Ati n133 mental health exam 1
Total Questions : 46
Showing 25 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is creating a care plan for a newly admitted client with schizophrenia who has frequent hallucinations and paranoid delusions. What actions should the nurse plan to implement?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Directly telling a client that their delusions are not real is not typically recommended. This approach can be confrontational and may lead to increased anxiety or agitation in the client. It's important to maintain a therapeutic relationship by validating the client's feelings and working within their current reality, rather than directly challenging their perceptions.
Choice B Reason:
Using frequent touch to provide support may not be appropriate for all clients, especially those with schizophrenia who may have altered perceptions of reality. Some individuals may find touch comforting, while others may perceive it as threatening or invasive. It's crucial to assess each client's comfort level with physical contact and proceed accordingly.
Choice C Reason:
Placing a client in seclusion can be a traumatic experience and is generally considered a last resort when other interventions have failed and the client is a danger to themselves or others. Seclusion should not be used solely because a client is experiencing visual hallucinations.
Choice D Reason:
Limiting the number of questions during assessments can help reduce the potential for overwhelming the client. Clients with schizophrenia may have difficulty processing too much information at once, and a barrage of questions can be stressful. Simplifying communication and allowing the client to focus on one question at a time can be more effective.
A nurse is presenting information on culturally competent care at a nursing staff inservice. What information should the nurse include when addressing clients' cultures?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Nonverbal communication is a universal aspect of human interaction and plays a crucial role in all cultures. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other forms of communication that do not involve words. Understanding and interpreting nonverbal cues correctly is essential for nurses to provide culturally competent care.
Choice B Reason:
Culture significantly influences when and how clients seek medical care. Cultural beliefs can shape perceptions of health and illness, determine the types of treatments sought, and influence the level of trust in healthcare providers. Nurses must understand these cultural factors to provide effective and respectful care.
Choice C Reason:
It is unreasonable and culturally insensitive to expect clients to adapt to the care provided without consideration of their cultural background. Instead, healthcare providers should adapt their care to meet the cultural needs of their clients, ensuring that care is patient-centered and respectful of individual cultural practices.
Choice D Reason:
Focusing on clients' cultures rather than just their ethnicity allows nurses to provide more personalized and effective care. Culture encompasses a wide range of factors, including traditions, values, beliefs, and social norms, which can all impact health behaviors and needs. By understanding the cultural context of their clients, nurses can tailor their care approaches to better meet their clients' needs.
During a therapeutic group session, two clients engage in an intense and aggressive political debate. The nurse decides to remove both clients from the group. What leadership style has the nurse demonstrated?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bureaucratic leadership is structured and rule-based, often relying on strict adherence to policies and procedures. In the scenario described, the nurse's decision to remove the patients from the group session does not necessarily reflect a bureaucratic approach, as it does not specify adherence to established rules or protocols.
Choice B Reason:
Democratic leadership involves participative decision-making, where the leader includes team members in the process. The nurse's action in the scenario does not suggest a democratic style, as the decision was made unilaterally without seeking input from the group.
Choice C Reason:
Autocratic leadership is characterized by individual control over all decisions with little input from group members. The nurse's decision to remove the patients without group discussion or input aligns with an autocratic leadership style.
Choice D Reason:
Laissez-faire leadership is a hands-off approach, where leaders allow group members to make the decisions. The nurse's proactive decision to remove the patients indicates a more direct and controlled approach, contrasting with the laissez-faire style.
A client with end-stage renal disease confides in the nurse that he is worried about dying from a heart attack. What response should the nurse give?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
While suggesting the client discuss their concerns with their physician is a valid response, it may not provide the immediate emotional support the client is seeking. It's important for the nurse to address the client's current anxiety and provide reassurance before referring them to their physician.
Choice B Reason:
This response dismisses the client's fears and may come across as insensitive. It's crucial to acknowledge the client's emotions and provide a supportive environment where they feel heard and understood.
Choice C Reason:
Encouraging the client to express their fears allows the nurse to provide emotional support and helps in understanding the client's perspective. This approach fosters a therapeutic relationship and can help alleviate the client's anxiety.
Choice D Reason:
While recommending lifestyle changes is beneficial for overall health, this response does not address the client's immediate emotional needs. The nurse should first provide support for the client's expressed fears before discussing lifestyle modifications.
