PSYCH EXAM 3

Which of these statements by the patient are indications of complicated grieving? A. I feel like I should have been the one to die in that hurricane. B. Last year, several of my coworkers died in a hurricane and I still cant go back to work. C. Ive been having incapacitating migraines ever since the memorial services. D. All of the above

ANS: D Item A indicates survivor guilt, and items B and C are both indications that the trauma has contributed to functional impairment. All three are symptoms of complicated grieving.

Neurological tests have ruled out pathology in a clients sudden lower-extremity paralysis. Which nursing care should be included for this client? A. Deal with physical symptoms in a detached manner. B. Challenge the validity of physical symptoms. C. Meet dependency needs until the physical limitations subside. D. Encourage a discussion of feelings about the lower-extremity problem.

ANS: A The nurse should assist the client in dealing with physical symptoms in a detached manner to avoid reinforcing the symptoms by providing secondary gains. This is an example of a conversion disorder in which symptoms affect voluntary motor or sensory functioning. Examples include paralysis, aphonia, seizures, coordination disturbance, difficulty swallowing, urinary retention, akinesia, blindness, deafness, double vision, anosmia, and hallucinations.

An adolescent is arrested for prostitution and assault on a parent. The adolescent says, I hate my parents. They focus all their attention on my brother, whos perfect in their eyes. Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable? a. Ineffective impulse control, related to seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out b. Disturbed personal identity, related to acting out as evidenced by prostitution c. Impaired parenting, related to showing preference for one child over another d. Hopelessness, related to feeling unloved by parents

ANS: A The patient demonstrates an inability to control impulses and problem solve by using adaptive behaviors to meet lifes demands and roles. The defining characteristics are not present for the other nursing diagnoses. The patient has never mentioned hopelessness, low self-esteem, or disturbed personal identity.

A patient admitted to the hospital with PTSD is ordered the following medications. Which of these medications has a direct use in treating symptoms that are common in PTSD? Select all that apply. A. Alprazolam B. Propanolol C. Colace D. Dulcolax

ANS: A, B Alprazolam is an antianxiety agent and anxiety symptoms are common in PTSD. Propanolol is an antihypertensive medication and evidence has demonstrated its effectiveness in treating symptoms of PTSD, including nightmares, intrusive recollections, and insomnia. The last two medications are used to treat constipation, and this symptom is not directly related to PTSD.

Which assessment data is supportive of a diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder? Select all that apply. a. Was reprimanded to a juvenile correction facility at age 14 b. Mother reports characteristic behaviors as early as age 7 c. Is below age-appropriate norms for both weight and height d. Patient states, I dont like school and skip whenever I feel like it. e. Has been admitted to a drug rehabilitation program twice in 4 years

ANS: A, B, E Patients diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder have a history of conduct disorders before the age of 15 years, prison or juvenile detention experiences, and substance abuse. There is no research that supports the remaining options as being characteristic of this disorder.

The parents of a child diagnosed with ADHD ask the nurse what current medications are available for their child. The nurse should list which of the following medications? (Select all that apply.) a. Methylphenidate (Concerta) b. Zolpidem (Ambien) c. Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) d. Atomoxetine (Strattera) e. Haloperidol (Haldol)

ANS: A, C, D Ambien is a sleeping medication and not typically used to treat ADHD. Haldol is an antipsychotic that is not specified for use for ADHD. The other medications are sometimes used for ADHD.

Which of the following interventions should a nurse anticipate implementing when planning care for children diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Select all that apply. A. Behavior modification B. Antianxiety medications C. Competitive group sports D. Group therapy E. Family therapy

ANS: A, D, E The nurse should anticipate that behavior modification, group therapy, and family therapy may be implemented in the management of ADHD in children. These interventions are often used in conjunction with psychopharmacology to reduce impulsive and hyperactive behaviors and to increase attention span.

A college student has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following symptoms should a campus nurse expect this client to exhibit? Select all that apply. A. Fatigue B. Anorexia C. Hyperventilation D. Insomnia E. Irritability

ANS: A, D, E The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with GAD would experience fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. GAD is characterized by chronic, unrealistic, and excessive anxiety and worry.

Which nursing intervention should be prioritized when caring for a child diagnosed with intellectual disability? A. Encourage the parents to always prioritize the needs of the child. B. Modify the childs environment to promote independence and encourage impulse control. C. Delay extensive diagnostic studies until the child is developmentally mature. D. Provide one-on-one tutorial education in a private setting to decrease overstimulation.

ANS: B The nurse should prioritize modifying the childs environment to promote independence and encourage impulse control. This intervention is related to the nursing diagnosis self-care deficit. Positive reinforcement can serve to increase self-esteem and encourage repetition of behaviors.

A nurse plans the care for an individual diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which characteristic behaviors will the nurse expect? Select all that apply. a. Reclusive behavior b. Callous attitude c. Perfectionism d. Aggression e. Clinginess f. Anxiety

ANS: B, D Individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders characteristically demonstrate manipulative, exploitative, aggressive, callous, and guilt-instilling behaviors. Individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders are more extroverted than reclusive, rarely show anxiety, and rarely demonstrate clinging or dependent behaviors. Individuals diagnosed with antisocial personality disorders are more likely to be impulsive than to be perfectionists.

The nurse should recognize which of the following findings contribute to a clients development of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Select all that apply. A. The clients father was a smoker. B. The client was born 7 weeks premature. C. The client is lactose intolerant. D. The client has a sibling diagnosed with ADHD. E. The client has been diagnosed with dyslexia.

