A client on a psychiatric unit is found pacing the halls and angrily punching at the wall. The nurse's primary goal should be to

Question

a. assertively tell the client to stop the behavior.
b. suggest that the client write in a journal to help relieve anxiety.
c. speak in a loud voice in order to alert other staff members.
d. maintain safety while helping the client.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The nurse should help the client own the angry feelings by getting the client to verbalize things that make him or her angry. Acknowledging a client's anger may prevent an expression of abusive ranting. It is essential that the nurse use empathetic statements or active listening to acknowledge the client's anger and maintain a nonthreatening demeanor before moving on to try to discuss the issue. The goal is to maintain safety while helping the client. Psychiatric clients can be unpredictable and at this point would not be likely to respond positively to a suggestion such as writing in a journal. Speaking assertively or in a loud voice may escalate the situation, and the client is already out of control.