Mental Health

The nurse has been closely observing a client who has been displaying aggressive behaviors. The nurse observes that the behavior displayed by the client is escalating. Which nursing intervention is most helpful to this client at this time? Select all that apply.

-Acknowledge the client's behavior. -Assist the client to an area that is quiet. -Maintain a safe distance from the client. Rationale: During the escalation period, the client's behavior is moving toward loss of control. Nursing actions include taking control, maintaining a safe distance, acknowledging behavior, moving the client to a quiet area, and medicating the client if appropriate. To initiate confinement measures during this period is inappropriate. Initiation of confinement measures, if needed, is most appropriate during the crisis period.

Which interventions are most appropriate for caring for a client in alcohol withdrawal? Select all that apply.

-Monitor vital signs. -Provide a safe environment. -Address hallucinations therapeutically. -Provide reality orientation as appropriate. Rationale: When the client is experiencing withdrawal from alcohol, the priority for care is to prevent the client from harming self or others. The nurse would monitor the vital signs closely and report abnormal findings. The nurse would provide a low-stimulation environment to maintain the client in as calm a state as possible. The nurse would reorient the client to reality frequently and would address hallucinations therapeutically. Adequate nutritional and fluid intake need to be maintained.

A client is preparing to attend a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for the first time. The nurse should tell the client that which is the first step in this 12-step program?

Admitting to having a problem Rationale: The first step in the 12-step program is to admit that a problem exists. Substituting other activities for gambling may be a strategy, but it is not the first step. The remaining options are not realistic strategies for the initial step in a 12-step program.

The home health nurse visits a client at home and determines that the client is dependent on drugs. During the assessment, which action should the nurse take to plan appropriate nursing care?

Ask the client about the amount of drug use and its effect. Rationale: Whenever the nurse carries out an assessment for a client who is dependent on drugs, it is best for the nurse to attempt to elicit information by being nonjudgmental and direct. Option 1 is incorrect because it is judgmental and off-focus, and reflects the nurse's bias. Option 3 is incorrect because it is judgmental, insensitive, and aggressive, which is nontherapeutic. Option 4 is incorrect because it indicates passivity on the nurse's part and uses rationalization to avoid the therapeutic nursing intervention.

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder who is experiencing disturbed thought processes. In formulating a nursing plan of care, which best intervention should the nurse include?

Avoid using a whisper voice in front of the client. Rationale: Disturbed thought process related to paranoid personality disorder is the client's problem, and the plan of care must address this problem. The client is distrustful and suspicious of others. The members of the health care team need to establish a rapport and trust with the client. Laughing or whispering in front of the client would be counterproductive. The remaining options ask the client to trust on a multitude of levels. These options are actions that are too intrusive for a client with this disorder.

The nurse is preparing to perform an admission assessment on a client with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which assessment findings should the nurse expect to note? Select all that apply.

Dental decay Loss of tooth enamel Electrolyte imbalances Rationale: Clients with bulimia nervosa initially may not appear to be physically or emotionally ill. They are often at or slightly below ideal body weight. On further inspection, a client exhibits dental decay and loss of tooth enamel if the client has been inducing vomiting. Electrolyte imbalances are present. Dry, scaly skin (rather than moist, oily skin) is present.

When planning the discharge of a client with chronic anxiety, which is the most appropriate maintenance goal?

Identifying anxiety-producing situations Rationale: Recognizing situations that produce anxiety allows the client to prepare to cope with anxiety or avoid a specific stimulus. Counselors will not be available for all anxiety-producing situations, and this option does not encourage the development of internal strengths. Suppressing feelings will not resolve anxiety. Elimination of all anxiety from life is impossible.

A moderately depressed client who was hospitalized 2 days ago suddenly begins smiling and reporting that the crisis is over. The client says to the nurse, "I'm finally cured." Based on the client's behavior and statement, which intervention should the nurse include in the plan?

Increasing the level of suicide precautions Rationale: A client who is moderately depressed and has only been in the hospital 2 days is unlikely to have such a dramatic cure. When a depression suddenly lifts, it is likely that the client may have made the decision to harm herself or himself. Suicide precautions are necessary to keep the client safe. The remaining options are therefore incorrect interpretations.

