort.
• B. Risk for injury.
• C. Ineffective breathing pattern.
• D. Ineffective coping.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ineffective breathing pattern is the highest priority nursing problem in this scenario because aspiration of a caustic material can lead to serious airway and respiratory issues. This poses an immediate threat to the client's life and requires urgent intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. The other options, such as Impaired comfort, Risk for injury, and Ineffective coping, are important but are secondary concerns compared to the critical nature of respiratory compromise in this situation.

4. A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting visual and auditory hallucinations. What should be the RN’s initial intervention?

• A. Instruct the client to ignore the hallucinations.
• B. Encourage the client to describe the hallucinations in detail.
• C. Assess the client’s perception of the hallucinations.
• D. Provide reassurance that the hallucinations are not real.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial intervention for a client with schizophrenia exhibiting visual and auditory hallucinations is to assess the client’s perception of the hallucinations. This step is crucial as it helps the RN determine the severity of the hallucinations and the best course of action for management and intervention. Instructing the client to ignore the hallucinations (Choice A) may not be effective as the hallucinations may be distressing and overwhelming. Encouraging the client to describe the hallucinations in detail (Choice B) may potentially worsen the symptoms or trigger further distress. Providing reassurance that the hallucinations are not real (Choice D) may not be appropriate as the client may genuinely believe in their reality, and this reassurance may not address the underlying issues causing the hallucinations.

5. An adolescent with a history of bipolar disorder is hospitalized during a manic episode. Which intervention is most appropriate for the nurse to include in the care plan?

• A. Encourage high levels of physical activity.
• B. Provide a quiet and structured environment.
• C. Engage the client in creative arts activities.
• D. Allow the client to make decisions about their schedule.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience heightened energy levels, decreased need for sleep, and racing thoughts. Providing a quiet and structured environment is crucial in managing these symptoms as it helps reduce external stimuli, prevent overstimulation, and promote a sense of calmness. Encouraging high levels of physical activity may exacerbate the manic symptoms by further increasing stimulation and excitement. Engaging the client in creative arts activities might be beneficial during stable periods but may not be the most appropriate intervention during a manic episode. Allowing the client to make decisions about their schedule could potentially lead to impulsivity and poor judgment, which are common characteristics of mania.

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