Mental Health Exam 2 practice questions
27. The family of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is unfamiliar with the illness and family's role in recovery. Which type of therapy should the nurse recommend? a. Psychoeducational b. Psychoanalytic c. Transactional d. Family
ANS: A A psychoeducational group explores the causes of schizophrenia, the role of medication, the importance of medication compliance, support for the ill member, and hints for living with a person with schizophrenia. Such a group can be of immeasurable practical assistance to the family. The other types of therapy do not focus on psychoeducation. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 12-30, 31, 43, 44, 93 (Box 12-2) | Page 221TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. A patient diagnosed with acute mania has distributed pamphlets about a new business venture on a street corner for 2 days. Which nursing diagnosis has priority? a. Risk for injury b. Ineffective coping c. Impaired social interaction d. Ineffective therapeutic regimen management
ANS: A Although each of the nursing diagnoses listed is appropriate for a patient having a manic episode, the priority lies with the patient's physiological safety. Hyperactivity and poor judgment put the patient at risk for injury. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 44 (Table 13-2) | Page 13-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/AnalysisMSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. The nurse who is counseling a patient with dissociative identity disorder should understand that the assessment of highest priority is a. risk for self-harm. b. cognitive function. c. memory impairment. d. condition of self-esteem.
ANS: A Assessments that relate to patient safety take priority. Patients with dissociative disorders may be at risk for suicide or self-mutilation, so the nurse must be alert for indicators of risk for self-injury. The other options are important assessments but rank below safety. Treatment motivation, while an important consideration, is not necessarily a part of the nursing assessment. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 16-53, 54 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
34. Four new patients were admitted to the behavioral health unit in the past 12 hours. The nurse directs a psychiatric technician to monitor these patients for safety. Which patient will need the most watchful supervision? A patient diagnosed with a. bipolar I disorder. b. bipolar II disorder. c. dysthymic disorder. d. cyclothymic disorder.
ANS: A Bipolar I is a mood disorder characterized by excessive activity and energy. Psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, and dramatically disturbed thoughts) may occur during manic episodes. A patient with bipolar I disorder is more unstable than a patient diagnosed with bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, or dysthymic disorder. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 13-2 to 5; also incorporates content from Chapter 14. TOP: Nursing Process: AssessmentMSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
18. An acutely violent patient diagnosed with schizophrenia received several doses of haloperidol. Two hours later the nurse notices the patient's head rotated to one side in a stiffly fixed position, the lower jaw thrust forward, and drooling. Which intervention by the nurse is indicated? a. Administer diphenhydramine 50 mg IM from the prn medication administration record. b. Reassure the patient that the symptoms will subside. Practice relaxation exercises with the patient. c. Give trihexyphenidyl 5 mg orally at the next regularly scheduled medication administration time. d. Administer atropine sulfate 2 mg subcut from the prn medication administration record.
ANS: A Diphenhydramine, trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, and other anticholinergic medications may be used to treat dystonias. Swallowing will be difficult or impossible; therefore, oral medication is not an option. Medication should be administered immediately, so the intramuscular route is best. In this case, the best option given is diphenhydramine. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) REF: Pages 12-51, 83 (Table 12-4), 85 (Table 12-6) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
29. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder will be discharged tomorrow. The patient is taking a mood stabilizing medication. What is the priority nursing intervention for the patient as well as the patient's family during this phase of treatment? a. Attending psychoeducation sessions b. Decreasing physical activity c. Increasing food and fluids d.Meeting self-care needs
ANS: A During the continuation phase of treatment for bipolar disorder, the physical needs of the patient are not as important an issue as they were during the acute episode. After hospital discharge, treatment focuses on maintaining medication compliance and preventing relapse, both of which are fostered by ongoing psychoeducation.
15. One bed is available on the inpatient eating-disorder unit. Which patient should be admitted to this bed? The patient whose weight decreased from a. 150 to 100 pounds over a 4-month period. Vital signs are temperature, 35.9° C; pulse, 38 beats/min; blood pressure 60/40 mm Hg b. 120 to 90 pounds over a 3-month period. Vital signs are temperature, 36° C; pulse, 50 beats/min; blood pressure 70/50 mm Hg c. 110 to 70 pounds over a 4-month period. Vital signs are temperature 36.5° C; pulse, 60 beats/min; blood pressure 80/66 mm Hg d. 90 to 78 pounds over a 5-month period. Vital signs are temperature, 36.7° C; pulse, 62 beats/min; blood pressure 74/48 mm Hg
ANS: A Physical criteria for hospitalization include weight loss of more than 30% of body weight within 6 months, temperature below 36° C (hypothermia), heart rate less than 40 beats/min, and systolic blood pressure less than 70 mm Hg.
26. A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient a. paces aimlessly around the room. b. asks the nurse to repeat instructions. c. complains of prickly skin sensations. d. demonstrates slowed verbal responses.
ANS: A Psychomotor agitation may be evidenced by constant pacing and wringing of hands. Slowed movements and responses are aspects of psychomotor retardation. Complaints of the unusual skin sensations may represent a delusion or hallucination. Asking the nurse to repeat instructions indicates difficulty with concentration. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 14-8, 16 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan), 21 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
19. Which documentation for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder indicates the treatment plan was effective? a. Slept 6 hours uninterrupted. Sang with activity group. Anticipates seeing grandchild. b. Slept 10 hours uninterrupted. Attended craft group; stated "project was a failure, just like me." c. Slept 5 hours with brief interruptions. Personal hygiene adequate with assistance. Weight loss of 1 pound. d. Slept 7 hours uninterrupted. Preoccupied with perceived inadequacies. States, "I feel tired all the time."