A nurse is developing a care plan for a group of clients on a mental health unit. What actions should the nurse include to establish a therapeutic environment?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Providing continuity of care by assigning the same staff is essential in creating a therapeutic environment. It allows for the development of trust and rapport, which are foundational for effective mental health treatment. Consistent caregivers can better understand the clients' needs and tailor interventions accordingly.
Choice B Reason:
While it is important to be open to discussing various topics, the nurse must ensure that discussions remain therapeutic and relevant to treatment goals. Some topics may need to be redirected or limited to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
Choice C Reason:
Allowing clients to determine the boundaries of the nurse-client relationship could lead to blurred lines that may affect the quality of care. It is the nurse's responsibility to establish clear professional boundaries while being empathetic and supportive.
Choice D Reason:
Focusing on client wellness is a broad concept that encompasses the clients' physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a goal of the therapeutic environment to promote overall wellness, but specific strategies are needed to achieve this aim.
A nurse is examining different communication styles. What traits should the nurse identify as typical of an aggressive communicator? (Select all that apply.)
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Advocating for one's rights and the rights of others is not typically seen as a characteristic of aggressive communication. It can be a feature of assertive communication, where the individual stands up for their rights in a respectful and non-confrontational manner.
Choice B Reason:
Seeking to avoid expressing personal opinions is not characteristic of aggressive communicators. Aggressive communicators are more likely to forcefully express their opinions without regard for others' feelings or perspectives.
Choice C Reason:
Being controlling during conversations is a hallmark of aggressive communication. Aggressive communicators often dominate discussions, impose their views, and may disregard others' input.
Choice D Reason:
Feeling anxious about how messages will be received is not typically associated with aggressive communication. This trait is more aligned with passive communication, where individuals may be concerned about others' reactions and thus may hold back their true thoughts.
Choice E Reason:
Blaming others for misunderstandings is a common behavior in aggressive communication. Aggressive communicators may not take responsibility for their part in a conflict and instead put the blame on others.
Choice F Reason:
Frequently interrupting others during conversation is indicative of aggressive communication. This behavior demonstrates a lack of respect for others' contributions and a desire to control the conversation.
A nurse manager on a mental health unit is addressing involuntary admissions in a staff meeting. What statements should the manager include in the discussion?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The statement that clients can be hospitalized for as long as the provider deems necessary is not entirely accurate. Involuntary admission is regulated by law, and there are specific criteria and time frames that must be adhered to. For example, if a person is admitted involuntarily, they must either be discharged within a certain number of days or brought to a mental health court to request a longer commitment.
Choice B Reason:
This statement is correct. Clients who are involuntarily admitted retain their rights, including the right to informed consent. They should be informed about their condition, the proposed treatments, and the potential risks and benefits, and they should be involved in their care decisions as much as possible.
Choice C Reason:
Administering medications to clients who refuse them is a complex issue. While there are circumstances where treatment may be given against a client's wishes, particularly if they pose a danger to themselves or others, this must be done within the framework of the law, which includes respecting clients' rights and obtaining necessary legal orders.
Choice D Reason:
The laws regarding the use of restraints on involuntarily admitted clients are indeed different and often more stringent. These laws are designed to protect the rights of clients and ensure that restraints are used only when absolutely necessary and as a last resort.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with catatonia. Which action should the nurse prioritize?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Scheduling the client for a therapeutic group session may not be appropriate as a priority action. Clients with catatonia often experience significant psychomotor disturbances, which can include immobility or stupor, making participation in group activities challenging and potentially distressing.
Choice B Reason:
Encouraging the client to walk in the hallway is not the most immediate concern. While mobility is important, the safety and medical stability of the client take precedence, especially considering the potential for immobility and resistance to movement in catatonic states.
Choice C Reason:
Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings at all times is not practical as a priority action. Catatonia can involve mutism or significantly reduced responsiveness, making it difficult for the client to express themselves verbally.
Choice D Reason:
Offering small, frequent fluids throughout the day is a priority action for a client with catatonia. Due to the potential for decreased oral intake and the risk of dehydration, ensuring the client receives adequate hydration is essential. This intervention addresses a basic physiological need and can prevent further complications.