The nurse is caring for a female client who was admitted to the mental health unit recently for anorexia nervosa. The nurse enters the client's room and notes that the client is engaged in rigorous push-ups. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Interrupt the client and offer to take her for a walk. Rationale: Clients with anorexia nervosa frequently are preoccupied with rigorous exercise and push themselves beyond normal limits to work off caloric intake. The nurse must provide for appropriate exercise and place limits on rigorous activities. The correct option stops the harmful behavior yet provides the client with an activity to decrease anxiety that is not harmful. Weighing the client immediately reinforces the client's preoccupation with weight. Allowing the client to complete the exercise program can be harmful to the client. Telling the client that she is not allowed to complete the exercise program will increase the client's anxiety.

The nurse observes that a client is pacing, agitated, and presenting aggressive gestures. The client's speech pattern is rapid, and affect is belligerent. Based on these observations, which is the nurse's immediate priority of care?

Provide safety for the client and other clients on the unit. Rationale: Safety of the client and other clients is the immediate priority. The correct option is the only one that addresses the safety needs of the client as well as those of the other clients.

The nurse is conducting a group therapy session. During the session, a client diagnosed with mania consistently disrupts the group's interactions. Which intervention should the nurse initially implement?

Setting limits on the client's behavior Rationale: Manic clients may be talkative and can dominate group meetings or therapy sessions by their excessive talking. If this occurs, the nurse initially would set limits on the client's behavior. Initially, asking the client to leave the session or asking another person to escort the client out of the session is inappropriate. This may agitate the client and escalate the client's behavior further. Barring the client from group sessions is also an inappropriate action because it violates the client's right to receive treatment and is a threatening action.

The nurse is planning activities for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder with aggressive social behavior. Which activity would be most appropriate for this client?

Writing Rationale: Solitary activities that require a short attention span with mild physical exertion are the most appropriate activities for a client who is exhibiting aggressive behavior. Writing (journaling), walks with staff, and finger painting are activities that minimize stimuli and provide a constructive release for tension. The remaining options have a competitive element to them or are group activities and should be avoided because they can stimulate aggression and increase psychomotor activity.

The nurse is working with a client who, despite making a heroic effort, was unable to rescue a neighbor trapped in a house fire. Which client-focused action should the nurse engage in during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?

Inquiring about and examining the client's feelings for any that may block adaptive coping Rationale: The client must first deal with feelings and negative responses before the client can work through the meaning of the crisis. The correct option pertains directly to the client's feelings and is client-focused. The remaining options do not directly focus on or address the client's feelings.

The nurse in the mental health unit plans to use which therapeutic communication techniques when communicating with a client? Select all that apply.

Restating Active listening Maintaining neutral responses Providing acknowledgment and feedback Rationale: Therapeutic communication techniques include listening, maintaining silence, maintaining neutral responses, using broad openings and open-ended questions, focusing and refocusing, restating, clarifying and validating, sharing perceptions, reflecting, providing acknowledgment and feedback, giving information, presenting reality, encouraging formulation of a plan of action, providing nonverbal encouragement, and summarizing. Asking "Why" is often interpreted as being accusatory by the client and should also be avoided. Providing advice or giving approval or disapproval are barriers to communication.

The nurse observes that a client with a potential for violence is agitated, pacing up and down the hallway, and making aggressive and belligerent gestures at other clients. Which statement would be most appropriate to make to this client?

"You seem restless; tell me what is happening." Rationale: The most appropriate statement is to ask the client what is causing the agitation. This will assist the client to become aware of the behavior and may assist the nurse in planning appropriate interventions for the client. Option 1 is demanding behavior that could cause increased agitation in the client. Options 2 and 4 are threats to the client and are inappropriate.

A depressed client on an inpatient unit says to the nurse, "My family would be better off without me." Which is the nurse's best response?

"You sound very upset. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" Rationale: Clients who are depressed may be at risk for suicide. It is critical for the nurse to assess suicidal ideation and plan. The nurse should ask the client directly whether a plan for self-harm exists. Options 1, 2, and 3 do not deal directly with the client's feelings.

A female victim of a sexual assault is being seen in the crisis center. The client states that she still feels "as though the rape just happened yesterday," even though it has been a few months since the incident. Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

"Tell me more about the incident that causes you to feel like the rape just occurred." Rationale: The correct option allows the client to express her ideas and feelings more fully and portrays a nonhurried, nonjudgmental, supportive attitude on the part of the nurse. Clients need to be reassured that their feelings are normal and that they may express their concerns freely in a safe, caring environment. Option 1 immediately blocks communication. Option 2 places the client's feelings on hold. Option 4 places the problem solving totally on the client.

Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates a suspicion that a depressed adolescent client may be suicidal?

The adolescent gives away a DVD and a cherished autographed picture of a performer. Rationale: A depressed suicidal client often gives away that which is of value as a way of saying goodbye and wanting to be remembered. Options 2, 3, and 4 deal with anger and acting-out behaviors that are often typical of an adolescent.

Which nursing interventions are appropriate for a hospitalized client with mania who is exhibiting manipulative behavior? Select all that apply.

-Communicate expected behaviors to the client. -Assist the client in identifying ways of setting limits on personal behaviors. -Follow through about the consequences of behavior in a nonpunitive manner. -Have the client state the consequences for behaving in ways that are viewed as unacceptable. Rationale: Interventions for dealing with the client exhibiting manipulative behavior include setting clear, consistent, and enforceable limits on manipulative behaviors; being clear with the client regarding the consequences of exceeding the limits set; following through with the consequences in a nonpunitive manner; and assisting the client in identifying a means of setting limits on personal behaviors. Ensuring that the client knows that she or he is not in charge of the nursing unit is inappropriate; power struggles need to be avoided. Enforcing rules and informing the client that she or he will not be allowed to attend therapy groups is a violation of a client's rights.

A client says to the nurse, "The federal guards were sent to kill me." Which is the best response by the nurse to the client's concern?

"Do you feel afraid that people are trying to hurt you?" Rationale: It is most therapeutic for the nurse to empathize with the client's experience. The remaining options lack this connection with the client. Disagreeing with delusions may make the client more defensive, and the client may cling to the delusions even more. Encouraging discussion regarding the delusion is inappropriate.

The nurse determines that the wife of an alcoholic client is benefiting from attending an Al-Anon group if the nurse hears the wife make which statement?

"I no longer feel that I deserve the beatings my husband inflicts on me." Rationale: Al-Anon support groups are a protected, supportive opportunity for spouses and significant others to learn what to expect and to obtain excellent pointers about successful behavioral changes. The correct option is the healthiest response because it exemplifies an understanding that the alcoholic partner is responsible for his behavior and cannot be allowed to blame family members for loss of control. Option 2 is incorrect, because the nonalcoholic partner should not feel responsible when the spouse loses control. Option 3 indicates that the group is viewed as an escape, not as a place to work on issues. Option 4 indicates that the wife remains codependent.

The spouse of a client admitted to the mental health unit for alcohol withdrawal says to the nurse, "I should get out of this bad situation." Which is the most helpful response by the nurse?

"What do you find difficult about this situation?" Rationale: The most helpful response is one that encourages the client to solve problems. Giving advice implies that the nurse knows what is best and can foster dependency. The nurse should not agree with the client, and the nurse should not request that the client provide explanations.

The nurse is conducting an initial assessment of a client in crisis. When assessing the client's perception of the precipitating event that led to the crisis, which is the most appropriate question?

"What leads you to seek help now?" Rationale: The nurse's initial task when assessing a client in crisis is to assess the individual or family and the problem. The more clearly the problem can be defined, the better the chance a solution can be found. The correct option would assist in determining data related to the precipitating event that led to the crisis. Options 1 and 2 assess situational supports. Option 4 assesses personal coping skills.

The nurse is preparing a client with schizophrenia a history of command hallucinations for discharge by providing instructions on interventions for managing hallucinations and anxiety. Which statement in response to these instructions suggests to the nurse that the client has a need for additional information?

"When I have command hallucinations, I'll call a friend for help." Rationale: The risk for impulsive and aggressive behavior may increase if a client is receiving command hallucinations to harm self or others. If the client is experiencing a hallucination, the nurse or health care counselor, not a friend, should be contacted to discuss whether the client has intentions to hurt herself or himself or others. Talking about auditory hallucinations can interfere with subvocal muscular activity associated with a hallucination. The client statements in the remaining options will aid in wellness but are not specific interventions for hallucinations, if they occur.

A client with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, who is in a state of starvation, is in a 2-bed room. A newly admitted client will be assigned to this client's room. Which client would be the best choice as a roommate for the client with anorexia nervosa?

A client undergoing diagnostic tests Rationale: The client undergoing diagnostic tests is an acceptable roommate. The client with anorexia nervosa is most likely experiencing hematological complications, such as leukopenia. Having a roommate with pneumonia would place the client with anorexia nervosa at risk for infection. The client with anorexia nervosa should not be put in a situation in which the client can focus on the nutritional needs of others or be managed by others, because this may contribute to sublimation and suppression of personal hunger.

The nurse is creating a plan of care for a client in a crisis state. When developing the plan, the nurse should consider which factor?