ANS: A Sleeping 6 hours, participating with a group, and anticipating an event are all positive findings that suggest effectiveness of the plan of care. All the other options show at least one negative finding. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) REF:Pages14-16(CaseStudyandNursingCarePlan),26,44 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
20. A health teaching plan for a patient taking lithium should include instructions to a. maintain normal salt and fluids in the diet. b. drink twice the usual daily amount of fluid. c. double the lithium dose if diarrhea or vomiting occurs. d. avoid eating aged cheese, processed meats, and red wine.
ANS: A Sodium depletion and dehydration increase the chance for development of lithium toxicity. The other options offer inappropriate information. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 13-53 (Box 13-1) Needs: Physiological Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client
11. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder commands other patients, "Get me a book. Take this stuff out of here," and other similar demands. The nurse wants to interrupt this behavior without entering into a power struggle. Which initial approach should the nurse select? a. Distraction: "Let's go to the dining room for a snack." b. Humor: "How much are you paying servants these days?" c. Limit setting: "You must stop ordering other patients around." d. Honest feedback: "Your controlling behavior is annoying others."
ANS: A The distractibility characteristic of manic episodes can assist the nurse to direct the patient toward more appropriate, constructive activities without entering into power struggles. Humor usually backfires by either encouraging the patient or inciting anger. Limit setting and honest feedback may seem heavy-handed and may incite anger. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 19, 25, 46 (Table 13-3) | Page 13-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
*CHAPTER 13* 2. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is dressed in a red leotard and bright scarves. The patient twirls and shadow boxes. The patient says gaily, "Do you like my scarves? Here they are my gift to you." How should the nurse document the patient's mood? a. Euphoric b. Irritable c. Suspicious d. Confident
ANS: A The patient has demonstrated clang associations and pleasant, happy behavior. Excessive happiness indicates euphoria. Irritability, belligerence, excessive happiness, and confidence are not the best terms for the patient's mood. Suspiciousness is not evident. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 13-10, 11MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
24. After major reconstructive surgery, a patient's wounds dehisced. Extensive wound care was required for 6 months, causing the patient to miss work and social activities. Which physiological response would be expected for this patient? a. Vital signs return to normal. b. Release of endogenous opioids would cease. c. Pulse and blood pressure readings are elevated. d. Psychomotor abilities of the right brain become limited.
ANS: A The scenario presents chronic and potentially debilitating stress. The helpless and out of control feelings produce pathophysiological changes. Unmyelinated ventral vagus responses initially result in rapid heart rate and respiration. After many hours, days, or months the body cannot sustain this state, so the dorsal vagal response dampens the sympathetic nervous system. This parasympathetic response results in the heart rate and respiration slowing down and a decrease in blood pressure. Individuals with dissociative disorders have altered communication between higher and lower brain structures due to the massive release of endogenous opioids at the time of severe threat. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) REF: Pages 16-15, 16MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
4. When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol was prescribed. The patient now says, "I stopped taking those pills. They made me feel like a robot." What are common side effects the nurse should validate with the patient? a. Sedation and muscle stiffness b. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea c. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash d. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose
ANS: A Typical antipsychotic drugs often produce sedation and extrapyramidal side effects such as stiffness and gait disturbance, effects the patient might describe as making him or her feel like a "robot." The side effects mentioned in the other options are usually not associated with typical antipsychotic therapy or would not have the effect described by the patient. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 12-50, 51, 85 (Table 12-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
4. A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa virtually stopped eating 5 months ago and lost 25% of body weight. A nurse asks, "Describe what you think about your present weight and how you look." Which response by the patient is most consistent with the diagnosis? a. "I am fat and ugly." b. "What I think about myself is my business." c. "I'm grossly underweight, but that's what I want." d. "I'm a few pounds' overweight, but I can live with it."
ANS: A Untreated patients with anorexia nervosa do not recognize their thinness. They perceive themselves to be overweight and unattractive. The patient with anorexia will usually tell people perceptions of self. The patient with anorexia does not recognize his or her thinness and will persist in trying to lose more weight. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 18-12, 19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan)TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
25. An outpatient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa has begun refeeding. Between the first and second appointments, the patient gained 8 pounds. The nurse should a. assess lung sounds and extremities. b. suggest use of an aerobic exercise program. c. positively reinforce the patient for the weight gain. d. establish a higher goal for weight gain the next week.
ANS: A Weight gain of more than 2 to 5 pounds weekly may overwhelm the heart's capacity to pump, leading to cardiac failure. The nurse must assess for signs of pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure. The incorrect options are undesirable because they increase the risk for cardiac complications. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages18-14,54(Table18-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
21. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder repeatedly tells staff, "I have cancer. It's my punishment for being a bad person." Diagnostic tests reveal no cancer. Select the priority nursing diagnosis. a. Powerlessness b. Risk for suicide c. Stress overload d. Spiritual distress
ANS: B A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who feels so worthless as to believe cancer is deserved is at risk for suicide. Safety concerns take priority over the other diagnoses listed.
8. A patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is resistant to weight gain. What is the rationale for establishing a contract with the patient to participate in measures designed to produce a specified weekly weight gain? a. Because severe anxiety concerning eating is expected, objective and subjective data may be unreliable. b. Patient involvement in decision making increases sense of control and promotes adherence to the plan of care. c. Because of increased risk of physical problems with refeeding, the patient's permission is needed. d. A team approach to planning the diet ensures that physical and emotional needs will be met.
ANS: B A sense of control for the patient is vital to the success of therapy. A diet that controls weight gain can allay patient fears of too-rapid weight gain. Data collection is not the reason for contracting. A team approach is wise but is not a guarantee that needs will be met. Permission for treatment is a separate issue. The contract for weight gain is an additional aspect of treatment. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 18-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan), 58 (Table 18-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
A patient says to the nurse, "My life doesn't have any happiness in it anymore. I once enjoyed holidays, but now they're just another day." The nurse documents this report as an example of a. dysthymia. b. anhedonia. c. euphoria. d. anergia.
