Practice Question
The nurse interacts with a client who is very depressed and slow to respond to questions. The nurse asks the client to describe current feelings, but the client looks down at the table. Which action is best for the nurse to implement?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Wait for the client to respond.
Rationale:
⚫ Depressed clients often exhibit psychomotor retardation, requiring extended time to respond.
⚫ Waiting shows patience and presence, promoting trust without adding pressure.
⚫ Interrupting or asking new questions may increase withdrawal or agitation.
⚫ Silence in therapeutic communication allows space for the client to process thoughts and emotions.
⚫ This fosters a nonjudgmental environment and supports rapport.
Want to practice more questions like this?
This question is from RN HESI Mental Health with NGN Exam which contains 51 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
The occupational health nurse is working with an employee who was just notified that their child was involved in a motor vehicle collision and taken to the hospital. The employee states, "I can't believe this. What should I do?" Which response is best for the nurse to provide in this crisis?
Answer Choices:
A client is admitted to the psychiatric inpatient unit with a bandaged flesh wound after attempting self injury by shooting. The client reports going through a divorce one year ago, job loss four months ago, and suffering from a breakup of a current relationship last week. Which is the most likely source of this client's current feelings of depression?
Answer Choices:
A woman who attends a stress management group reveals to group members that though she recently divorced, she continues to care for her husband's aging parents. Which psychological mechanism should the nurse address in the plan of care?
Answer Choices:
A young adult client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Answer Choices:
A client with chronic alcohol dependence is diagnosed with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The client is experiencing memory loss and confusion. Which medication should the nurse administer to help alleviate the client's symptoms?
Answer Choices:
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: HESI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Hesi Mental Health
- Answer Choices: 4