ANS: B, D The nurse should identify that premature birth and having a sibling diagnosed with ADHD would predispose a client to the development of ADHD. Research indicates evidence of genetic influences in the etiology of ADHD. Studies also indicate that environmental influences such as lead exposure and diet can be linked with the development of ADHD.

A person has minor physical injuries after an auto accident. The person is unable to focus and says, I feel like something awful is going to happen. This person has nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation. What is the persons level of anxiety? a. Mild c. Severe b. Moderate d. Panic

ANS: C The person whose anxiety is severe is unable to solve problems and may have a poor grasp of what is happening in the environment. Somatic symptoms such as those described are usually present. The individual with mild anxiety is only mildly uncomfortable and may even find his or her performance enhanced. The individual with moderate anxiety grasps less information about a situation and has some difficulty with problem solving. The individual in panic will demonstrate markedly disturbed behavior and may lose touch with reality.

The parent of a child diagnosed with Tourettes disorder says to the nurse, I think my child is faking the tics because they come and go. Which response by the nurse is accurate? a. Perhaps your child was misdiagnosed. b. Your observation indicates the medication is effective. c. Tics often change frequency or severity. That does not mean they arent real. d. This finding is unexpected. How have you been administering your childs medication?

ANS: C Tics are sudden, rapid, involuntary, repetitive movements or vocalizations characteristic of Tourettes disorder. They often fluctuate in frequency and severity and are reduced or absent during sleep.

A nurse prepares the plan of care for a 15-year-old adolescent diagnosed with moderate intellectual developmental disorder (IDD). What are the highest outcomes that are realistic for this person? (Select all that apply.) Within 5 years, the person will: a. live unaided in an apartment. b. complete high school or earn a general equivalency diploma (GED). c. independently perform his or her own personal hygiene. d. obtain employment in a local sheltered workshop. e. correctly use public buses to travel in the community.

ANS: C, D, E Individuals with moderate intellectual developmental disorder progress academically to about a second grade level. These people can learn to travel in familiar areas and perform unskilled or semiskilled work. With supervision, they can function in the community, but independent living is not likely.

A 5-year-old child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) bounces out of a chair in the waiting room, runs across the room, and begins to slap another child. What is the nurses best action? a. Call for emergency assistance from another staff member. b. Instruct the parents to take the child home immediately. c. Direct this child to stop, and then comfort the other child. d. Take the child into another room with toys to act out feelings.

ANS: D The use of play to express feelings is appropriate; the cognitive and language abilities of the child may require the acting out of feelings if verbal expression is limited. The incorrect options provide no outlet for feelings or opportunity to develop coping skills.

Joe, who recently lost both parents in a tragic automobile accident, has been diagnosed with an adjustment disorder after he struck a friend who told him he needed to get his feelings out. The stage of grieving that Joe is struggling with is ______________

Anger

According to NANDA (2012), a disorder that occurs after the death of a significant other or any loss perceived as significant to the individual, in which the experience of distress accompanying bereavement fails to follow normative expectations and manifests in functional impairment, is referred to as________________________.

Complicated grieving

Which intervention is appropriate for a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder who frequently manipulates others? a. Refer the patients requests and questions to the case manager. b. Explore the patients feelings of fear and inferiority. c. Provide negative reinforcement for acting-out behavior. d. Ignore, rather than confront, inappropriate behavior.

ANS: A Manipulative patients frequently make requests of many different staff members, hoping someone will give in. Having only one decision-maker provides consistency and avoids the potential for playing one staff member against another. Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors is more effective than negative reinforcement. The behavior should not be ignored; judicious use of confrontation is necessary. Patients with antisocial personality disorders rarely have feelings of fear and inferiority.

A soldier in a combat zone tells the nurse, I saw a child get blown up over a year ago, and I still keep seeing bits of flesh everywhere. I see something red, and the visions race back to my mind. Which phenomenon associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the soldier describing? a. Reexperiencing c. Avoidance b. Hyperarousal d. Psychosis

ANS: A Spontaneous or cued recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events are often associated with PTSD. The soldier has described intrusive thoughts and visions associated with reexperiencing the traumatic event. This description does not indicate psychosis, hypervigilance, or avoidance.

Which nursing approach should be used to maintain a therapeutic relationship with a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? A. Being firm, consistent, and empathetic, while addressing specific client behaviors B. Promoting client self-expression by implementing laissez-faire leadership C. Using authoritative leadership to help clients learn to conform to societal norms D. Overlooking inappropriate behaviors to avoid promoting secondary gains

ANS: A The best nursing approach when working with a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder is to be firm, consistent, and empathetic while addressing specific client behaviors. Individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder always seem to be in a state of crisis and can often have negative patterns of interaction, such as manipulation and splitting.

Which comment by the nurse would best support relationship building with a survivor of intimate partner abuse? a. You are feeling violated because you thought you could trust your partner. b. Im here for you. I want you to tell me about the bad things that happened to you. c. I was very worried about you. I knew you were living in a potentially violent situation. d. Abusers often target people who are passive. I will refer you to an assertiveness class.

ANS: A The correct option uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. It shows empathy, an important nursing attribute for establishing rapport and building a relationship. None of the other options would help the patient feel accepted.

The family of a client diagnosed with conversion disorder asks the nurse, Will his paralysis ever go away? Which of these responses by the nurse is evidence-based? A. Most symptoms of conversion disorder resolve within a few weeks. B. Typically people who have conversion disorder symptoms that include paralysis will be paralyzed for the rest of their lives. C. The only people who recover are those that develop conversion disorder symptoms without a precipitating stressful event. D. Technically, he could walk now since he is intentionally feigning paralysis.