ANS: B Anhedonia is a common finding in many types of depression. It refers to feelings of a loss of pleasure in formerly pleasurable activities. Dysthymia is a diagnosis. Euphoria refers to an elated mood. Anergia means "without energy." PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 14-7 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
5. Priority interventions for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder and feelings of worthlessness should include a. distracting the patient from self-absorption. b. careful unobtrusive observation around the clock. c. allowing the patient to spend long periods alone in meditation. d. opportunities to assume a leadership role in the therapeutic milieu.
ANS: B Approximately two-thirds of people with depression contemplate suicide. Patients with depressive disorder who exhibit feelings of worthlessness are at higher risk. Regular planned observations of the patient diagnosed with depression may prevent a suicide attempt on the unit. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 14-5 (DSM 5 Criteria), 53 (Table 14-2) | Page 14-16 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
10. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, "Bad things that happen are always my fault." Which response by the nurse will best assist the patient to reframe this overgeneralization? a. "I really doubt that one person can be blamed for all the bad things that happen." b. "Let's look at one bad thing that happened to see if another explanation exists." c. "You are being extremely hard on yourself. Try to have a positive focus." d. "Are you saying that you don't have any good things happen?"
ANS: B By questioning a faulty assumption, the nurse can help the patient look at the premise more objectively and reframe it as a more accurate representation of fact. The incorrect responses cast doubt but do not require the patient to evaluate the statement. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages14-27,57(Table14-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
11. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) says to the nurse, "That patient with amnesia looks fine, but when I talk to her, she seems vague. What should I be doing for her?" Select the nurse's best reply. a. "Spend as much time with her as you can and ask questions about her life." b. "Use short, simple sentences and keep the environment calm and protective." c. "Provide more information about her past to reduce the mysteries that are causing anxiety." d. "Structure her time with activities to keep her busy, stimulated, and regaining concentration."
ANS: B Disruptions in ability to perform activities of daily living, confusion, and anxiety are often apparent in patients with amnesia. Offering simple directions to promote activities of daily living and reduce confusion helps increase feelings of safety and security. A calm, secure, predictable, protective environment is also helpful when a person is dealing with a great deal of uncertainty. Recollection of memories should proceed at its own pace, and the patient should only gradually be given information about her past. Asking questions that require recall that the patient does not possess will only add frustration. Quiet, undemanding activities should be provided as the patient tolerates them and should be balanced with rest periods; the patient's time should not be loaded with demanding or stimulating activities. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 16-68 (Table 16-2) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
10. The spouse of a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder asks what evidence supports the possibility of genetic transmission of bipolar disorders. Which response should the nurse provide? a. "A high proportion of patients with bipolar disorders are found among creative writers." b. "A higher rate of relatives with bipolar disorder is found among patients with bipolar disorder." c. "Patients with bipolar disorder have higher rates of relatives who respond in an exaggerated way to daily stress." d. "More individuals with bipolar disorder come from high socioeconomic and educational backgrounds."
ANS: B Evidence of genetic transmission is supported by lifetime prevalence statistics. The incorrect options do not support the theory of genetic transmission and other factors involved in the etiology of bipolar disorder. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 13-8 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
19. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has received fluphenazine decanoate twice a month for 3 years. The clinic nurse notes that the patient grimaces and constantly smacks both lips. The patient's neck and shoulders twist in a slow, snakelike motion. Which problem would the nurse suspect? a. Agranulocytosis b. Tardive dyskinesia c. Tourette's syndrome d. Anticholinergic effects
ANS: B Fluphenazine decanoate is a first-generation antipsychotic medication. Tardive dyskinesia is a condition involving the face, trunk, and limbs that occurs more frequently with first- generation antipsychotics than second or third generation. Involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting; licking; blowing; irregular movements of the arms, neck, and shoulders; rocking; hip jerks; and pelvic thrusts, are seen. These symptoms are frequently not reversible even when the drug is discontinued. The scenario does not present evidence consistent with the other disorders mentioned. Agranulocytosis is a blood disorder. Tourette's syndrome is a condition in which tics are present. Anticholinergic effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, flushing, constipation, and dry eyes. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 12-51, 83 (Table 12-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
*CHAPTER 12* 2. A newly admitted patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is hypervigilant and constantly scans the environment. The patient says "I saw two doctors talking in the hall. They were plotting to kill me." The nurse may correctly assess this behavior as a. echolalia b. an idea of reference c. a delusion of infidelity d. an auditory hallucination
ANS: B Ideas of reference are misinterpretations of the verbalizations or actions of others that give special personal meanings to these behaviors; for example, when seeing two people talking, the individual assumes they are talking about him or her. The other terms do not correspond with the scenario. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Page 12-70 (Table 12-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
23. During a psychiatric assessment, the nurse observes a patient's facial expression is without emotion. The patient says, "Life feels so hopeless to me. I've been feeling sad for several months." How will the nurse document the patient's affect and mood? a. Affect depressed; mood flat b. Affect flat; mood depressed c. Affect labile; mood euphoric d. Affect and mood are incongruent.
ANS: B Mood refers to a person's self-reported emotional feeling state. Affect is the emotional feeling state that is outwardly observable by others. When there is no evidence of emotion in a person's expression, the affect is flat. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 14-21, 22MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
11. An appropriate intervention for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa who binges and purges is to teach the patient a. to eat a small meal after purging. b. not to skip meals or restrict food. c. to increase oral intake after 4 PM daily. d. the value of reading journal entries aloud to others.
ANS: B One goal of health teaching is normalization of eating habits. Food restriction and skipping meals lead to rebound bingeing. Teaching the patient to eat a small meal after purging will probably perpetuate the need to induce vomiting. Teaching the patient to eat a large breakfast but no lunch and increase intake after 4 PM will lead to late-day bingeing. Journal entries are private. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 18-29, 30 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan)TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
10. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia demonstrates little spontaneous movement and has waxy flexibility. The patient's activities of daily living are severely compromised. An appropriate outcome would be that the patient will a. demonstrate increased interest in the environment by the end of week 1. b. perform self-care activities with coaching by the end of day 3. c. gradually take the initiative for self-care by the end of week 2. d. accept tube feeding without objection by day 2.
