Author Question: The nurse suspects that a male client may become violent. Which verbal cue might have indicated ... (Read 32 times)

genevieve1028 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse suspects that a male client may become violent. Which verbal cue might have indicated this? The client:

1. Receives news that his wife is filing for divorce and begins sobbing inconsolably.
2. Demands, Give me my medicine now or you'll be sorry.
3. Begins pacing the hall exhibiting clenched jaw and fists.
4. States, I don't know why people seem afraid of me.

Question 2

Which of the following clients should be assessed as demonstrating aggression? The client who:

1. Tells the nurse, I don't need that medication and no one can make me take it.
2. Walks into the group room and says to another client, You stole my seat. That is where I always sit. You had better move
3. Paces back and forth in the hall singing loudly to the music the client is listening to with headphones.
4. Bursts into tears when the doctor says, I don't think you are ready for discharge today.

tdewitt · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2
Rationale: Threats or demands are verbal cues that indicate potential for violence. Crying is not a violence risk factor. Pacing and exhibiting clenched fists and jaws are behavioral, not verbal, cues of risk for violence. Nothing in the client's statement of concern about others' fears is indicative of impending violence.

Answer to Question 2

2
Rationale: Aggression is a physical or verbal threat that reflects rage, hostility, and potential for physical or verbal destructiveness. Aggressive behavior violates the rights of others. Pacing and singing are disruptive to others but do not violate anyone else's rights. Refusing to take medication and treatment noncompliance could arise for a multitude of reasons and is not necessarily driven by aggression. Crying does not reflect any threat or violation of others' rights.