The nurse is observing a self-help group session when a client informs the group that he recently relapsed with heroin. Another member responds, "I have relapsed more times than I can remember, but I've been sober for over 7 years now." The nurse should recognize that this illustrates which therapeutic factors of group therapy?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Universality refers to the realization among group members that they are not alone in their experiences or feelings. While the interaction does show a shared experience, the primary factor demonstrated here is not just the commonality of experience but the encouragement and hope it provides.
Choice B Reason:
Imitative Behavior involves group members learning from each other by observing and copying behaviors. In this scenario, while the member who has been sober for 7 years may serve as a role model, the key element in this interaction is the hope conveyed through sharing personal success.
Choice C Reason:
Instillation of Hope is the encouragement that recovery is possible. The member's statement about overcoming multiple relapses and achieving long-term sobriety serves as a powerful testament to the possibility of recovery, thus instilling hope in others.
Choice D Reason:
Altruism is the unselfish concern for the welfare of others, which can be a byproduct of group therapy as members support each other. However, the primary factor at play in this scenario is the provision of hope rather than the act of giving support.
A nurse is caring for an older adult client after the sudden death of their spouse. The client is struggling to manage work and family responsibilities. The nurse should identify that the client is going through which type of crisis?
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
An adventitious crisis is not applicable here. This type of crisis is usually a result of a natural or man-made disaster, war, or major accident, which is not the case with the client's situation.
Choice B Reason:
Maturational crises are associated with life transitions or developmental stages, such as retirement or menopause. While the client is older, the crisis is not due to a normal life transition but rather an unexpected event.
Choice C Reason:
Developmental crises occur as a person moves through the stages of life. The client's crisis does not stem from a developmental issue but from an external event that has disrupted their life.
Choice D Reason:
Situational crises arise from external sources that an individual may face throughout life, such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, or severe illness. The client's inability to cope with the sudden death of their spouse is a situational crisis.
A nurse is evaluating a client undergoing treatment with multiple antipsychotic medications who has suddenly fallen ill. The assessment reveals blood pressure fluctuations, fever, and sweating. The nurse should recognize that which of the following adverse effects might be happening?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Acute dystonia is characterized by sudden muscle contractions that can cause abnormal postures. While it is an adverse effect of antipsychotic medications, the symptoms typically include muscle spasms, stiffness, and oculogyric crisis, but not necessarily fever and diaphoresis.
Choice B reason:
Tardive dyskinesia is a late-onset movement disorder associated with prolonged use of antipsychotic medications. It presents with repetitive, involuntary, and purposeless movements, such as grimacing, tongue movements, and lip smacking. Fever and blood pressure changes are not typical features of tardive dyskinesia.
Choice C reason:
Pseudoparkinsonism is an adverse effect of antipsychotic medications that mimics the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. However, it does not usually present with fever or diaphoresis.
Choice D reason:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a life-threatening neurologic emergency associated with the use of antipsychotic medications. It is characterized by mental status changes, muscle rigidity, fever, and autonomic dysfunction, such as blood pressure changes and diaphoresis. NMS requires immediate medical attention and discontinuation of the offending agent.
A nurse has explained to a client that the behavioral health unit is based on milieu therapy. The client then asks, "What makes a unit with milieu therapy different from other hospital units?" Which response should the nurse give?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While a mental health unit that includes milieu therapy may focus on stabilizing clients, it is not limited to those in an acute phase of mental illness. Milieu therapy is a comprehensive approach that can benefit individuals at various stages of their treatment.
Choice B reason:
Milieu therapy is not necessarily less intensive nor does it focus solely on one psychiatric illness or substance abuse disorder. It is a versatile treatment method that can be applied to a range of conditions and is integrated into the daily life of the unit.
Choice C reason:
This choice accurately reflects the essence of milieu therapy. It is a therapeutic approach where the environment is used as an integral part of treatment. The goal is to create a stable, adaptive reality through routines, boundaries, and open communication, fostering a sense of safety and support for therapeutic change.
Choice D reason:
Milieu therapy is not exclusively focused on long-term care but is adaptable to the needs of clients, whether they require short-term stabilization or long-term treatment. It is designed to help individuals learn healthier ways of thinking and behaving within a supportive community setting.