ANS: B Outcomes related to self-care deficit nursing diagnoses should deal with increasing ability to perform self-care tasks independently, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and toileting. Performing the tasks with coaching by nursing staff denotes improvement over the complete inability to perform the tasks. The incorrect options are not directly related to self-care activities, difficult to measure, and unrelated to maintenance of nutrition. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 12-30, 31, 74 (Table 12-3)TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
28. A nurse instructs a patient taking a medication that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) to avoid certain foods and drugs because of the risk of a. hypotensive shock. b. hypertensive crisis. c. cardiac dysrhythmia. d. cardiogenic shock.
ANS: B Patients taking MAO-inhibiting drugs must be on a tyramine-free diet to prevent hypertensive crisis. In the presence of MAOIs, tyramine is not destroyed by the liver and in high levels produces intense vasoconstriction, resulting in elevated blood pressure. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 14-36, 60 (Table 14-6), 68 (Table 14-8), 75 (Box 14-7) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
3. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder says, "No one cares about me anymore. I'm not worth anything." Today the patient is wearing a new shirt and has neat, clean hair. Which remark by the nurse supports building a positive self-esteem for this patient? a. "You look nice this morning." b. "You're wearing a new shirt." c. "I like the shirt you are wearing." d. "You must be feeling better today."
ANS: B Patients with depression usually see the negative side of things. The meaning of compliments may be altered to "I didn't look nice yesterday" or "They didn't like my other shirt." Neutral comments such as making an observation avoid negative interpretations. Saying, "You look nice" or "I like your shirt" gives approval (nontherapeutic techniques). Saying "You must be feeling better today" is an assumption, which is nontherapeutic. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Page 14-53 (Table 14-2) | Page 14-16 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
21. Which nursing diagnosis would most likely apply to a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder as well as one experiencing acute mania? a. Deficient diversional activity b. Disturbed sleep pattern c. Fluid volume excess d. Defensive coping
ANS: B Patients with mood disorders, both depression and mania, experience sleep pattern disturbances. Assessment data should be routinely gathered about this possible problem. Deficient diversional activity is more relevant for patients with depression. Defensive coping is more relevant for patients with mania. Fluid volume excess is less relevant for patients with mood disorders than is deficient fluid volume. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 13-12, 19, 44 (Table 13-2) | Page 13-14; also incorporates content from Chapter 14 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
*CHAPTER 16* 1. A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care? a. Trigger flashbacks intentionally in order to help the patient learn to cope with them. b. Explain that the physical symptoms are related to the psychological state. c. Encourage repression of memories associated with the traumatic event. d. Support "numbing" as a temporary way to manage intolerable feelings.
ANS: B Persons with PTSD often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the body's responses to psychological trauma helps the patient understand how such symptoms are part of the illness and something that will respond to treatment. This decreases powerlessness over the symptoms and helps instill a sense of hope. It also helps the patient to understand how relaxation, breathing exercises, and imagery can be helpful in symptom reduction. The goal of treatment for PTSD is to come to terms with the event so treatment efforts would not include repression of memories or numbing. Triggering flashbacks would increase patient distress. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 16-29, 32 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan)TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
13. A nurse taught a patient about a tyramine-restricted diet. Which menu selection would the nurse approve? a. Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, banana bread, caffeinated coffee b. Mashed potatoes, ground beef patty, corn, green beans, apple pie c. Avocado salad, ham, creamed potatoes, asparagus, chocolate cake d. Noodles with cheddar cheese sauce, smoked sausage, lettuce salad, yeast rolls
ANS: B The correct answer describes a meal that contains little tyramine. Vegetables and fruits contain little or no tyramine. Fresh ground beef and apple pie are safe. The other meals contain various amounts of tyramine-rich foods or foods that contain vasopressors: avocados, ripe bananas (banana bread), sausages/hot dogs, smoked meat (ham), cheddar cheese, yeast, caffeine drinks, and chocolate. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages14-37,60(Table14-6),66(Table14-7) TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
5. Which hallucination necessitates the nurse to implement safety measures? The patient says, a. "I hear angels playing harps." b. "The voices say everyone is trying to kill me." c. "My dead father tells me I am a good person." d. "The voices talk only at night when I'm trying to sleep."
ANS: B The correct response indicates the patient is experiencing paranoia. Paranoia often leads to fearfulness, and the patient may attempt to strike out at others to protect self. The distracters are comforting hallucinations or do not indicate paranoia. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 12-20, 74 (Table 12-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
35. A client says, "Facebook has a new tracking capacity. If I use the Internet, Homeland Security will detain me as a terrorist." Select the nurse's best initial action. a. Tell the client, "Facebook is a safe website. You don't need to worry about Homeland Security." b. Tell the client, "You are in a safe place where you will be helped." c. Administer a prn dose of an antipsychotic medication. d. Tell the client, "You don't need to worry about that."
ANS: B The patient is experiencing paranoia and delusional thinking, which leads to fear. Explaining that the patient is in a safe place will help relieve the fear. It is not therapeutic to disagree or give advice. Medication will not relieve the immediate concern. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 12-20, 45, 46, 74 (Table 12-3), 99 (Box 12-4)TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "My co-workers are out to get me. I also saw two doctors plotting to kill me." How does this patient perceive the environment? a. Disorganized b. Dangerous c. Supportive d. Bizarre
ANS: B The patient sees the world as hostile and dangerous. This assessment is important because the nurse can be more effective by using empathy to respond to the patient. Data are not present to support any of the other options. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Pages 12-20, 74 (Table 12-3) | Pages 12-99 (Box 12-4)TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
28. A patient experiencing acute mania is dancing atop a pool table in the recreation room. The patient waves a cue in one hand and says, "I'll throw the pool balls if anyone comes near me." To best assure safety, the nurse's first intervention is to a. tell the patient, "You need to be secluded." b. clear the room of all other patients. c. help the patient down from the table. d. assemble a show of force.
