A patient is seen in the clinic for superficial cuts on both wrists. Initially the patient paces and sobs but after a few minutes, the patient is calmer. The nurse attempts to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event by asking:

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Behavioral Health Nursing Care Plans Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient is seen in the clinic for superficial cuts on both wrists. Initially the patient paces and sobs but after a few minutes, the patient is calmer. The nurse attempts to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event by asking:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: A clear definition of the immediate problem provides the best opportunity to find a solution. Asking about recent upsetting events facilitates assessment of the precipitating event. The patient is unlikely to be able to articulate what interventions will increase feelings of comfort. "Why" questions are nontherapeutic.

Question 2 of 5

A troubled adolescent pulled out a gun in a school cafeteria, fatally shot three people and injured many others. Hundreds of parents come to the school after hearing news reports. After police arrest the shooter, which action should occur next?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Chaos is likely among students and desperate parents. A directive approach is best. Once the scene is secure, creative solutions are needed. Creating zones by letters of the alphabet will assist anxious parents and their children to unite. Preventing parents from uniting with their children will further incite the situation.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse at the well child clinic realizes that many parents have misconceptions about effective ways of disciplining their children. The nurse decides to form a group to address this problem. What should be the focus of the group?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Question 4 of 5

A group is in the working phase. One member states, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a waste of my time." Which initial action by the group leader would be most therapeutic?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Meeting privately with the member can convey interest and help defuse the anger so that it is less disruptive to the group. Removing the member would be a last resort and used only when the behavior is intolerably disruptive to the group process and all other interventions have failed. Decreasing the focus on the hostile member and focusing more on positive members can help soften the anger. Angry members often hide considerable vulnerability by using anger to keep others at a distance and intimidated. Changing the subject fails to respond to the behavior.

Question 5 of 5

What is a key difference between anger and aggression?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

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