ANS: A The evidence supports that most conversion disorder symptoms resolve within a few weeks, and about 20% will have a relapse within 1 year.

Which nursing diagnosis should be prioritized when providing care to a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder? A. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts B. Risk for suicide R/T altered thought C. Altered sensory perception R/T increased levels of anxiety D. Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others

ANS: A The priority nursing diagnosis for a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder should be risk for violence: directed toward others R/T suspicious thoughts. Clients diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder have a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others that may result in hostile actions to protect self. They are often tense and irritable, which increases the likelihood of violent behavior.

A nursing instructor presents a case study in which a 3-year-old child is in constant motion and is unable to sit still during story time. The instructor asks a student to evaluate this childs behavior. Which student response indicates an appropriate evaluation of the situation? A. This childs behavior must be evaluated according to developmental norms. B. This child has symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. C. This child has symptoms of the early stages of autistic disorder. D. This childs behavior indicates possible symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder.

ANS: A The students evaluation of the situation is appropriate when indicating a need for the client to be evaluated according to developmental norms. Guidelines for determining whether emotional problems exist in a child should consider if the behavioral manifestations are not age-appropriate, deviate from cultural norms, or create deficits or impairments in adaptive functioning.

An 11-year-old child, who has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), becomes angry over the rules at a residential treatment program and begins shouting at the nurse. Select the best method to defuse the situation. a. Assign the child to a short time-out. b. Administer an antipsychotic medication. c. Place the child in a therapeutic hold. d. Call a staff member to seclude the child.

ANS: A Time-out is a useful strategy for interrupting the angry expression of feelings and allows the child an opportunity to exert self-control. This method is the least restrictive alternative of those listed and should be tried before resorting to more restrictive measures.

Which of the following risk factors noted during a family history assessment should a nurse associate with the potential development of intellectual disability? Select all that apply. A. A family history of Tay-Sachs disease B. Childhood meningococcal infection C. Deprivation of nurturance and social contact D. History of maternal multiple motor and verbal tics E. A diagnosis of maternal major depressive disorder

ANS: A, B, C The nurse should associate a family history of Tay-Sachs disease, childhood meningococcal infections, and deprivation of nurturance and social contact as risk factors that would predispose a child to intellectual disability. Major predisposing factors of intellectual disability include: hereditary factors, early alterations in embryonic development, pregnancy and perinatal factors, medical conditions acquired in infancy or childhood, environmental influences, and other mental disorders.

The nurse interviewing a patient with suspected posttraumatic stress disorder should be alert to findings indicating the patient: (select all that apply) a. avoids people and places that arouse painful memories. b. experiences flashbacks or reexperiences the trauma. c. experiences symptoms suggestive of a heart attack. d. feels driven to repeat selected ritualistic behaviors. e. demonstrates hypervigilance or distrusts others. f. feels detached, estranged, or empty inside.

ANS: A, B, C, E, F These assessment findings are consistent with the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Ritualistic behaviors are expected in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A nurse plans health teaching for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder who begins a new prescription for lorazepam (Ativan). What information should be included? Select all that apply. a. Caution in use of machinery b. Foods allowed on a tyramine-free diet c. The importance of caffeine restriction d. Avoidance of alcohol and other sedatives e. Take the medication on an empty stomach

ANS: A, C, D Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that acts as an antagonist to the benzodiazepine lorazepam. Daily caffeine intake should be reduced to the amount contained in one cup of coffee. Benzodiazepines are sedatives, thus the importance of exercising caution when driving or using machinery and the importance of not using other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol or sedatives to avoid potentiation. Benzodiazepines do not require a special diet. Food will reduce gastric irritation from the medication.

A patient diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has self-inflicted wrist lacerations. The health care provider prescribes daily dressing changes. The nurse performing this care should: a. encourage the patient to express anger. b. provide care in a matter-of-fact manner. c. be very kind, sympathetic, and concerned. d. offer to listen to the patients feelings about cutting.

ANS: B A matter-of-fact approach does not provide the patient with positive reinforcement for self-mutilation. The goal of providing emotional consistency is supported by this approach. The incorrect options provide

A client presents in the emergency department with complaints of overwhelming anxiety. Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to assess? A. Risk for suicide B. Cardiac status C. Current stressors D. Substance use history

ANS: B Although all of the listed aspects of assessment are important, the priority is to evaluate cardiac status since a person having an MI, CHF, or mitral valve prolapse can present with symptoms of anxiety.

A patient performs ritualistic hand washing. Which action should the nurse implement to help the patient develop more effective coping? a. Allow the patient to set a hand-washing schedule. b. Encourage the patient to participate in social activities. c. Encourage the patient to discuss hand-washing routines. d. Focus on the patients symptoms rather than on the patient.

ANS: B Because obsessive-compulsive patients become overly involved in the rituals, promotion of involvement with other people and activities is necessary to improve coping. Daily activities prevent constant focus on anxiety and symptoms. The other interventions focus on the compulsive symptom. See relationship to audience response question.

Which behavior is most characteristic of a conduct disorder? a. Frequently getting up and interrupting while being read to b. Only apologizes for hitting a friend to avoid being punished c. Finds it difficult to spend the night away from family members d. Becomes extremely agitated when the television is turned off

ANS: B Children or adolescents with conduct disorder generally do not empathize with other peoples feelings and are unconcerned with others situations or needs. They exhibit uncaring behavior, but they will often express words of guilt or remorse because they have learned that it reduces or prevents punishment. ADHD is often characterized by hyperactivity. Separation anxiety is often responsible for a childs resistance to spending time away from home. Autism can be the cause of exaggerated responses.