ANS: B The patient's behavior demonstrates a clear risk of dangerousness to others. Safety is of primary importance. Once other patients are out of the room, a plan for managing this patient can be implemented. Threatening the patient or assembling a show of force is likely to exacerbate the tension. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-30, 31 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
32. An outpatient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. The patient telephones the nurse to say, "I've had severe diarrhea for 4 days. I feel very weak and unsteady when I walk. My usual hand tremor has gotten worse. What should I do?" The nurse will advise the patient to a. restrict food and fluids for 24 hours and stay in bed. b. have someone bring the patient to the clinic immediately. c. drink a large glass of water with 1 teaspoon of salt added. d. take one dose of an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication now.
ANS: B The symptoms described suggest lithium toxicity. The patient should have a lithium level drawn and may require further treatment. Because neurological symptoms are present, the patient should not drive and should be accompanied by another person. The incorrect options will not ameliorate the patient's symptoms. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-26, 49 (Table 13-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
14. When a hyperactive patient diagnosed with acute mania is hospitalized, what is the initial nursing intervention? a. Allow the patient to act out feelings. b. Set limits on patient behavior as necessary. c. Provide verbal instructions to the patient to remain calm. d. Restrain the patient to reduce hyperactivity and aggression.
ANS: B This intervention provides support through the nurse's presence and provides structure as necessary while the patient's control is tenuous. Acting out may lead to loss of behavioral control. The patient will probably be unable to focus on instructions and comply. Restraint is used only after other interventions have proved ineffective. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 19, 46 (Table 13-3) | Page 13-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: PlanningMSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
11. A nurse observes a catatonic patient standing immobile, facing the wall with one arm extended in a salute. The patient remains immobile in this position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers the arm. What is the name of this phenomenon? a. Echolalia b. Waxy flexibility c. Depersonalization d. Thought withdrawal
ANS: B Waxy flexibility is the ability to hold distorted postures for extended periods of time, as though the patient were molded in wax. Echolalia is a speech pattern. Depersonalization refers to a feeling state. Thought withdrawal refers to an alteration in thinking. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 12-23, 29MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
16. A patient demonstrating behaviors associated with acute mania has exhausted the staff by noon. Staff members are feeling defensive and fatigued. Which action will the staff take initially? a. Confer with the health care provider to consider use of seclusion for this patient. b. Hold a staff meeting to discuss consistency and limit-setting approaches. c. Conduct a meeting with all staff and patients to discuss the behavior. d. Explain to the patient that the behavior is unacceptable.
ANS: B When staff members are exhausted, the patient has succeeded in keeping the environment unsettled and avoided outside controls on behavior. Staff meetings can help minimize staff splitting and feelings of anger, helplessness, confusion, and frustration. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 13-30, 31 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
14. A nurse educates a patient about the antipsychotic medication regime. Afterward, which comment by the patient indicates the teaching was effective? a. "I will need higher and higher doses of my medication as time goes on." b. "I need to store my medication in a cool dark place, such as the refrigerator." c. "Taking this medication regularly will reduce the severity of my symptoms." d. "If I run out or stop taking my medication, I will experience withdrawal symptoms."
ANS: C Antipsychotic drugs provide symptom control and allow most patients diagnosed with schizophrenia to live and be treated in the community. Dosing is individually determined. Antipsychotics are not addictive; however, they should be discontinued gradually to minimize a discontinuation syndrome. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 12-48, 49Needs: Physiological Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client
6. When counseling patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder, an advanced practice nurse will address the negative thought patterns by using a. psychoanalytic therapy. b. desensitization therapy. c. cognitive-behavioral therapy. d. alternative and complementary therapies.
ANS: C Cognitive-behavioral therapy attempts to alter the patient's dysfunctional beliefs by focusing on positive outcomes rather than negative attributions. The patient is also taught the connection between thoughts and resultant feelings. Research shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy involves the formation of new connections between nerve cells in the brain and that it is at least as effective as medication. Evidence is not present to support superior outcomes for the other psychotherapeutic modalities mentioned. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 14-43 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
15. A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier is diagnosed with PTSD. The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for a. bipolar disorder. b. schizophrenia. c. depression. d. dementia.
ANS: C Comorbidities for adults with PTSD include depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and dissociative disorders. Incidence of the disorders identified in the distracters is similar to the general population. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 16-16, 29MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
30. A nurse assesses a patient who takes lithium. Which findings demonstrate evidence of complications? a. Pharyngitis, mydriasis, and dystonia b. Alopecia, purpura, and drowsiness c. Diaphoresis, weakness, and nausea d. Ascites, dyspnea, and edema
ANS: C Diaphoresis, weakness, and nausea are early signs of lithium toxicity. Problems mentioned in the incorrect options are unrelated to lithium therapy. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Pages 13-26, 49 (Table 13-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
8. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking a tricyclic antidepressant 1 week ago. Today the patient says, "I don't think I can keep taking these pills. They make me so dizzy, especially when I stand up." The nurse will a. limit the patient's activities to those that can be performed in a sitting position. b. withhold the drug, force oral fluids, and notify the health care provider. c. teach the patient strategies to manage postural hypotension. d. update the patient's mental status examination.
ANS: C Drowsiness, dizziness, and postural hypotension usually subside after the first few weeks of therapy with tricyclic antidepressants. Postural hypotension can be managed by teaching the patient to stay well hydrated and rise slowly. Knowing this information may convince the patient to continue the medication. Activity is an important aspect of the patient's treatment plan and should not be limited to activities that can be done in a sitting position. Withholding the drug, forcing oral fluids, and notifying the health care provider are unnecessary actions. Independent nursing action is called for. Updating a mental status examination is unnecessary.
25. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking escitalopram 5 days ago. The patient now says, "This medicine isn't working." The nurse's best intervention would be to a. discuss with the health care provider the need to increase the dose. b. reassure the patient that the medication will be effective soon. c. explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms. d. critically assess the patient for symptoms of improvement.
ANS: C Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. One to three weeks of treatment is usually necessary before symptom relief occurs. This information is important to share with patients. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 14-32, 60 (Table 14-6) | Page 14-72 (Box 14-4)TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
16. A nurse provides health teaching for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Priority information the nurse should provide relates to a. self-monitoring of daily food and fluid intake. b. establishing the desired daily weight gain. c. how to recognize hypokalemia. d. self-esteem maintenance.
ANS: C Hypokalemia results from potassium loss associated with vomiting. Physiological integrity can be maintained if the patient can self-diagnose potassium deficiency and adjust the diet or seek medical assistance. Self-monitoring of daily food and fluid intake is not useful if the patient purges. Daily weight gain may not be desirable for a patient with bulimia nervosa. Self-esteem is an identifiable problem but is of lesser priority than the dangers associated with hypokalemia. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Page 18-30 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan)TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
21. The nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which assessment finding would the nurse regard as a negative symptom of schizophrenia? a. Auditory hallucinations b. Delusions of grandeur c. Poor personal hygiene d. Psychomotor agitation
ANS: C Negative symptoms include apathy, anhedonia, poor social functioning, and poverty of thought. Poor personal hygiene is an example of poor social functioning. The distracters are positive symptoms of schizophrenia. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Pages 12-4, 17, 72 (Table 12-2) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
36. Which finding constitutes a negative symptom associated with schizophrenia? a. Hostility b. Bizarre behavior c. Poverty of thought d. Auditory hallucinations
ANS: C Negative symptoms include apathy, anhedonia, poor social functioning, and poverty of thought. Poor personal hygiene is an example of poor social functioning. The distracters are positive symptoms of schizophrenia. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Pages 12-4, 17, 72 (Table 12-2) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
17. A patient experiencing acute mania undresses in the group room and dances. The nurse intervenes initially by A. quietly asking the patient, "Why don't you put your clothes on?" B. firmly telling the patient, "Stop dancing and put on your clothing." C. putting a blanket around the patient and walking with the patient to a quiet room. D.letting the patient stay in the group room and moving the other patients to a different area.
ANS: C Patients must be protected from the embarrassing consequences of their poor judgment whenever possible. Protecting the patient from public exposure by matter-of-factly covering the patient and removing him or her from the area with a sufficient number of staff to avoid argument and provide control is an effective approach. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 19, 46 (Table 13-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
27. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder received six ECT sessions and aggressive doses of antidepressant medication. The patient owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. Select the correct rationale for this counseling. a. Antidepressant medications alter catecholamine levels, which impairs decision-making abilities. b. Antidepressant medications may cause confusion related to limitation of tyramine in the diet. c. Temporary memory impairments and confusion may occur with ECT. d. The patient needs time to readjust to a pressured work schedule.
ANS: C Recent memory impairment and/or confusion may be present during and for a short time after ECT. An inappropriate business decision might be made because of forgotten important details. The rationales are untrue statements in the incorrect responses. The patient needing time to reorient to a pressured work schedule is less relevant than the correct rationale. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Pages 14-39, 40 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
3. A person was directing traffic on a busy street, rapidly shouting, "To work, you jerk, for perks" and making obscene gestures at cars. The person has not slept or eaten for 3 days. Which assessment findings will have priority concern for this patient's plan of care? a. Insulting, aggressive behavior b. Pressured speech and grandiosity c. Hyperactivity; not eating and sleeping d. Poor concentration and decision making
ANS: C Safety and physiological needs have the highest priority. Hyperactivity, poor nutrition, hydration, and not sleeping take priority in terms of the needs listed above because they threaten the physical integrity of the patient. The other behaviors are less threatening to the patient's life. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) REF: Pages 13-18, 19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan)TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
12. A patient diagnosed with depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. The nurse should provide information to the patient and family about a. restricting sodium intake to 1 gram daily. b. minimizing exposure to bright sunlight. c. reporting increased suicidal thoughts. d. maintaining a tyramine-free diet.
ANS: C Some evidence indicates that suicidal ideation may worsen at the beginning of antidepressant therapy; thus, close monitoring is necessary. Avoiding exposure to bright sunlight and restricting sodium intake are unnecessary. Tyramine restriction is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages14-25,32,72(Box14-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
15. A newly admitted patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "The voices are bothering me. They yell and tell me I am bad. I have got to get away from them." Select the nurse's most helpful reply. a. "Do you hear the voices often?" b. "Do you have a plan for getting away from the voices?" c. "I'll stay with you. Focus on what we are talking about, not the voices. " d. "Forget the voices and ask some other patients to play cards with you."
ANS: C Staying with a distraught patient who is hearing voices serves several purposes: ongoing observation, the opportunity to provide reality orientation, a means of helping dismiss the voices, the opportunity of forestalling an action that would result in self-injury, and general support to reduce anxiety. Asking if the patient hears voices is not particularly relevant at this point. Asking if the patient plans to "get away from the voices" is relevant for assessment purposes but is less helpful than offering to stay with the patient while encouraging a focus on their discussion. Suggesting playing cards with other patients shifts responsibility for intervention from the nurse to the patient and other patients.
5. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder becomes hyperactive after discontinuing lithium. The patient threatens to hit another patient. Which comment by the nurse is appropriate? a. "Stop that! No one did anything to provoke an attack by you." b. "If you do that one more time, you will be secluded immediately." c. "Do not hit anyone. If you are unable to control yourself, we will help you." d. "You know we will not let you hit anyone. Why do you continue this behavior?"
