which approach is best to use with a client who is angry and agitated

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX Psychosocial Questions

1. Which approach is best to use with a client who is angry and agitated?

A. Confront the client about the behavior.
B. Turn on the television to distract the client.
C. Maintain a calm, consistent approach with the client.
D. Explain to the client why the behavior is unacceptable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When dealing with an angry and agitated client, it is crucial to maintain a calm and consistent approach. Consistency allows the client to predict the caregiver's behavior, which can help reduce their anxiety and agitation. Confronting the client about their behavior may escalate the situation and increase their anger. Using distractions like turning on the television is not addressing the underlying issue and may not be effective in calming the client. Explaining to the client why their behavior is unacceptable is not suitable in the moment of agitation, as the client may not be in a state to attend to logical explanations and perceived criticisms should be avoided to prevent further escalation.

2. What approach should the nurse use when a manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors asks the nurse to talk while the nurse is orienting a new client to the unit?

A. Suggest that the client requesting attention speak with another staff member.
B. Leave the new client, saying, 'I'll talk with the other client until things calm down.'
C. Introduce the two clients and suggest that the client join them on a tour of the facility.
D. Say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should respond to the manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors by setting realistic limits on behavior without rejecting the client. Therefore, the correct approach is to say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.' This response acknowledges the client's request while prioritizing the needs of the new client and setting appropriate boundaries. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Suggesting that the client speak with another staff member would be a rejection of the client, not the behavior. Leaving the new client to attend to the manipulative client would encourage further manipulation and disrupt the orientation process for the new client. Introducing the two clients and suggesting a tour is inconsistent with setting limits and does not address the manipulative behavior being displayed.

3. The parents tell the nurse that their preschooler often awakes from sleep screaming in the middle of the night. The preschooler is not easily comforted and screams if the parents try to restrain the child. What should the nurse instruct the parents to do?

A. Always read a story to the child before bedtime.
B. Intervene only if necessary to protect the child from injury.
C. Discuss counseling options with the primary health care provider.
D. Try to wake the child and ask the child to describe the dream.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Waking up screaming from sleep at night indicates sleep terrors. The nurse would advise the parents to observe the child and intervene only if there is a risk for injury. Reading a story before bedtime helps calm the child before sleeping, but it does not ensure that the child will not have a sleep terror. There is no need for professional counseling because sleep terrors are a common phenomenon in preschool-age children. Trying to wake the child and asking the child to describe the dream is not appropriate as the child is not aware of anybody's presence during a sleep terror, and this may cause the child to scream and thrash more.

4. A 30-year-old woman is scheduled for a total abdominal hysterectomy due to noninvasive endometrial cancer. The nurse anticipates the client may have difficulty adjusting emotionally to this type of surgery. Which concern would be the cause of this anticipated difficulty?

A. Change in femininity
B. Body image changes
C. Diminished sexual desire
D. Slow recovery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Change in femininity.' The removal of the uterus can lead to changes in how some women perceive themselves sexually as it is a reproductive organ. In this young client, there may be heightened feelings of loss of femininity and reproductive potential. Body image changes could occur but are more likely with surgeries involving obvious external changes. Diminished sexual desire is unlikely in a premenopausal woman unless she has specific concerns. Slow recovery is not expected in an otherwise healthy 30-year-old woman undergoing this surgery.

5. A client who has multiple sclerosis is admitted to the hospital with increasingly frequent and severe exacerbations. One day, the client's partner confides to the nurse, 'Life is getting very hard and depressing, and I am upset with myself for thinking about a nursing home.' After listening to the partner's concerns, which response would the nurse make?

A. 'Joining a support group of people who are coping with this situation may be helpful.'
B. 'You may be able to decrease your feelings of guilt by seeking counseling.'
C. 'It would be helpful if you became involved in volunteer work at this time.'
D. 'I recognize it's hard to deal with, but try to remember that this, too, shall pass.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Joining a support group of individuals facing similar circumstances can provide valuable support and the opportunity to share experiences, making it the most appropriate response. The response suggesting counseling to decrease feelings of guilt is premature because the partner did not directly express guilt and it may not be the most immediate need. Suggesting involvement in volunteer work at this time fails to address the partner's current emotional distress and may come across as dismissive. Offering false reassurance by stating 'this, too, shall pass' does not validate the partner's feelings and minimizes the seriousness of their concerns.