While improving, a client demands to have a phone installed in the intensive care unit (ICU) room. When a nurse states, This is not allowed; it is a unit rule, the client angrily demands to see the doctor. Which approach should the nurse use in this situation? A. Provide an explanation for the necessity of the unit rule. B. Assist the client to discuss anger and frustrations. C. Call the physician and relay the request. D. Arrange for a phone to be installed in the clients unit room.

ANS: B Clients who demand special privileges may be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. The best approach in this situation is for the nurse to identify the function that anger, frustration, and rage serve for the client. The verbalization of feelings may help the client to gain insight into his or her behavior.

A patient with a borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, My doctor tells me theres something wrong with the hard wiring of my brain, and thats why Im so impulsive and get so many mood swings. He said hes going to prescribe some medication. Being aware of current practice guidelines, the nurse will prepare a teaching plan for: a. Lithium (Lithobid) b. Fluoxetine (Prozac) c. Lorazepam (Ativan) d. Haloperidol (Haldol)

ANS: B Fluoxetine is an SSRI. SSRIs are the medications of choice for patients with personality disorder who have affect dysregulation and impulsivity. SSRIs have a low incidence of side effects. Lithium may be used in instances of severe mood disorder. Lorazepam is used to help manage high anxiety, while haloperidol is prescribed in cases of violent behavior.

Jane presents in the Emergency Department with a friend, who reports that Jane has been sitting in her apartment staring off into space and doesnt seem interested in doing anything. During the assessment Jane reveals, with little emotion, that she was raped 4 months ago. Which of these is the most appropriate interpretation of Janes lack of emotion? A. Jane is probably hearing voices telling her to be emotionless. B. Jane is experiencing numbing of emotional response, which is a common symptom of PTSD. C. Jane is trying to be secretive, and lying is a common symptom in PTSD. D. Jane is currently re-experiencing the traumatic event and is having a dissociative episode.

ANS: B General numbing of emotional response is a common symptom of PTSD. Items A and D are not the most appropriate interpretations because the data are inadequate to make that inference. Item C is incorrect; lying is not a common symptom in PTSD.

A 6-year-old client is prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) for a diagnosis of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When teaching the parents about this medication, which nursing statement explains how Ritalin works? A. Ritalins sedation side effect assists children by decreasing their energy level. B. How Ritalin works is unknown. Although it is a stimulant, it does combat the symptoms of ADHD. C. Ritalin helps the child focus by decreasing the amount of dopamine in the basal ganglia and neuron synapse. D. Ritalin decreases hyperactivity by increasing serotonin levels.

ANS: B It is unknown how Ritalin works, but even though it is a stimulant, it does decrease hyperactivity in individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

A patient with an abdominal mass is scheduled for a biopsy. The patient has difficulty understanding the nurses comments and asks, What do you mean? What are they going to do? Assessment findings include tremulous voice, respirations 28, and pulse 110. What is the patients level of anxiety? a. Mild c. Severe b. Moderate d. Panic

ANS: B Moderate anxiety causes the individual to grasp less information and reduces problem-solving ability to a less-than-optimal level. Mild anxiety heightens attention and enhances problem solving. Severe anxiety causes great reduction in the perceptual field. Panic-level anxiety results in disorganized behavior.

A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder 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 posttraumatic stress disorder often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the bodys 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 posttraumatic stress disorder 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.

How would a nurse differentiate a client diagnosed with a social phobia from a client diagnosed with a schizoid personality disorder (SPD)? A. Clients diagnosed with social phobia can manage anxiety without medications, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD can manage anxiety only with medications. B. Clients diagnosed with SPD are distressed by the symptoms experienced in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with social phobia are not. C. Clients diagnosed with social phobia avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions in all areas of life. D. Clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with social phobias tend to avoid interactions in all areas of life.

ANS: C Clients diagnosed with social phobia avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions in all areas of life. Social phobia is an excessive fear of situations in which a person might do something embarrassing or be evaluated negatively by others.

A nurse would expect a client diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder to exhibit which characteristic? A. The client has many friends and associates but prefers to interact in small groups. B. The client has many brief but intense relationships. C. The client experiences incorrect interpretations of external events. D. The client exhibits lack of tender feelings toward others.

ANS: C Clients who are diagnosed with schizotypal personality disorder experience odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is inconsistent with cultural norms. This results in incorrect interpretations of external events.

When alprazolam (Xanax) is prescribed for a patient who experiences acute anxiety, health teaching should include instructions to: a. report drowsiness. b. eat a tyramine-free diet. c. avoid alcoholic beverages. d. adjust dose and frequency based on anxiety level.

ANS: C Drinking alcohol or taking other anxiolytics along with the prescribed benzodiazepine should be avoided because depressant effects of both drugs will be potentiated. Tyramine-free diets are necessary only with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Drowsiness is an expected effect and needs to be reported only if it is excessive. Patients should be taught not to deviate from the prescribed dose and schedule for administration.

A patient has a somatization disorder. Which statement by the patient would indicate a need for additional patient teaching? a. I have learned that my family can be a support system. b. I will let my therapist know if I think suicidal thoughts. c. Drinking strong coffee really helps me combat my fatigue. d. Nicotine makes my heart race, so I need to stop smoking.

ANS: C Educating the patient about the importance of limiting caffeine, nicotine, and other central nervous system stimulants is important since these substances can increase physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., rapid heart rate, jitteriness) that may cue other somatic concerns. Drinking strong coffee each day may cause physical symptoms that could cue other somatic concerns; this statement indicates a need for more teaching. The remaining options are all positive thoughts or actions for a patient.