ANS: C When the patient is unable to control his or her behavior and violates or threatens to violate the rights of others, limits must be set in an effort to de-escalate the situation. Limits should be set in simple, concrete terms. The incorrect responses do not offer appropriate assistance to the patient, threaten the patient with seclusion as punishment, and ask a rhetorical question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 19, 30, 31, 46 (Table 13-3) | Page 13-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
27. A patient with acute mania has disrobed in the hall three times in 2 hours. The nurse should a. direct the patient to wear clothes at all times. b. ask if the patient finds clothes bothersome. c. tell the patient that others feel embarrassed. d. arrange for one-on-one supervision.
ANS: D A patient who repeatedly disrobes despite verbal limit setting needs more structure. One-on- one supervision may provide the necessary structure. Directing the patient to wear clothes at all times has not proven successful, considering the behavior has continued. Asking if the patient is bothered by clothing serves no purpose. Telling the patient that others are embarrassed will not make a difference to the patient whose grasp of social behaviors is impaired by the illness. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-18, 19, 46 (Table 13-3) | Page 13-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: ImplementationMSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
9. A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder is receiving imipramine 200 mg qhs. Which assessment finding would prompt the nurse to collaborate with the health care provider regarding potentially hazardous side effects of this drug? a. Dry mouth b. Blurred vision c. Nasal congestion d. Urinary retention
ANS: D All the side effects mentioned are the result of the anticholinergic effects of the drug. Only urinary retention and severe constipation warrant immediate medical attention. Dry mouth, blurred vision, and nasal congestion may be less troublesome as therapy continues. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 14-34, 60 (Table 14-6) | Page 14-73 (Box 14-5)TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
7. A health care provider considers which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who has auditory hallucinations and poor social function. The patient is also overweight and hypertensive. Which drug should the nurse advocate? a. Clozapine b. Ziprasidone c. Olanzapine d. Aripiprazole
ANS: D Aripiprazole is a third-generation atypical antipsychotic effective against both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It causes little or no weight gain and no increase in glucose, high- or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triglycerides, making it a reasonable choice for a patient with obesity or heart disease. Clozapine may produce agranulocytosis, making it a poor choice as a first-line agent. Ziprasidone may prolong the QT interval, making it a poor choice for a patient with cardiac disease. Olanzapine fosters weight gain. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 12-48, 54, 84 (Table 12-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
33. A newly diagnosed patient is prescribed lithium. Which information from the patient's history indicates that monitoring of serum concentrations of the drug will be challenging and critical? a. Arthritis b. Epilepsy c. Psoriasis d. Heart failure
ANS: D The patient with heart failure will likely need diuretic drugs, which will complicate the maintenance of the fluid balance necessary to avoid lithium toxicity. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 13-26, 27, 49 (Table 13-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
*CHAPTER 18* 2. Disturbed body image is a nursing diagnosis established for a patient diagnosed with an eating disorder. Which outcome indicator is most appropriate to monitor? a. Weight, muscle, and fat congruence with height, frame, age, and sex b. Calorie intake is within required parameters of treatment plan c. Weight reaches established normal range for the patient d. Patient expresses satisfaction with body appearance
ANS: D Body image disturbances are considered improved or resolved when the patient is consistently satisfied with his or her own appearance and body function. This is a subjective consideration. The other indicators are more objective but less related to the nursing diagnosis. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 18-13, 58 (Table 18-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
34. The nurse is developing a plan for psychoeducational sessions for a small group of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which goal is best for this group? Members will a. gain insight into unconscious factors that contribute to their illness. b. explore situations that trigger hostility and anger. c. learn to manage delusional thinking. d. demonstrate improved social skills.
ANS: D Improved social skills help patients maintain relationships with others. These relationships are important to management of the disorder. Most patients with schizophrenia think concretely, so insight development is unlikely. Not all patients with schizophrenia experience delusions. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 12-42, 43, 74 (Table 12-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
31. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously tells the nurse, "The voice is telling me to do things." Select the nurse's priority assessment question. A. "How long has the voice been directing your behavior?" b. "Does what the voice tell you to do frighten you?" c. "Do you recognize the voice speaking to you?' d. "What is the voice telling you to do?"
ANS: D Learning what a command hallucination is telling the patient to do is important because the command often places the patient or others at risk for harm. Command hallucinations can be terrifying and may pose a psychiatric emergency. The incorrect questions are of lesser importance than identifying the command. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 12-23, 72 (Table 12-2), 74 (Table 12-3), 95 (Box 12-3) TOP: Nursing Process: AssessmentMSC: Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment
22. A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldier's spouse complains, "We were going to start a family, but now he won't talk about it. He will not look at children. I wonder if we're going to make it as a couple." Select the nurse's best response. a. "Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often changes a person's sexual functioning." b. "I encourage you to continue to participate in social activities where children are present." c. "Have you talked with your spouse about these reactions? Sometimes we just need to confront behavior." d. "Posttraumatic stress disorder often strains relationships. Here are some community resources for help and support."
ANS: D PTSD precipitates changes that can lead to divorce. It is important to provide support to both the veteran and spouse. Confrontation will not be effective. While it is important to provide information, on-going support will be more effective. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages16-24,31,51 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
8. A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder has rapidly changing mood cycles. The health care provider prescribes an anticonvulsant medication. To prepare teaching materials, which drug should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed? a. phenytoin b. clonidine c. risperidone d. carbamazepine
ANS: D Some patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder, especially those who have only short periods between episodes, have a favorable response to the anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate. Carbamazepine seems to work better in patients with rapid cycling and in severely paranoid, angry manic patients. Phenytoin is also an anticonvulsant but not used for mood stabilization. Risperidone is not an anticonvulsant. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 13-27, 51 (Table 13-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
*CHAPTER 14* 1. A patient became severely depressed when the last of the family's six children moved out of the home 4 months ago. The patient repeatedly says, "No one cares about me. I'm not worth anything." Which response by the nurse would be the most helpful? a. "Things will look brighter soon. Everyone feels down once in a while." b. "Our staff members care about you and want to try to help you get better." c. "It is difficult for others to care about you when you repeatedly say the same negative things." d. "I'll sit with you for 10 minutes now and 10 minutes after lunch to help you feel that I care about you."