A nurse is explaining therapeutic milieu to a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements from the newly licensed nurse shows an understanding of therapeutic milieu?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement correctly identifies that a therapeutic milieu encompasses both the physical and psychosocial aspects of the environment. This holistic approach is designed to support the recovery and well-being of clients by ensuring that all aspects of the unit's environment are conducive to therapy.
Choice B reason:
While personalization of space can be part of a therapeutic milieu, this statement alone does not capture the full essence of the concept. Therapeutic milieu involves more than just personal items; it includes the structured management of the environment to promote positive interactions and therapeutic outcomes.
Choice C reason:
Positioning chairs around the perimeter of the day room may be a part of the environmental setup, but it does not fully represent the therapeutic milieu. The therapeutic milieu is about creating an environment that encourages interaction, communication, and community among clients, which may or may not involve specific furniture arrangements.
Choice D reason:
Unstructured programming is not a characteristic of therapeutic milieu. In fact, therapeutic milieu typically involves a structured schedule of activities and programs that are designed to promote therapeutic engagement, skill development, and social interaction among clients.
A nurse in a mental health facility is using milieu therapy to create a therapeutic environment for their clients. Which step of the nursing process is the nurse demonstrating?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Evaluation is the final step in the nursing process, where the nurse determines the effectiveness of the nursing care plan and whether the client's goals and outcomes have been met. In the context of milieu therapy, evaluation would involve assessing the client's progress within the therapeutic environment.
Choice B reason:
Planning involves setting goals and expected outcomes for the client's care and then determining the specific interventions that will be used to achieve those goals. In milieu therapy, planning would include designing the structure and activities of the therapeutic environment to meet the needs of the clients.
Choice C reason:
Assessment is the first step in the nursing process, where the nurse collects comprehensive data pertinent to the client's health and the situation. In milieu therapy, assessment would include understanding the client's mental health status, personal history, and specific needs within the therapeutic environment.
Choice D reason:
Implementation is the step where the nurse puts the care plan into action. In the context of milieu therapy, implementation refers to the nurse's role in actively creating and maintaining the therapeutic environment, facilitating group activities, and ensuring that the daily routine is therapeutic for all clients.
The nurse asked the client to return the food tray to the kitchen area in the psychiatric unit. The client responds, "I don't want to do it because I should be going home any minute now." To avoid a conflict, the nurse takes the tray to the kitchen for the client. What type of behavior is the nurse displaying?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Negative Operant Conditioning involves the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In this scenario, the nurse is not removing an unpleasant stimulus but is instead taking over a task to prevent conflict, which does not align with the principles of negative operant conditioning.
Choice B reason:
Positive Role Modeling is demonstrated when an individual exhibits behavior that is beneficial and can be emulated by others. By taking the tray to avoid conflict, the nurse is showing understanding and flexibility, qualities that are positive and can be modeled in a healthcare setting.
Choice C reason:
Aggressiveness is characterized by hostile or forceful behavior or attitudes. The nurse's action of taking the tray to the kitchen is not aggressive; it is a non-confrontational approach to managing the situation.
Choice D reason:
Assertiveness involves standing up for one's own rights in a direct, honest way, while also respecting the rights of others. The nurse's behavior is not assertive, as they are not addressing the client's refusal directly but are instead choosing to complete the task themselves to avoid confrontation.
A nurse is caring for a client who was admitted to the facility in critical condition with a cerebrovascular accident. The client's son tells the nurse, "I wish I could stay, but I need to go home to check on my children. I really hate to leave." Which response should the nurse give?
Explanation
Choice A reason - "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your parent while you are gone.":
This statement is meant to reassure the son that his parent will be well-cared for in his absence, which is an important concern for family members of patients. However, it does not provide any immediate comfort or solution to his dilemma of needing to be in two places at once.
Choice B reason - "You are feeling drawn in two separate directions.":
By acknowledging the son's feelings, the nurse is showing understanding and empathy. Recognizing the emotional conflict is a key step in providing emotional support, but the response stops short of offering actionable advice or comfort.
Choice C reason - "Perhaps you could call your children to see how they are doing.":
This suggestion is helpful because it gives the son a way to be involved with his children's well-being without having to leave the hospital. It's a compromise that addresses both of his concerns and can provide him with some peace of mind.
Choice D reason - "There's nothing you can do here. You should go home to your children.":
While this might be a practical suggestion, it fails to consider the son's emotional state and his need to support his hospitalized parent. It could make him feel guilty or negligent for considering leaving, even if it's to attend to his children.