Which behavior indicates that the treatment plan for a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder was effective? The child: a. plays with one toy for 30 minutes. b. repeats words spoken by a parent. c. holds the parents hand while walking. d. spins around and claps hands while walking.

ANS: C Holding the hand of another person suggests relatedness. Usually, a child with autism would resist holding someones hand and stand or walk alone, perhaps flapping arms or moving in a stereotypical pattern. The other options reflect behaviors that are consistent with autistic disorder.

The child most likely to receive propranolol (Inderal) to control aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums is one diagnosed with: a. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). b. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). c. autism spectrum disorder (ASD). d. separation anxiety.

ANS: C Propranolol is useful for controlling aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums of some children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It is not indicated in any of the other disorders.

Discharge preparation for a patient includes the administration of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS). When asked by the patient to explain the purpose of the assessment the nurse responds: a. It is an assessment tool used to evaluate the symptoms of anxiety. b. The tool is used to help confirm the diagnosis of anxiety disorder. c. This tool helps determine if your symptoms have improved with treatment. d. It helps identify the presence of any other disorder associated with anxiety.

ANS: C The HAS is a valid and time-tested tool that gives the most objective measure of the degree to which anxiety has been effectively treated. The HAS does not evaluate for symptoms of anxiety or act as a diagnosis tool for anxiety or another other associated disorder.

A child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shows hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired play. The health care provider prescribed amphetamine salts (Adderall). The nurse should monitor for which desired behavior? a. Increased expressiveness in communication with others b. Abilities to identify anxiety and implement self-control strategies c. Improved abilities to participate in cooperative play with other children d. Tolerates social interactions for short periods without disruption or frustration

ANS: C The goal is improvement in the childs hyperactivity, aggression, and play. The remaining options are more relevant for a child with intellectual development disorder or an anxiety disorder.

How should a nurse best describe the major maladaptive client response to panic disorder? A. Clients overuse medical care because of physical symptoms. B. Clients use illegal drugs to ease symptoms. C. Clients perceive having no control over life situations. D. Clients develop compulsions to deal with anxiety.

ANS: C The major maladaptive client response to panic disorder is the perception of having no control over life situations, which leads to nonparticipation in decision making and doubts regarding role performance.

A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldiers spouse complains, We were going to start a family, but now he wont talk about it. He will not look at children. I wonder if were going to make it as a couple. Select the nurses best response. a. Posttraumatic stress disorder often changes a persons 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 Posttraumatic stress disorder precipitates changes that often lead to divorce. Its important to provide support to both the veteran and spouse. Confrontation will not be effective. While its important to provide information, on-going support will be more effective.

Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. One week later, which behavior by the parents of these teenagers most clearly demonstrates resilience? The parents who: a. visit their teenagers grave daily. b. return immediately to employment. c. discuss the accident within the family only. d. create a scholarship fund at their childs high school.

ANS: D Resilience refers to positive adaptation or the ability to maintain or regain mental health despite adversity. Loss of a child is among the highest-risk situations for maladaptive grieving. The parents who create a scholarship fund are openly expressing their feelings and memorializing their child. The other parents in this question are isolating themselves and/or denying their feelings. Visiting the grave daily shows active continued mourning but is not as strongly indicative of resilience as the correct response.

A 4-year-old child cries and screams from the time the parents leave the child at preschool until the child is picked up 4 hours later. The child is calm and relaxed when the parents are present. The parents ask, What should we do? What is the nurses best recommendation? a. Send a picture of yourself to school to keep with the child. b. Arrange with the teacher to let the child call home at playtime. c. Talk with the school about withdrawing the child until maturity increases. d. Talk with your health care provider about a referral to a mental health professional.

ANS: D Separation anxiety disorder becomes apparent when the child is separated from the attachment figure. Often, the first time separation occurs is when the child goes to kindergarten or nursery school. Separation anxiety may be based on the childs fear that something will happen to the attachment figure. The child needs professional help.

Which child shows behaviors indicative of mental illness? a. 4-year-old who stuttered for 3 weeks after the birth of a sibling b. 9-month-old who does not eat vegetables and likes to be rocked c. 3-month-old who cries after feeding until burped and sucks a thumb d. 3-year-old who is mute, passive toward adults, and twirls while walking

ANS: D Symptoms consistent with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) are evident in the correct answer. The behaviors of the other children are within normal ranges.

A 4-year-old cries for 5 minutes when the parents leave the child at preschool. The parents ask the nurse, What should we do? Select the nurses best response. a. Ask the teacher to let the child call you at play time. b. Withdraw the child from preschool until maturity increases. c. Remain with your child for the first hour of preschool time. d. Give your child a kiss before you leave the preschool program.

ANS: D The child demonstrates age-appropriate behavior for a 4-year-old. The nurse should reassure the parents. The distracters are over-reactions.

During an interview, which client statement indicates to a nurse that a potential diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder should be considered? A. I really dont have a problem. My family is inflexible, and every relative is out to get me. B. I am so excited about working with you. Have you noticed my new nail polish, Ruby Red Roses? C. I spend all my time tending my bees. I know a whole lot of information about bees. D. I am getting a message from the beyond that we have been involved with each other in a previous life.

ANS: D The nurse should assess that a client who states that he or she is getting a message from the beyond indicates a potential diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder. Individuals with schizotypal personality disorder are aloof and isolated and behave in a bland and apathetic manner. The individual experiences magical thinking, ideas of reference, illusions, and depersonalization as part of daily life.