A client's response to a crisis is individualized and what constitutes a crisis for one client may not constitute a crisis for another client. Rationale: Although each crisis response can be described in similar terms as far as presenting symptoms are concerned, what constitutes a crisis for one client may not constitute a crisis for another client, because each is a unique individual. Being in the crisis state does not mean that the client has a mental or emotional illness.

A client is admitted to the mental health unit with a diagnosis of depression. The nurse should develop a plan of care for the client that includes which intervention?

A structured program of activities in which the client can participate Rationale: A client with depression often is withdrawn while experiencing difficulty concentrating, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness and poor self-esteem. The plan of care needs to provide successful experiences in a stimulating yet structured environment. The remaining options are either too "restrictive" or offer little or no structure and stimulation.

A client is unwilling to go to his church because his ex-girlfriend goes there and he feels that she will laugh at him if she sees him. Because of this hypersensitivity to a reaction from her, the client remains homebound. The home care nurse develops a plan of care that addresses which personality disorder?

Avoidant Rationale: The avoidant personality disorder is characterized by social withdrawal and extreme sensitivity to potential rejection. The person retreats to social isolation. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable mood and self-image and impulsive and unpredictable behavior. Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by the display of abnormal thoughts, perceptions, speech, and behaviors. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is characterized by perfectionism, the need to control others, and a devotion to work.

A hospitalized client with a history of alcohol misuse tells the nurse, "I am leaving now. I have to go. I don't want any more treatment. I have things that I have to do right away." The client has not been discharged and is scheduled for an important diagnostic test to be performed in 1 hour. After the nurse discusses the client's concerns with the client, the client dresses and begins to walk out of the hospital room. What action should the nurse take?

Call the nursing supervisor. Rationale: Most health care facilities have documents that the client is asked to sign relating to the client's responsibilities when the client leaves against medical advice. The client should be asked to wait to speak to the PHCP before leaving and to sign the "against medical advice" document before leaving. If the client refuses to do so, the nurse cannot hold the client against the client's will. Therefore, in this situation, the nurse should call the nursing supervisor. The nurse can be charged with false imprisonment if a client is made to believe wrongfully that she or he cannot leave the hospital. Restraining the client and calling security to block exits constitutes false imprisonment. All clients have a right to health care and cannot be told otherwise.

A client is admitted to a medical nursing unit with a diagnosis of acute blindness after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. When diagnostic testing cannot identify any organic reason why this client cannot see, a mental health consult is prescribed. The nurse plans care based on which mental health condition?

Conversion disorder Rationale: A conversion disorder is the alteration or loss of a physical function that cannot be explained by any known pathophysiological mechanism. A conversion disorder is thought to be an expression of a psychological need or conflict. In this situation, the client witnessed an accident that was so psychologically painful that the client became blind. Psychosis is a state in which a person's mental capacity to recognize reality, communicate, and relate to others is impaired, interfering with the person's ability to deal with life's demands. Repression is a coping mechanism in which unacceptable feelings are kept out of awareness. A dissociative disorder is a disturbance or alteration in the normally integrative functions of identity, memory, or consciousness.

A manic client begins to make sexual advances toward visitors in the dayroom. When the nurse firmly states that this is inappropriate and will not be allowed, the client becomes verbally abusive and threatens physical violence to the nurse. Based on the analysis of this situation, which intervention should the nurse implement?

Escort the client to their room, with the assistance of other staff. Rationale: The client is at risk for injury to self and others and should be escorted out of the dayroom. Seclusion is premature in this situation. Telling the client that the behavior is inappropriate has already been attempted by the nurse. Denying privileges may increase the agitation that already exists in this client.

A client with anorexia nervosa is a member of a predischarge support group. The client verbalizes that she would like to buy some new clothes, but her finances are limited. Group members have brought some used clothes to the client to replace the client's old clothes. The client believes that the new clothes are much too tight and has reduced her calorie intake to 800 calories daily. How should the nurse evaluate this behavior?

Evidence of the client's disturbed body image Rationale: Disturbed body image is a concern with clients with anorexia nervosa. Although the client may struggle with ambivalence and show regressed behavior, the client's coping pattern relates to the basic issue of disturbed body image. The nurse should address this need in the support group.

When a client is admitted to an inpatient mental health unit with the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, a cognitive behavioral approach is used as part of the treatment plan. The nurse plans care based on which purpose of this approach?