A nurse is caring for a client who is about to have open-heart surgery. The client expresses that he is very nervous about the procedure. Which response should the nurse provide?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Providing reading material about the surgery can be informative, but it may not be the best approach for someone who is already very nervous. It could potentially increase anxiety if the information is overwhelming or if the client misinterprets the material.
Choice B reason:
Suggesting a walk could serve as a distraction and help to calm the client's nerves. However, it might not address the underlying anxiety about the surgery itself. It's a temporary measure that doesn't offer emotional support or address the client's immediate concerns.
Choice C reason:
Referring the client to the pastoral care team could be beneficial if the client is seeking spiritual support or comfort. However, this should be based on the client's personal preferences and beliefs, and it may not be the most direct way to address the client's stated nervousness.
Choice D reason:
Engaging the client in a conversation about their feelings provides an opportunity for emotional support and can help the nurse understand the client's specific fears. This approach can lead to a more personalized care plan to alleviate anxiety.
A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and prescribed haloperidol (Haldol) PRN for agitation. The nurse should identify which of the following as potential adverse effects of haloperidol (Haldol)?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Bleeding is not commonly associated with the use of haloperidol. While antipsychotic medications can have a wide range of side effects, bleeding is not typically reported as an adverse effect of haloperidol.
Choice B reason:
Pancreatitis is not a recognized adverse effect of haloperidol. This condition involves inflammation of the pancreas and is more commonly associated with medications that affect the gastrointestinal system directly.
Choice C reason:
Dysrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms, are known adverse effects of haloperidol. This medication can affect the electrical activity of the heart, potentially leading to serious cardiac events.
Choice D reason:
Cataracts are not a direct adverse effect of haloperidol. While long-term use of some medications can increase the risk of developing cataracts, haloperidol is not specifically linked to this condition.
A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a client whose care plan involves learning work-related skills. Which member of the interprofessional team would be most appropriate for this client?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Occupational therapists are trained to help individuals develop or regain the skills needed for daily living and working. They are particularly adept at assisting clients with work-related skills, making them an ideal choice for this client's plan of care.
Choice B reason:
While psychiatrists are essential for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, their role is less focused on teaching work-related skills and more on managing the client's psychiatric treatment.
Choice C reason:
Social workers provide valuable support in connecting clients with community resources and supporting their psychosocial needs. However, they do not typically specialize in teaching work-related skills.
Choice D reason:
Psychologists may work with clients to address cognitive or emotional barriers to employment, but they do not typically provide hands-on training in work-related skills as occupational therapists do.
A nurse overhears a client diagnosed with schizophrenia talking to herself, repeatedly saying, "The flakalas are here. The flakalas are here." The nurse should identify the client's use of the word "flakala" as an example of which type of speech alteration?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Associative looseness refers to a disorganized thought process where connections between ideas are unclear or illogical. The use of the word "flakala" does not demonstrate a loose association between ideas but rather the creation of a new word.
Choice B reason:
Tangentiality occurs when a person goes off on a tangent and does not return to the original topic. In this case, the client is not going off on a tangent but is repeatedly using a made-up word, which is indicative of neologism.
Choice C reason:
Neologism is the creation of new words that others may not understand. The client's use of "flakala" fits this definition, as it appears to be a word created by the client that is not part of standard language. This can be a sign of disorganized thinking, where the client's internal thoughts do not align with conventional language patterns.
Choice D reason:
Circumstantiality involves providing unnecessary detail that makes communication less efficient but eventually returns to the original point. The client's statement does not include unnecessary details; it is the repetition of a newly created word, suggesting neologism.
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who says, "My partner called and told me that my boss hired someone to replace me." Which response should the nurse provide?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Telling the client to call their boss and ask for their job back may not be the most supportive response. It could add stress by suggesting immediate action when the client may not be in a position to address the issue effectively due to their hospitalization.
Choice B reason:
This response might come across as dismissive, implying that the client's concerns are not valid or important. It does not offer emotional support or acknowledge the client's feelings about the situation.
Choice C reason:
Questioning why the partner would share such upsetting news does not provide comfort or support to the client. It could potentially create additional stress by introducing doubts about the partner's intentions.
