Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the client to explore the delusions in depth.
• B. Tell the client that the delusions are not real.
• C. Explore the underlying meaning of the delusions.
• D. Distract the client from the delusions and focus on reality.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions is to distract the client from the delusions and focus on reality. Encouraging the client to explore the delusions in depth (Choice A) may worsen the delusions. Telling the client that the delusions are not real (Choice B) can lead to confrontation and disbelief. Exploring the underlying meaning of the delusions (Choice C) may not be effective during acute episodes of delusions; hence, distracting the client and refocusing on reality is the most suitable intervention.

2. A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Calmly approach the client and remove the chair from the client.
• B. Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation.
• C. Offer feedback about the client's behavior.
• D. Summon the hospital security guards as a 'show of force.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a client is displaying aggressive behavior, the most important action for the nurse to implement is to obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This approach ensures the safety of all individuals involved and prevents the situation from escalating further. Calmly approaching the client and removing the chair directly could agitate the client further and pose a risk to the nurse. Offering feedback about the client's behavior may not address the immediate safety concerns. Summoning hospital security guards as a 'show of force' should be a last resort after other de-escalation attempts have failed, as it may further provoke the client.

3. The nurse observes a female client with schizophrenia watching the news on TV. She begins to laugh softly and says, 'Yes, my love, I'll do it.' When the nurse questions the client about her comment, she states, 'The news commentator is my lover, and he speaks to me each evening. Only I can understand what he says.' What is the best response for the nurse to make?

• A. What do you believe the news commentator said to you?
• B. Let's watch the news on a different television channel.
• C. Does the news commentator have plans to harm you or others?
• D. The news commentator is not talking to you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse is to ask the client, 'What do you believe the news commentator said to you?' This is important to determine the content of the auditory hallucination and understand the client's perception. Choice B is incorrect as changing the TV channel does not address the underlying issue. Choice C is incorrect as it introduces a paranoid idea that the news commentator may have harmful intentions, which is not supported by the scenario. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the client's belief without exploring or validating her experience.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a panic attack. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Stay with the client and remain calm.
• B. Encourage the client to express their feelings.
• C. Teach the client deep-breathing exercises.
• D. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority intervention is to stay with the client and remain calm (A). This provides immediate support and reassurance. Encouraging the client to express their feelings (B) and teaching deep-breathing exercises (C) are important but should come after ensuring the client's immediate safety and comfort. Administering medication (D) might be necessary, but the nurse should first focus on providing a calming presence to help the client feel safe and supported during the panic attack.

5. A client is admitted to the mental health unit and sits in the corner of the day room. When the nurse begins the admission assessment interview, the client is guarded, suspicious, and resists talking. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Attempt to ask the client simple questions.
• B. Postpone the client interview until the next day.
• C. Ask another nurse to talk with the client.
• D. Document the client's paranoid behavior.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client is guarded, suspicious, and resistant to talking, it is important for the nurse to attempt to ask the client simple questions. Simple questions can help build rapport, establish trust, and create a non-threatening environment. This approach may ease the client into more detailed discussions while reducing feelings of suspicion. Postponing the interview may increase the client's anxiety and distrust, while asking another nurse to talk with the client may disrupt continuity of care and the establishment of a therapeutic relationship. Documenting the client's behavior is important for the client's medical record, but it should not be the first action taken in this situation.

Similar Questions