ANS: D Spending time with the patient at intervals throughout the day shows acceptance by the nurse and will help the patient establish a relationship with the nurse. The therapeutic technique is "offering self." Setting definite times for the therapeutic contacts and keeping the appointments show predictability on the part of the nurse, an element that fosters trust building. The incorrect responses would be difficult for a person with profound depression to believe, provide false reassurance, and are counterproductive. The patient is unable to say positive things at this point. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 14-27, 57 (Table 14-4) | Page 14-16 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
22. Which assessment finding for a patient diagnosed with an eating disorder meets criteria for hospitalization? a. Urine output 40 mL/hour b. Pulse rate 58 beats/min c. Serum potassium 3.4 mEq/L d. Systolic blood pressure 62 mm Hg
ANS: D Systolic blood pressure less than 70 mm Hg is an indicator for inpatient care. Many people without eating disorders have bradycardia (pulse less than 60 beats/min). Urine output should be more than 30 mL/hour. A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is within the normal range. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF:Pages18-7,28,68(Box18-2) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
26. A patient with diagnosed bipolar disorder was hospitalized 7 days ago and has been taking lithium 600 mg tid. Staff observes increased agitation, pressured speech, poor personal hygiene, and hyperactivity. Which action demonstrates that the nurse understands the most likely cause of the patient's behavior? a. Educate the patient about the proper ways to perform personal hygiene and coordinate clothing. b. Continue to monitor and document the patient's speech patterns and motor activity. c. Ask the health care provider to prescribe an increased dose and frequency of lithium. d. Consider the need to check the lithium level. The patient may not be swallowing medications.
ANS: D The patient continues to exhibit manic symptoms. Nonadherence to the medication regime is a common problem for patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The lithium level should be approaching a therapeutic range after 7 days but may be low from "cheeking" (not swallowing) the medication. The prescribed dose is high, so one would not expect a need for the dose to be increased. Monitoring the patient does not address the problem. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 13-19, 25, 32, 49 (Table 13-4)TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
30. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia anxiously says, "I can see the left side of my body merging with the wall, then my face appears and disappears in the mirror." While listening, the nurse should a. sit close to the patient. b. place an arm protectively around the patient's shoulders. c. place a hand on the patient's arm and exert light pressure. d. maintain a normal social interaction distance from the patient.
ANS: D The patient is describing phenomena that indicate personal boundary difficulties and depersonalization. The nurse should maintain appropriate social distance and not touch the patient because the patient is anxious about the inability to maintain ego boundaries and
20. A nurse sits with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient starts to laugh uncontrollably, although the nurse has not said anything funny. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Why are you laughing?" b. "Please share the joke with me." c. "I don't think I said anything funny." d. "You're laughing. Tell me what's happening."
ANS: D The patient is likely laughing in response to inner stimuli, such as hallucinations or fantasy. Focus on the hallucinatory clue (the patient's laughter) and then elicit the patient's observation. The incorrect options are less useful in eliciting a response: no joke may be involved, "why" questions are difficult to answer, and the patient is probably not focusing on what the nurse said in the first place. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Pages 12-16, 44, 45, 95 (Box 12-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
23. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "Contagious bacteria are everywhere. When they get in your body, you will be locked up with other infected people." Which problem is evident? a. Poverty of content b. Concrete thinking c. Neologisms d. Paranoia
ANS: D The patient's unrealistic fear of harm indicates paranoia. Neologisms are invented words. Concrete thinking involves literal interpretation. Poverty of content refers to an inadequate fund of information. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)REF: Pages 12-20, 74 (Table 12-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
18. A patient being admitted to the eating-disorder unit has a yellow cast to the skin and fine, downy hair over the trunk. The patient weighs 70 pounds; height is 5'4". The patient says, "I won't eat until I look thin." Select the priority initial nursing diagnosis. a. Anxiety related to fear of weight gain b. Disturbed body image related to weight loss c. Ineffective coping related to lack of conflict resolution skills d. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to self-starvation
ANS: D The physical assessment shows cachexia, which indicates imbalanced nutrition. Addressing the patient's self-starvation is the priority. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis)REF: Pages 18-12, 13, 54 (Table 18-1) | Page 18-19 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity
8. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "I eat skiller. Tend to end. Easter. It blows away. Get it?" Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Nothing you are saying is clear." b. "Your thoughts are very disconnected." c. "Try to organize your thoughts and then tell me again." d. "I am having difficulty understanding what you are saying."
ANS: D When a patient's speech is loosely associated, confused, and disorganized, pretending to understand is useless. The nurse should tell the patient that he or she is having difficulty understanding what the patient is saying. If a theme is discernible, ask the patient to talk about the theme. The incorrect options tend to place blame for the poor communication with the patient. The correct response places the difficulty with the nurse rather than being accusatory. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 12-18, 46, 47 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
24. A disheveled patient in the acute phase of major depressive disorder is withdrawn, has psychomotor retardation, and has not showered for several days. The nurse will a. a. bring up the issue at the community meeting. b. calmly tell the patient, "You must bathe daily." c. make observations about the patient's poor personal hygiene. d. firmly and neutrally assist the patient with showering.
ANS: D When patients are unable to perform self-care activities, staff must assist them rather than ignore the issue. Better grooming increases self-esteem. The patient needs assistance, not simply making an observation. Calmly telling the patient to bathe daily and bringing up the issue at a community meeting are punitive. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)REF: Pages 14-53 (Table 14-2), 58 (Table 14-5) | Page 14-16 (Case Study and Nursing Care Plan) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance