Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data from a client who is expressing suicidal ideations. Which of the following questions is the nurse's priority?
A. "Can you tell me about the stresses in your life?"
B. "Has anyone in your family ever died by suicide?
C. “Do you have a plan for harming yourself?"
D. “Do you have someone to discuss your feelings with?"
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Proctored Exam 1. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Assessing the client's suicidal intent and the presence of a specific plan for self-harm is crucial in determining the level of immediate risk and the need for intervention. This question directly addresses the client's current state and potential danger.
While all the questions are important in assessing the client's situation, determining the presence of a plan for self-harm takes precedence as it helps evaluate the level of imminent danger and the need for immediate intervention.
The other questions are also important but can be addressed after ensuring the client's safety and appropriate intervention based on the information gathered regarding the plan for self-harm. These questions can provide additional information to further assess the client's support system, history, and current stressors, which can contribute to understanding the context and potential risk factors for the client.
Remember, if the client expresses an immediate plan and intent for self-harm, it is essential to take appropriate steps to ensure their safety, such as involving the appropriate mental health professionals, implementing a safety plan, and providing constant supervision as needed.
Similar Questions
A nurse is completing documentation in the medical record about a client who fell on the floor. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the documentation?
A. "Client stated, "I lost my balance and fell when I got out of bed to go to the bathroom!"
This statement accurately reflects the client's own account of what happened, providing important information about the circumstances leading to the fall. Including the client's statement helps document the client's perspective and can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the event.
B. "The client fell because the assistive personnel did not place nonskid slippers on the client."
This statement assigns blame to the assistive personnel without sufficient evidence. It is important to maintain objectivity and avoid making assumptions or assigning fault without proper investigation or documentation of facts.
C. The client does not appear to have any injuries resulting from the fall."
While it is important to assess the client for any injuries after a fall, documenting this information may be more appropriate in the client's assessment or nursing notes rather than in the specific documentation about the fall incident itself.
D. "An incident report has been completed and sent to risk management."
While it is important to report falls and complete an incident report for quality improvement and risk management purposes, this information is more relevant to internal documentation and reporting processes rather than inclusion in the medical record for the client's care.
Full Explanation
This statement accurately reflects the client's own account of what happened, providing important information about the circumstances leading to the fall. Including the client's statement helps document the client's perspective and can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the event.
"The client fell because the assistive personnel did not place nonskid slippers on the client." This statement assigns blame to the assistive personnel without sufficient evidence. It is important to maintain objectivity and avoid making assumptions or assigning fault without proper investigation or documentation of facts.
"The client does not appear to have any injuries resulting from the fall." While it is important to assess the client for any injuries after a fall, documenting this information may be more appropriate in the client's assessment or nursing notes rather than in the specific documentation about the fall incident itself.
"An incident report has been completed and sent to risk management." While it is important to report falls and complete an incident report for quality improvement and risk management purposes, this information is more relevant to internal documentation and reporting processes rather than inclusion in the medical record for the client's care.
A nurse is caring for a client who delivered a newborn by cesarean birth 1 day ago. The client requests nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "You can apply counterpressure to your back with each position change."
"You can apply counterpressure to your back with each position change" may be helpful for managing back pain, but it does not specifically address the client's request for nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth.
B. "You can splint the incision with a pillow when changing positions."
Splinting the incision with a pillow when changing positions can provide support and help minimize discomfort and pain in clients who have undergone a cesarean birth. It can help reduce strain on the incision site and provide a sense of stability and comfort.
C. "You should change positions as little as possible."
"You should change positions as little as possible" is not an appropriate response as it does not address the client's need to manage pain when changing positions. Encouraging movement and position changes, along with appropriate support, can aid in recovery and prevent complications such as blood clots and respiratory issues.
D. "You should use patterned-paced breathing when changing positions."
"You should use patterned-paced breathing when changing positions" is not specifically related to managing pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth. While breathing techniques can be useful for pain management during labor and certain procedures, it may not be the most effective strategy for managing pain when changing positions post-cesarean.
Full Explanation
Splinting the incision with a pillow when changing positions can provide support and help minimize discomfort and pain in clients who have undergone a cesarean birth. It can help reduce strain on the incision site and provide a sense of stability and comfort.
"You can apply counterpressure to your back with each position change" may be helpful for managing back pain, but it does not specifically address the client's request for nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth.
"You should change positions as little as possible" is not an appropriate response as it does not address the client's need to manage pain when changing positions. Encouraging movement and position changes, along with appropriate support, can aid in recovery and prevent complications such as blood clots and respiratory issues.
"You should use patterned-paced breathing when changing positions" is not specifically related to managing pain when changing positions after a cesarean birth. While breathing techniques can be useful for pain management during labor and certain procedures, it may not be the most effective strategy for managing pain when changing positions post-cesarean.
A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who expresses anxiety about exercising in the outdoor courtyard. The nurse promises to walk with the client in the courtyard each day. Which of the following ethical principles is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Autonomy
Autonomy refers to the client's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. While the nurse's promise supports the client's autonomy by accommodating their preference for exercising in the courtyard, it is not the principle being demonstrated by the nurse.
B. Justice
Justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment and distribution of resources. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable in this situation.
C. Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and taking actions to prevent harm to the client. While the nurse's promise of walking with the client aligns with the goal of reducing anxiety, it is not specifically related to preventing harm.
D. Fidelity
Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and fulfilling their responsibilities to the client. By promising to walk with the client in the outdoor courtyard each day, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by maintaining their commitment to the client's well-being and providing the support needed to alleviate anxiety.
E. undefined
Full Explanation
Fidelity, also known as loyalty or faithfulness, refers to the nurse's commitment to keeping promises and fulfilling their responsibilities to the client. By promising to walk with the client in the outdoor courtyard each day, the nurse is demonstrating fidelity by maintaining their commitment to the client's well-being and providing the support needed to alleviate anxiety.
Autonomy refers to the client's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. While the nurse's promise supports the client's autonomy by accommodating their preference for exercising in the courtyard, it is not the principle being demonstrated by the nurse.
Justice refers to fairness and equality in healthcare, ensuring equitable treatment and distribution of resources. While justice is an important ethical principle, it is not directly applicable in this situation.
Nonmaleficence is the principle of doing no harm and taking actions to prevent harm to the client. While the nurse's promise of walking with the client aligns with the goal of reducing anxiety, it is not specifically related to preventing harm.