A patient, just laid off from his job of 15 years, is pacing rapidly in the waiting room. His behavior is disorganized, he is trembling, and he can be heard admonishing himself that he should have worked harder
He told the triage nurse that he would like to get some medication to calm him down so he can "think straight.". Which of the following would constitute a therapeutic rationale for the use of antianxiety medication as his initial treatment? a. The patient believes it would be beneficial to him.
b. It would calm the patient and allow his discharge.
c. It would not be as addictive as antidepressant drugs.
d. It would better enable him to participate in treatment.
D
Antianxiety medications are useful in severe levels of anxiety because they can quickly reduce the patient's anxiety to a more manageable level that allows the patient to participate more meaningfully in further assessment and treatment. The patient's belief that it would be beneficial should be considered but is not itself rationale for choosing this treatment modality. It would likely help calm the patient but by itself would not be adequate treatment and thus would not be sufficient to permit his release from care. Most antianxiety medications are subject to abuse and when misused can be addictive; very few antidepressant medications are addictive.
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The nurse, beginning the shift, is informed of the necessity to float to the adult critical care unit. The nurse works in pediatrics, and has never worked in a critical care area before
Which of the following actions would be appropriate for the nurse? 1. Notify the nursing supervisor of the unsafe situation. 2. Inform the charge nurse of the ICU that the nurse will function as a nursing assistant. 3. Refuse to float. 4. Report to the ICU and identify the tasks that the nurse can safely perform.
Explaining a paracentesis to an anxious client, the nurse states that the purpose is to
a. collect fluid accumulations from the pleura. b. evaluate secretions of the gallbladder. c. extract fluid sequestered in the pancreas. d. remove excess fluid from the peritoneum.
While examining the oral cavity of a client, the nurse detects a fruity odor to the client's breath. The nurse should do which of the following?
A. Instruct the client to use mouthwash after all meals. B. Instruct the client in good oral hygiene. C. Document the finding as the only action. D. Notify the physician.
Which diagnostic test is the best to diagnose a subdural hematoma (SDH)?
a. History b. Positron emission tomography (PET) c. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) d. Computed tomography (CT) scan