Choice D reason:
This empathetic response acknowledges the client's likely emotional reaction to the news. It validates the client's feelings without making assumptions or judgments about the situation, which is an important aspect of nurse-client communication.
A nurse is facilitating a group therapy session for clients who have recently been diagnosed with cancer. Which statement should the nurse make?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
This statement may come across as dismissive of the potential benefits of medication, which can be an important part of treatment for some individuals. It's essential to consider and respect each client's unique treatment needs, including medication.
Choice B reason:
Pointing out physical manifestations of stress in a confrontational way may make the client feel self-conscious or defensive. It's important to address such observations with sensitivity and in the context of exploring feelings.
Choice C reason:
Inviting the client to discuss their concerns about returning to work opens up a dialogue about their fears and challenges. It's a supportive approach that encourages expression and exploration of feelings.
Choice D reason:
While resolving conflicts is important, this directive statement may feel overwhelming to a client who is already dealing with a new cancer diagnosis. It's better to offer support and guidance in navigating interpersonal issues.
A nurse is caring for a client who is highly suspicious of the nursing staff and other clients. Which nursing approach is appropriate for building a therapeutic relationship with this client?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Waiting for the client to initiate interaction may result in missed opportunities to build trust and rapport. Clients who are suspicious may never feel comfortable enough to initiate interaction, which could hinder their care and treatment.
Choice B reason:
Adopting a neutral attitude when providing care is recommended for clients who are suspicious. It helps to establish a non-threatening environment and conveys a sense of respect for the client's need for space and boundaries.
Choice C reason:
Disclosing personal information to demonstrate approachability can backfire with clients who are suspicious. It may be perceived as intrusive or as an attempt to elicit personal information from them in return.
Choice D reason:
Approaching the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions might overwhelm and increase the client's suspicion. It's important to respect the client's space and allow them to set the pace for interactions.
A nurse is caring for a client exhibiting delusional behavior who says, "I can't go to group therapy today. I am expecting a high-level official to visit me." The nurse replies, "I understand, but it is time for group therapy, and we expect everyone to attend. Let's walk over together." Why is the nurse's response considered therapeutic?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The nurse's response is therapeutic because it clearly communicates the expectations of the treatment setting in a firm yet non-confrontational manner. By stating "it is time for group therapy and we expect everyone to attend," the nurse is providing structure and clarity, which can help orient the client to the reality of the situation and the routine of the therapeutic environment.
Choice B reason:
While the nurse's response does include a statement of understanding, it does not primarily demonstrate empathy. Empathy would involve acknowledging the client's feelings and concerns more directly, rather than focusing on the expectations of the therapy session.
Choice C reason:
Reflection is a therapeutic communication technique where the nurse repeats or paraphrases what the client has said to show that they are listening and to encourage further discussion. In this case, the nurse does not use reflection but rather responds with a statement of expectation.
Choice D reason:
The nurse's response does not set limits on manipulative behavior, as there is no indication that the client's behavior is manipulative. The client expresses a delusional belief, and the nurse addresses this by redirecting the client to the scheduled group therapy session.
A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who spreads lies about other clients. The other clients on the unit often complain to the nursing staff about this client's disruptive behaviors. What initial action should the nurse take?
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Talking directly to the client and setting clear boundaries is a therapeutic approach. It respects the client's autonomy while also addressing the behavior that is affecting the therapeutic environment. By identifying specific limits, the nurse helps the client understand the consequences of their actions and the importance of maintaining a respectful and honest communication with others.
Choice B reason:
Discussing the problem in a community meeting could be helpful, but it should not be the initial action. This approach might inadvertently shame or embarrass the client in front of peers, which could exacerbate the situation. It's important to address the behavior privately before involving the larger group.
Choice C reason:
Escorting the client to their room each time they socialize could be seen as punitive and may not address the underlying reasons for the lying behavior. It could also isolate the client from social interactions that are an essential part of the healing process.
Choice D reason:
Telling other clients to ignore the lies does not address the disruptive behavior and can create an environment of mistrust and tension. It's important for the nurse to intervene in a way that maintains the integrity of the therapeutic milieu.
Sign Up or Login to view all the 46 Questions on this Exam
Join over 100,000+ nursing students using Nursingprepexams’s science-backend flashcards, practice tests and expert solutions to improve their grades and reach their goals.
Sign Up Now