A client is newly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and spends 45 minutes folding clothes and rearranging them in drawers. Which nursing intervention would best address this clients problem? A. Distract the client with other activities whenever ritual behaviors begin. B. Report the behavior to the psychiatrist to obtain an order for medication dosage increase. C. Lock the room to discourage ritualistic behavior. D. Discuss the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behaviors.

ANS: D The nurse should discuss with the client the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behavior. If the client is going to be able to avoid the anxiety, he or she must first learn to recognize precipitating factors. Attempting to distract the client, seeking medication increase, and locking the clients room are not appropriate interventions because they do not help the client recognize anxiety triggers.

A client diagnosed with an obsessive-compulsive disorder spends hours bathing and grooming. During a one-on-one interaction, the client discusses the rituals in detail but avoids any feelings that the rituals generate. Which defense mechanism should the nurse identify? A. Sublimation B. Dissociation C. Rationalization D. Intellectualization

ANS: D The nurse should identify that the client is using the defense mechanism of intellectualization when discussing the rituals of obsessive-compulsive disorder in detail while avoiding discussion of feelings. Intellectualization is an attempt to avoid expressing emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic, reasoning, and analysis.

When a 5-year-old diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) bounces out of a chair and runs over and slaps another child, what is the nurses best action? a. Instruct the parents to take the aggressive child home. b. Direct the aggressive child to stop immediately. c. Call for emergency assistance from other staff. d. Take the aggressive child to another room.

ANS: D The nurse should manage the milieu with structure and limit setting. Removing the aggressive child to another room is an appropriate consequence for the aggressiveness. Directing the child to stop will not be effective. This is not an emergency. Intervention is needed rather than sending the child home.

A client who is in a severely abusive relationship is admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. The client fears for her life. A staff nurse asks, Why doesnt she just leave him? Which is the nursing supervisors most appropriate reply? A. These clients dont know life any other way, and change is not an option until they have improved insight. B. These clients have limited skills and few vocational abilities to be able to make it on their own. C. These clients often have a lack of financial independence to support themselves and their children, and most have religious beliefs prohibiting divorce and separation. D. These clients are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness.

ANS: D The nursing supervisor is accurate when stating that clients in severely abusive relationships are paralyzed into inaction by a combination of physical threats and a sense of powerlessness. Women often choose to stay with an abusive partner for some of the following reasons: for the children, financial reasons, fear of retaliation, lack of a support network, religious reasons, and/or hopelessness.

A patient experiencing severe anxiety suddenly begins running and shouting, Im going to explode! The nurse should: a. say, Im not sure what you mean. Give me an example. b. chase after the patient, and give instructions to stop running. c. capture the patient in a basket-hold to increase feelings of control. d. assemble several staff members and state, We will help you regain control.

ANS: D The safety needs of the patient and other patients are a priority. The patient is less likely to cause self-harm or hurt others when several staff members take responsibility for providing limits. The explanation given to the patient should be simple and neutral. Simply being told that others can help provide the control that has been lost may be sufficient to help the patient regain control. Running after the patient will increase the patients anxiety. More than one staff member is needed to provide physical limits if they become necessary. Asking the patient to give an example is futile; a patient in panic processes information poorly.

A patient reports severe pain during intercourse since being sexually assaulted three years ago. What is the first step in confirming the diagnosis of a pain disorder? a. Evaluating the patients understanding of the emotional effects of the assault b. Asking the patient to keep a journal of her feelings regarding the assault c. Assessing the patient for posttraumatic stress disorder d. Ruling out a physical cause of the pain

ANS: D While psychological factors have an important role in the onset, severity, exacerbation, or maintenance of the pain, initially the presence of a physical cause of the pain must be ruled out. The assessment of the patients understanding of the disorder or recording of feelings regarding the trauma are not priorities until a diagnosis of pain disorder is made. Posttraumatic stress disorder is not generally characterized with reports of sustained pain.

A client with dependent personality disorder has a goal to increase her problem-solving skills. Which client behavior would indicate progress toward meeting that goal? A) Asking questions B) Being polite C) Controlling emotional outbursts D) Requesting assistance appropriately

Ans: A Feedback:Clients with dependent personality disorder are very passive, so asking questions to gain information is an assertive first step in problem solving. Being polite, controlling emotional outbursts, and requesting assistance appropriately are not behaviors that would increase problem-solving skills.

The nurse is planning the type of approach that will be most effective in developing a therapeutic relationship with the client. The nurse should use a matter-of-fact approach with clients with which types of personality disorders? Select all that apply. A) Paranoid B) Antisocial C) Schizotypal D) Narcissistic E) Avoidant

Ans: A, B, D Feedback:Paranoid, antisocial, and narcissistic personalities need a serious, straightforward approach that includes limit setting and a matter-of-fact approach. Schizotypal personalities need to improve community functioning through social skills training. Avoidant personalities require support and reassurance to promote self-esteem.

Which steps are involved in limit setting? Select all that apply. A) State expected behavior. B) Inform clients or the rule or limit. C) Threaten incarceration. D) Explain the consequences if clients exceed the limit. E) Occasionally limit enforcement.

Ans: A, B, D Feedback: Limit setting involves three steps:1. Inform clients of the rule or limit.2. Explain the consequences if clients exceed the limit.3. State expected behavior.Threatening the client with incarceration is not likely effective. Providing consistent limit enforcement with no exceptions by all members of the health-care team, including parents, is essential.

