Author Question: A nurse is assessing a client on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The client's history for which of ... (Read 101 times)

appyboo · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse is assessing a client on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The client's history for which of the following would the nurse identify as the strongest indicator of risk for violence?

A) Panic disorder
B) Problematic anxiety
C) Somatoform disorder
D) Previous episodes of rage

Question 2

A son brings his father to the clinic and tells the nurse that his father has begun to act strangely in the past few days, with unprovoked outbursts of anger. After the incidents, the father expresses remorse for his outburst.

The son says, I've never seen him act this way. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask next?

A) Does your father have a history of an anxiety disorder, such as panic disorder?
B) Has your father exhibited previous problems expressing anger appropriately?
C) Has your father suffered any traumatic injury to his brain recently?
D) Has your father injured the back of his head or neck in the past week?

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
The client's history of violent behavior is probably the most important predictor of potential for violence. Important markers include previous episodes of rage and violent behavior, escalating irritability, intruding angry thoughts, and fear of losing control. History of other psychiatric disorders would be less of a concern.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
Asking about injury to the brain would be most appropriate, because the limbic system and cerebral cortex are brain structures most frequently associated with aggressive behavior. Clients with a history of damage to the cerebral cortex are more likely to exhibit increased impulsivity, decreased inhibition, and decreased judgment than are those who have not experienced such damage. Schizophrenia and substance abuse are also associated with violent behavior. Asking about previous problems with anger would be important to know but would not be the priority. Additionally, the son states that the father has never done this before. Injury to the back of the head or neck is not associated with aggression.