The crisis nurse working with law enforcement is called to assist ...

[wrbasek0]

The crisis nurse working with law enforcement is called to assist at a scene where an overtly psychotic individual is threatening officers with a handgun. He shouts that aliens dressed like police are pursuing him and he has to get away.
 
  The priority intervention is:
  1. Screen for the level of psychiatric care needed
  2. Assist the client to make sense of the experience
  3. Evaluate the client for recent substance use
  4. Ensure the client's safety and develop rapport

Question 2

A client describes her situation to the crisis center nurse: I'm at a total loss. I don't know what to do since I lost my job. All I can think of is Why me?' What do I do to get through this?
 
  The component of crisis intervention that should receive priority for this client is:
  1. Allowing the client to independently develop adaptive coping strategies
  2. Providing education about stress reactions and ways to cope
  3. Encouraging support persons to give direction to the client
  4. Recommending hospitalization and a no-suicide contract

[kalskdjl1212]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 4
Clients who feel threatened should be assured of their safety so that rapport building can take place. When rapport has been developed, the nurse may be able to convince the individual to give up any weapons. Options 1 and 3 are relevant, but they are not primary. Option 2 may not be possible if the client is under the influence of a drug or is experiencing delusions or hallucina-tions.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 2
When a client has little idea of what to do, the crisis intervention nurse takes an active role by providing education about the symptoms of responses to stress and crisis and by sharing possible alternative coping strategies that have worked for others. 1. This is a component, but it cannot be the initial intervention, since the client has indicated an inability to proceed adaptively. 3. This shifts responsibility from the client and nurse to others. The nurse should assist the client to de-velop adaptive strategies, not abdicate responsibility. 4. Hospitalization is reserved for clients who are a danger to themselves or others.