Of the following personality disorders, which are most likely related to lack of caring about others? Select all that apply. A) Schizotypal personality disorder B) Borderline personality disorder C) Antisocial personality disorder D) Narcissistic personality disorder E) Obsessiveñcompulsive personality disorder

Ans: A, C, D Feedback: Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by acute discomfort with and reduced capacity for close relationships as well as by cognitive or perceptual distortions and behavioral eccentricities. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect as well as marked impulsivity. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of othersóand with the central characteristics of deceit and manipulation. Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Obsessiveñcompulsive personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with perfectionism, mental and interpersonal control, and orderliness at the expense of flexibility, openness, and efficiency.

Which of the following are events that a person may experience, witness, or be confronted by that may trigger posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Select all that apply. A) Being a survivor of a tsunami that resulted in thousands of deaths B) Being stranded at the office during a typical winter storm that was anticipated C) Being a marine in a combat situation where the entire platoon was wiped out except for one person D) Being hidden in a closet and hearing the entire family murdered by someone who broke into the home E) Watching televised segments of the moment when the plane hit the second tower on 9/11

Ans: A, C, D, E Feedback: Examples of events that may cause PTSD include someone experiencing, witnessing, or being confronted by a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, combat, or an assault. The person with PTSD was exposed to an event that posed actual or threatened death or serious injury and responded with intense fear, helplessness, or terror. Being a survivor of a tsunami that resulted in thousands of deaths, being a marine in a combat situation where the entire platoon was wiped out except for one person, and being hidden in a closet and hearing the entire family murdered by someone who broke into the house would be situations where the person was exposed to an event that posed actual or threatened death or serious injury and responded with intense fear, helplessness, or terror.

Which are most likely included in the history of a child with conduct disorder? Select all that apply. A) Disturbed relationships with peers B) Major antisocial violations C) Aggression toward people or animals D) Destruction of property E) Serious violation of rules

Ans: A, C, D, E Feedback:Children with conduct disorder have a history of disturbed relationships with peers, aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violation of rules (e.g., truancy, running away from home, and staying out all night without permission). Major antisocial violations would be indicative of antisocial behavior.

The parents of a child with ADHD express to the nurse, ìWe get so frustrated when our son never minds us.î Which parenting strategies should the nurse discuss with the parents? Select all that apply. A) Use time-out for behavior control. B) Provide occasional rewards and consequences for behavior. C) Give verbal reprimands for negative behavior. D) Resist giving praise until fully compliant with requests. E) Use a point system for positive and negative behavior.

Ans: A, C, E Feedback: Educating parents and helping them with parenting strategies are crucial components of effective treatment of ADHD. Effective approaches include providing consistent rewards and consequences for behavior, offering consistent praise, using time-out, and giving verbal reprimands. Additional strategies are issuing daily report cards for behavior and using point systems for positive and negative behavior.

When a client is experiencing a panic attack while in the recreation room, what interventions are the nurse's first priorities? Select all that apply. A) Provide a safe environment. B) Request a prescription for an antianxiety agent. C) Offer the client therapy to calm down D) Ensure the client's privacy. E) Engage the client in recreational activities.

Ans: A, D Feedback: During a panic attack, the nurse's first concern is to provide a safe environment and to ensure the client's privacy. If the environment is overstimulating, the client should move to a less stimulating place. Decreasing external stimuli will help lower the client's anxiety level. The client's safety is priority. Anxious behavior can be escalated by external stimuli. In a large area, the client can feel lost and panicked, but a smaller room can enhance a sense of security. An antianxiety agent may be helpful, but it is not the priority. It would likely be stimulating to engage the client in recreational activities.

Which is the primary gain associated with developing physical symptoms in response to stress? A) Accept dependency B) Decrease anxiety C) Experience attention D) Suppress anger

Ans: B Feedback: Primary gain is always relief of stress, anxiety, or conflicting/unacceptable emotions. They are the direct external benefits that being sick provides, such as relief from anxiety, conflict, or distress.

Which are important points for the nurse to consider when working with clients with disruptive behavior disorders and their families? Select all that apply. A) Most behavior disorders are caused by being raised by parents who had behavior disorders in their own childhoods. B) Remember to focus on the client's strengths and assets, as well as their problems. C) Transient conduct disorders are common in all children. D) Avoid a blaming attitude toward clients and/or families. E) Focus on positive actions to improve situations and/or behaviors.

Ans: B, D, E Feedback: Points to consider when working with clients with disruptive behavior disorders and their families include the following:ï Remember to focus on the client's strengths and assets, as well as their problems.ï Avoid a blaming attitude toward clients and/or families; rather focus on positive actions to improve situations and/or behaviors.There is a familial tendency for behavior disorders, but that is not the only cause for behavior disorders. Conduct disorders are not common in all children, but it can be difficult to distinguish normal child behavior from conduct disorders at times.

A client asks how his prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) helps his anxiety disorder. The nurse explains that antianxiety medications such as alprazolam affect the function of which neurotransmitter that is believed to be dysfunctional in anxiety disorders? A) Serotonin B) Norepinephrine C) GABA D) Dopamine

Ans: C Feedback: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the amino acid neurotransmitter believed to be dysfunctional in anxiety disorders. GABA reduces anxiety, and norepinephrine increases it; researchers believe that a problem with the regulation of these neurotransmitters occurs in anxiety disorders. Serotonin is usually implicated in psychosis and mood disorders. Dopamine is indicated in psychosis.

