VP Exam 1: Crisis Intervention, Anger-Aggression, & Grief/Loss Practice Question

Which actions would the nurse take to assist a client in deescalating agitated behavior? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

-Encourage the client to express perceived needs -Provide the client with clear options to the unacceptable behavior -Explain the expected outcomes if the client is unable to control the unacceptable behavior

When an extremely anxious client asks the nurse for help, what initial response reflects the nurse's role in crisis intervention?

"I'm here to help you figure things out."

Which communication technique is used more in crisis intervention than traditional counseling?

Giving direction

A patient comes to the clinic with superficial cuts on the left wrist. The patient is pacing and sobbing. After a few minutes with the nurse, the patient is calmer. What should the nurse ask to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event?

"What was happening just before you started feeling this way?"

A patient is pacing the hall near the nurses' station and swearing loudly. An appropriate initial intervention for the nurse would be to address the patient by name and say:

"I'd like to talk with you about how you're feeling right now."

During the initial interview at the crisis center, a patient says, "I've been served with divorce papers. I'm so upset and anxious that I can't think clearly." What could the nurse say to assess personal coping skills?

"In the past, how did you handle difficult or stressful situations?"

An adult patient assaulted another patient and was restrained. One hour later, which statement by this restrained patient necessitates the nurse's immediate attention?

"My fingers are tingly."

Which intervention would nurse use during the initial interaction with a 76-year-old client who is terminally ill, very quiet and unwilling to have visitors.

Explore what he understands about his situation and what the implications mean to him

Which outcome is a mother most likely to experience if she perceives that her child's accidental death was preventable?

Grief grows in intensity and duration

Which behavior is most likely to indicate that a client is experiencing grief associated with the loss of the husband?

Lack of sleep and loss of appetite

After celebrating a 40th birthday, an individual becomes concerned with the loss of youthful appearance. What type of crisis has occurred?

Maturational

A patient is hospitalized after an arrest for breaking windows in the home of a former intimate partner. The history reveals childhood abuse by a punitive parent, torturing family pets, and an arrest for disorderly conduct. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

Risk for other-directed violence

Which behavior best demonstrates aggression?

Stomping away from the nurses' station, darting to another room, and grabbing a snack from another patient.

An intramuscular dose of antipsychotic medication needs to be administered to a patient who is becoming increasingly more aggressive. The patient is in the day room where there are other patients. The nurse should enter the day room:

accompanied by three staff members and say, "Please come to your room so I can give you some medication that will help you feel more comfortable."

A victim of intimate partner violence comes to the crisis center seeking help. The nurse uses crisis intervention strategies that focus on:

supporting emotional security and re-establishing equilibrium