Level: Advanced
Difficulty: Hard
Subtopic: Crisis intervention
NCLEX: A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for acute emotional crisis. Assessment d…
Psychiatric / mental health nursing Psychosocial Integrity
Case Study
A 31-year-old client on an inpatient psychiatric unit is being evaluated for acute emotional crisis. Assessment data include the client has not slept in 3 days and speech is rapid and pressured. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?
Question
A. Implement the final step of the care plan before assessing the client.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
C. Document the client as stable without reassessment.
D. Wait for the provider's routine visit before acting on abnormal findings.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Perform a focused assessment for immediate risk, then implement the safest intervention per protocol.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: First-action questions on the NCLEX require assessment and safety before treatment, documentation alone, or delegation of nursing judgment.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.