A nurse is caring for a client in an inpatient psychiatry unit Exhibits Drag words from the choices below to fill in each blank in the following sentence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first The nurse should dropdownfollowed bydropdown
Explanation & Rationale
C) Offer the client a physical outlet Encouraging the client to engage in a physical activity, such as walking or using a stress ball, helps release pent-up energy in a non-threatening way. This approach aligns with de-escalation techniques, which should be attempted before pharmacologic or restrictive interventions. D) Offer the client medication If the client's agitation continues despite non-pharmacologic interventions, offering as-needed medication (such as an anxiolytic or antipsychotic) may help manage escalating aggression. Medication should be a secondary measure after attempting verbal de-escalation and physical outlets. A) Place the client in restraints Restraints are a last resort and should only be used if the client poses an immediate danger to themselves or others after all other de-escalation strategies have failed. B) Grab the client’s hand Physically intervening without the client’s consent can increase aggression and pose a safety risk for both the client and the nurse. Maintaining a safe distance is a better approach.