ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 19 : Management of Anger, Aggression, and Violence Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has no history of violence but is agitated and appears ready to strike out at a staff member. The nurse would assess the patient for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sensory losses, such as hearing or vision impairment, are common in older adults and can lead to agitation or perceived aggression due to frustration or miscommunication. Panic disorder, epilepsy, or bipolar disorder are less likely causes without additional symptoms or history.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has been admitted to the detoxification unit after binge drinking. Even though the patient is not currently intoxicated, he is combative and exhibits altered thought processes. Which nursing diagnosis would be the priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis is 'Risk for Other-Directed Violence related to alcohol withdrawal,' as the patient?s combative behavior and altered thought processes pose an immediate risk to others. Safety is the primary concern in this scenario, outweighing risks for injury, self-mutilation, or developmental delays.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is working with a potentially violent patient in a community clinic. Which of the following would the nurse implement to minimize personal risk?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Staying close to a door allows the nurse to exit quickly if the situation escalates, minimizing personal risk. Protective devices may not be practical, closing the door reduces escape options, and wearing jewelry could increase risk by attracting attention.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a family whose older father with dementia is living in their home. The nurse has instructed the family about how to decrease the father?s agitation. The nurse determines that the son has understood the nurse?s instructions when he states which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Simplifying the home environment reduces sensory overload, which can decrease agitation in patients with dementia. Restraints can increase agitation, close monitoring in a bedroom may not address triggers, and shopping outings may overstimulate the patient.
Question 5 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching a class of nursing students about anger, aggression, and violence. Which statement by the instructor would be most appropriate to include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anger, aggression, and violence exist along a continuum, where anger can escalate to aggression and potentially violence if not managed. The other statements are less accurate: anger terms are not always precise, anger is not solely a knee-jerk reaction, and gender frequency is not the focus.