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 states, "I don't want to live anymore" and has a plan with access to means. Which action is appropriate within the RN scope of practice?
Question
A. Independently diagnose the medical disease and prescribe treatment.
B. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
C. Prescribe new medications without a provider order.
D. Delegate nursing assessment and evaluation on an unstable client.
B. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
C. Prescribe new medications without a provider order.
D. Delegate nursing assessment and evaluation on an unstable client.
Rationale
Correct answer: B. Assess, analyze cues, implement nursing interventions per orders, teach, evaluate outcomes, and question unsafe orders.
Rationale: RNs assess, coordinate care, teach, and evaluate. Diagnosis and prescribing are provider responsibilities.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.
Rationale: RNs assess, coordinate care, teach, and evaluate. Diagnosis and prescribing are provider responsibilities.
Hint: Apply ABCs, client stability, and NCSBN clinical judgment steps before choosing an intervention.