A patient is pacing the hall... An appropriate initial intervention would be to say:

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PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient is pacing the hall... An appropriate initial intervention would be to say:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a psychiatric emergency nursing situation, the appropriate initial intervention when a patient is pacing the hall is option C) "I’d like to talk with you about how you’re feeling right now." This response demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a patient-centered approach. It acknowledges the patient's behavior, shows concern for their feelings, and opens up a dialogue to understand their current emotional state and needs. Option A) "What is going on?" may come off as dismissive and not address the patient's emotional state directly. It lacks the empathetic approach needed in a psychiatric emergency situation. Option B) "Please be quiet and sit down in this chair immediately." is authoritarian and may escalate the situation by disregarding the patient's emotions and needs, potentially leading to further agitation. Option D) "You must go to your room and try to get control of yourself." is directive and may not effectively address the underlying issues causing the patient's behavior. It does not promote open communication or demonstrate empathy towards the patient's emotional state. Educationally, it is important for healthcare providers, especially in psychiatric emergency nursing, to prioritize therapeutic communication, empathy, and patient-centered care. By choosing option C, nurses can establish rapport, de-escalate the situation, and address the patient's emotional needs effectively, which are crucial skills in managing psychiatric emergencies.

Question 2 of 5

An emergency code was called after a patient pulled a knife... Justification for seclusion was:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In a psychiatric emergency situation where a patient has pulled out a knife, the justification for seclusion must prioritize the safety of both the patient and others. The correct answer, option D ("Presented a clear and present danger to others"), is the most appropriate rationale for seclusion in this scenario. Seclusion is warranted when a patient's behavior poses an immediate threat to themselves or others, and in this case, the presence of a weapon escalates the risk to others' safety. Option A ("Was threatening to others") is not as precise as option D, as it lacks the specificity of the imminent danger posed by a clear and present threat. Option B ("Was experiencing psychosis") is not a sufficient rationale on its own for seclusion, as not all patients experiencing psychosis pose an immediate danger. Option C ("Presented an undeniable escape risk") is also not as critical as option D in a situation where the primary concern is the potential harm to others rather than escape. In an educational context, understanding the rationale for seclusion in psychiatric emergencies is crucial for nurses to make quick and effective decisions to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. By recognizing the indicators of clear and present danger, nurses can act promptly to prevent harm and provide appropriate care for patients in crisis.

Question 3 of 5

A patient loudly scolded nursing staff... Which intervention would best address this problem?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Talk with the health care provider about patient-controlled analgesia. In a psychiatric emergency nursing situation where a patient is loudly scolding nursing staff, the priority is to address the underlying cause of the behavior. Patient-controlled analgesia can help manage the patient's pain effectively, which might be the root cause of their agitation and outburst. By discussing this option with the healthcare provider, the nurse can ensure appropriate pain management, potentially leading to a decrease in the patient's disruptive behavior. Option A (Teaching coping strategies) may not be effective in the immediate situation of a patient displaying disruptive behavior due to uncontrolled pain. While coping strategies are valuable in managing emotions, they may not address the primary issue of pain in this case. Option C (Telling the patient verbal assaults won't shorten the wait) focuses on addressing the behavior directly without considering the underlying cause. This response may escalate the situation further rather than resolving the root issue. Option D (Talking about risks of dependency with analgesics) is not the most appropriate intervention in an acute psychiatric emergency scenario. While discussing risks is important, it may not be the immediate priority when managing a patient in distress. In an educational context, understanding the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of behaviors in psychiatric emergencies is crucial for effective nursing care. Nurses must prioritize interventions that directly target the root issue to ensure the safety and well-being of both the patient and the healthcare team.

Question 4 of 5

An emergency department nurse realizes the spouse... is becoming irritable... Which intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention is option C) Periodically provide an update and progress report on the patient. This is the most appropriate action because it addresses the spouse's increasing irritability by keeping them informed about the patient's condition and treatment progress. Option A) Offering a cup of coffee may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying issue of the spouse's anxiety and need for information. Option B) Explaining the patient's condition is not life-threatening is important but does not actively engage the spouse in the care process. Option D) Suggesting the spouse return home may further escalate the situation by isolating them from their loved one during a stressful time. From an educational perspective, it is crucial for nurses to recognize and address the emotional needs of family members in psychiatric emergencies. Providing updates and involving them in the care process can help alleviate anxiety, build trust, and support overall patient outcomes. Effective communication and empathy are key skills in psychiatric nursing that can enhance the quality of care provided to both patients and their families.

Question 5 of 5

A patient with a history of command hallucinations... Which nursing actions are most likely...?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Stating the expectation that the patient will stay in control. In a psychiatric emergency, patients experiencing command hallucinations may be at risk of losing control and engaging in harmful behaviors. By clearly stating the expectation that the patient will remain in control, the nurse is setting a clear boundary and promoting safety. Option B) Asking the patient, "Do you want to go into seclusion?" may not be the most appropriate action as it does not address the immediate need for the patient to stay in control of their behavior. Option C) Telling the patient, "You are behaving inappropriately," can be counterproductive as it may escalate the situation and trigger further distress in the patient. Option D) Offering to provide the patient with medication to help is not the most appropriate initial action in this situation as it does not directly address the need for the patient to remain in control and ensure safety. In the context of psychiatric emergency nursing, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize safety and de-escalation techniques when caring for patients experiencing command hallucinations. Setting clear expectations, maintaining a therapeutic relationship, and ensuring a safe environment are key components of nursing care in such situations.

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