A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
a. Implement suicide precautions.
b. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently.
c. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
d. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.
ANS: A
Implementing suicide precautions is the only option related to patient safety. The other options, related to nutrition, self-esteem, and medication therapy, are important but are not priorities.
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The nursing student is studying the question "what do nurses do?" Which nurse theorist focused on answering this question?
a. Imogene King c. Martha Rogers b. Dorothea Orem d. Madeline Leininger
The client is in the triage area of the Emergency Department when a client arrives complaining of chest and arm pain. The client also reports jaw pain, but states that the chest pain hurts more. The nurse observes the client rubbing his left arm
The nurse suspects what type of pain? 1. Phantom pain 2. Radiating pain 3. Intractable pain 4. Cutaneous pain
A genetics nurse is working with a couple undergoing genetic counseling. The nurse would evaluate that goals for counseling have been met when the couple
a. decides not to have children because of the chance of genetic illness. b. is able to consider consequences of testing without cultural influences. c. makes informed decisions regarding testing and subsequent actions. d. understands a particular genetic illness and how it can be transmitted.