Question

Difficulty: EasySubstance Use and Other Disorders

During the initial admission process at a substance use treatment center, a client who struggles with prescription opioid dependence is being interviewed by the practical nurse. Which of the following nursing actions are appropriate? Select all that apply.

  1. Acknowledge the difficulty of the client's decision to seek treatment.Answer
  2. B
    Ask the client, "Why did you start abusing your prescription medications?"
  3. Secure the client's personal belongings according to facility policy.Answer
  4. D
    Reassure the client that the withdrawal process will be completely painless.
  5. Ask open-ended questions regarding the client's previous attempts to stop using.Answer
  6. F
    Confirm the client's admission status with a friend who calls the unit to check on them.

Answer

The appropriate actions are acknowledging the difficulty of the decision, securing personal belongings, and asking open-ended questions about previous attempts to stop using.
Appropriate nursing actions during admission for substance use treatment must focus on empathy, safety, and data collection. Utilizing open-ended questioning and acknowledging the difficulty of seeking help builds trust. Maintaining a safe environment by securing personal belongings according to policy protects both the client and the unit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate each option against the principles of therapeutic communication.
Identify that acknowledging the client's feelings and using open-ended questions are therapeutic, while asking 'why' or giving false reassurance are communication blocks.
Establishing a trusting, non-judgmental relationship is the primary goal during an initial behavioral health admission.
2
Evaluate the remaining options against legal and safety guidelines for nursing practice.
Determine that securing belongings promotes unit safety, whereas confirming the client's presence to an unauthorized caller violates confidentiality.
Practical nurses must prioritize client safety and strictly adhere to privacy regulations, especially in sensitive substance use treatment settings.

Key Concept

Therapeutic Communication and Safety in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
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