A nurse is interviewing a client at a temporary shelter after surviving the destruction of her home by a tornado. When assessing the client, the nurse should ask which of the following questions to determine the patient's ability to cope with this situation?

"To whom do you talk when you feel overwhelmed?"

By asking this question, the nurse is assessing the client's support system, which is an important factor in the client's ability to cope with the situation.

A nurse is caring for a patient who gave birth to a stillborn baby. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

"I'll stay with you just in case you want to talk."

This response indicates the nurse's interest in the client and a desire to understand the chient's feelings.

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assessing a client who sustained injuries 12 hours ago following a motor-vehicle crash. The client's admission blood alcohol level was 325 mg/dl. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal?

BP 154 96 mm Hg

Physical manifestations of alcohol withdrawal occur in addition to psychological effects.

A client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal is expected to have hypertension. tachycardia, and fever greater than 38.3°C (101°F). It will be important for the nurse to rule out infection in the client who has fever.