Question

On admission to the psychiatric unit, the client is trembling and appears fearful. The nurse's initial response should be to

A) Give the client orientation materials and review the unit rules and regulations
B) Introduce him/herself and accompany the client to the client's room
C) Take the client to the day room and introduce her to the other clients
D) Ask the nursing assistant to get the client's vital signs and complete the admission search

Answer 1

The initial nursing response to a trembling and fearful patient on admission to the psychiatric unit involves getting the patient's vital signs and completing the admission search while ensuring a safe and calming environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The goal of the initial nursing response when a patient is admitted to the psychiatric unit appearing fearful is to create a safe and calming environment. The priority is to address the patient's immediate physical and emotional needs by assessing vital signs and ensuring the patient's safety during the admission process.

Asking a nursing assistant to get the client's vital signs is essential as it provides important baseline information about the patient's physical health status, which can influence their psychological state. Simultaneously, completing the admission search helps ensure that the safety of both the patient and the healthcare environment is maintained, reinforcing a sense of security and structure for the patient. It is also important for the nursing staff to exhibit a professional and gentle demeanor, which can help reduce the patient's anxiety and build trust.