Helping the client to examine dysfunctional thoughts and beliefs. Rationale: Cognitive behavioral therapy is used to help the client identify and examine dysfunctional thoughts and to identify and examine values and beliefs that maintain these thoughts. The remaining options, while therapeutic in certain situations, are not the focus of cognitive behavioral therapy.

The nurse is assessing a client who was admitted 24 hours ago for a fractured humerus. Which findings should alert the nurse to the potential for alcohol withdrawal delirium?

Hypertension, changes in level of consciousness, hallucinations Rationale: Symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal delirium typically include anxiety, insomnia, anorexia, hypertension, disorientation, hallucinations, changes in level of consciousness, agitation, fever, and delusions.

The emergency department nurse is caring for an adult client who is a victim of family violence. Which priority information should be included in the discharge instructions?

Information regarding shelters Rationale: Tertiary prevention of family violence includes assisting the victim after the abuse has already occurred. The nurse should provide the client with information regarding where to obtain help, including a specific plan for removing the self from the abuser and information regarding escape, hotlines, and the location of shelters. An abused person is usually reluctant to call the police. Teaching the victim to fight back is not the appropriate action for the victim when dealing with a violent person. Explaining the importance of leaving the violent situation is important, but a specific plan is necessary.

A client is participating in a therapy group and focuses on viewing all team members as equally important in helping the clients meet their goals. The nurse is implementing which therapeutic approach?

Milieu therapy Rationale: All treatment team members are viewed as significant and valuable to the client's successful treatment outcomes in milieu therapy. Interpersonal therapy is based on a one-to-one or group therapy approach in which the therapist-client relationship is often used as a way for the client to examine other relationships in her or his life. Behavior modification is based on rewards and punishment. Support groups are based on the premise that individuals who have experienced and are insightful concerning a problem are able to help others who have a similar problem.

The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a young female victim of sexual assault. The client's physical assessment is complete, and physical evidence has been collected. The nurse notes that the client is withdrawn, distracted, tremulous, and bewildered at times. How should the nurse interpret these behaviors?

Reactions to a devastating event Rationale: During the acute phase of the rape crisis, the client can display a wide range of emotional and somatic responses. The symptoms noted indicate an expected reaction. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect interpretations.

The nurse is caring for a client just admitted to the mental health unit and diagnosed with catatonic stupor. The client is lying on the bed in a fetal position. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Sit beside the client in silence with simple open-ended questions. Rational: Clients who are withdrawn may be immobile and mute and may require consistent, repeated approaches. Communication with withdrawn clients requires much patience from the nurse. Interventions include the establishment of interpersonal contact. The nurse facilitates communication with the client by sitting in silence, asking simple open-ended questions rather than direct questions, and pausing to provide opportunities for the client to respond. Although overstimulation is not appropriate, there is no therapeutic value in ignoring the client. The client's safety is not the responsibility of other clients.

What is the most appropriate nursing action to help manage a manic client who is monopolizing a group therapy session?

Thank the client for the input, but inform the client that others now need a chance to contribute. Rationale: If a client is monopolizing the group, the nurse must be direct and decisive. The best action is to thank the client and suggest that the client stop talking and try listening to others. Although telling the client to stop monopolizing in a firm but compassionate manner may be a direct response, the correct option is more specific and provides direction for the client. The remaining options are inappropriate because they are not directed toward helping the client in a therapeutic manner.

The nurse is reviewing the assessment data of a client admitted to the mental health unit. The nurse notes that the admission nurse documented the client is experiencing anxiety as a result of a situational crisis. The nurse plans care for the client, determining that this type of crisis could be caused by which event?

The death of a loved one Rationale: A situational crisis arises from external rather than internal sources. External situations that could precipitate a crisis include loss or change of a job, the death of a loved one, abortion, change in financial status, divorce, addition of new family members, pregnancy, and severe illness. Options 1, 3, and 4 identify adventitious crises. An adventitious crisis refers to a crisis of disaster, is not a part of everyday life, and is unplanned and accidental. Adventitious crises may result from a natural disaster (e.g., floods, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes), a national disaster (e.g., war, riots, airplane crashes), or a crime of violence (e.g., rape, assault, murder in the workplace or school, bombings, or spousal or child abuse).

A client diagnosed with delirium becomes disoriented and confused at night. Which intervention should the nurse implement initially?

Use an indirect light source and turn off the television. Rationale: Provision of a consistent daily routine and a low-stimulating environment is important when a client is disoriented. Noise, including radio and television, may add to the confusion and disorientation. Moving the client next to the nurses' station may become necessary but is not the initial action.