Question

A nurse in a mental health unit is admitting a client who is anxious because he often hears voices telling him what to do. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices
B) Validate the client's feelings and provide a calm environment
C) Disregard the client's concerns as a common issue
D) Reprimand the client for not controlling the voices

Answer 1

The appropriate action for a nurse admitting a client who hears voices is to validate the client's feelings and provide a calm environment, as it creates a respectful and supportive atmosphere for the client, which is integral for their care and treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate action for a nurse admitting a client who hears voices is to B) Validate the client's feelings and provide a calm environment. This approach acknowledges the client's reality, offers support, and creates a safe space. Techniques like mindfulness or grounding exercises can help manage anxiety related to auditory hallucinations.

Explanation

When a patient presents with symptoms of anxiety such as hearing voices, which might be indicative of a psychiatric condition like schizophrenia, a nurse should first aim to provide a respectful and supportive environment. Dismissing or reprimanding the client could exacerbate the anxiety and may be considered unprofessional and potentially harmful. In contrast, validating the client's experiences does not mean agreeing that the voices are real but acknowledges the impact these experiences have on the client. This can help establish trust and facilitate further treatment and intervention by mental health professionals. Additionally, creating a peaceful and safe environment can help to lower stress levels, which may decrease the frequency or intensity of the auditory hallucinations. Moreover, music or other forms of distraction can be a part of therapeutic activities, but the primary focus should be on immediate emotional support and stabilization.