When presenting information about conduct disorders to a community group, the nurse is asked, "which is the best setting for care of a client with conduct disorders when parents cannot provide safe, structured environments and adequate supervision for the client?" Which would be the most appropriate reply by the nurse? A) The acute care setting B) School C) Residential treatment settings D) Jail-diversion program

Ans: C Feedback: Group homes, halfway houses, and residential treatment settings are designed to provide safe, structured environments and adequate supervision if that cannot be provided at home. Clients with conduct disorder are seen in acute care settings only when their behavior is severe and only for short periods of stabilization. Clients with legal issues may be placed in detention facilities, jails, or jail-diversion programs.

A client with antisocial personality disorder is begging to use the phone to call his wife, even though it is against the unit rules. The client begs, ìIt is just this once, and she will be so hurt if I don't call her.î Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse? A) ìOnly to help your wife, you can call this time.î B) ìI will get in trouble with my supervisor if I let you call.î C) ìYou may not use the phone to call your wife.î D) ìYou cannot call because you need to focus on your recovery while you are here, not your wife.î

Ans: C Feedback: The client may attempt to bend the rules ìjust this onceî with numerous excuses and justifications. The nurse's refusal to be manipulated or charmed will help decrease manipulative behavior. Avoid any discussion about why requirements exist. State the requirement in a matter-of-fact manner. Avoid arguing with the client.

The nurse is teaching a client with an anxiety disorder ways to manage anxiety. The nurse suggests which of the following schedules for practicing stress management techniques? A) Practice the techniques each morning and night as part of a daily routine. B) Use the techniques as needed when experiencing severe anxiety. C) Practice the techniques when relatively calm. D) Expect to practice the techniques when meeting with a therapist.

Ans: C Feedback: The nurse can teach the client relaxation techniques to use when he or she is experiencing stress or anxiety, including deep breathing, guided imagery and progressive relaxation, and cognitive restructuring techniques. For any of these techniques, it is important for the client to learn and to practice them when he or she is relatively calm.

The nurse is planning care for a client with somatic symptom illness disorder. Which should the nurse plan to reassess on a daily basis? A) Sensory deficits experienced by the client B) Character of pain reported by the client C) Frequency of generalized somatic complaints D) Signs of possible neurologic disorders

Ans: C Feedback: Somatic symptom illness is characterized by multiple physical symptoms. The frequency of generalized somatic complaints will give the nurse information about the current status of the disorder. Conversion disorder involves unexplained, usually sudden deficits in sensory or neurologic motor function and might be manifested by sensory deficits being experienced by the client. Pain disorder has the primary physical symptom of pain and would be reassessed with the description of the character of any pain reported by the client. If the nurse would reassess for signs of possible neurologic disorders, it may serve to reinforce to the client that there might be something wrong.

A child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has the nursing diagnosis of disturbed personal identity. Which outcome would best address this clients diagnosis? A. The client will name own body parts as separate from others by day 5. B. The client will establish a means of communicating personal needs by discharge. C. The client will initiate social interactions with caregivers by day 4. D. The client will not harm self or others by discharge.

ANS: A An appropriate outcome for this client is to name own body parts as separate from others. The nurse should assist the client in the recognition of separateness during self-care activities such as dressing and feeding. The long-term goal for disturbed personal identity is for the client to develop an ego identity.

A patient has a fear of public speaking. The nurse should be aware that social anxiety disorders (social phobias) are often treated with which type of medication? a. Beta-blockers b. Antipsychotic medications c. Tricyclic antidepressant agents d. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

ANS: A Beta-blockers, such as propranolol, are often effective in preventing symptoms of anxiety associated with social phobias. Neuroleptic medications are major tranquilizers and not useful in treating social phobias. Tricyclic antidepressants are rarely used because of their side effect profile. MAOIs are administered for depression and only by individuals who can observe the special diet required.

A child diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is going to begin medication therapy. The nurse should plan to teach the family about which classification of medications? a. Central nervous system stimulants b. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) c. Antipsychotic medications d. Anxiolytic medications

ANS: A Central nervous system stimulants increase blood flow to the brain and have proven helpful in reducing hyperactivity in children and adolescents with ADHD. The other medication categories listed would not be appropriate.

The nurse has been working with a patient who experiences anxiety. Which intervention should the nurse implement initially when the patient is observed pacing and wring her hands? a. Asking how she has managed anxiety effectively in the past b. Distracting her by offering to help her make a telephone call c. Asking her what she believes is causing her increased anxiety d. Teaching her to take deep, relaxing breaths to manage the anxiety

ANS: A First help the patient to build on the coping methods that the patient used to manage anxiety in the past. Coping methods that were previously successful will generally be effective in subsequent situations. Distraction is not usually successful initially. Assessing for the cause of the anxiety will not, in this situation, be helpful in managing it; often times patients are not aware of the cause. Teaching will not be effective while the patient is experiencing anxiety but should be done when the patient is relaxed and able to focus.

Which presentations suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder, self-directed type? Select all that apply. a. History of multiple hospitalizations without findings of physical illness b. History of multiple medical procedures or exploratory surgeries c. Going from one doctor to another seeking the desired response d. Claims illness to obtain financial benefit or other incentive e. Difficulty describing symptoms

ANS: A, B Persons with factitious disorders, self-directed type, typically have a history of multiple hospitalizations and medical workups, with negative findings from workups. Sometimes they have even had multiple surgeries seeking the origin of the physical complaints. If they do not receive the desired response from a hospitalization, they may elope or accuse staff of incompetence. Such persons usually seek treatment through a consistent health care provider rather than doctor-shopping, are not motivated by financial gain or other external incentives, and present symptoms in a very detailed, plausible manner indicating considerable understanding of the disorder or presentation they are mimicking. See relationship to audience response question.

A student is preparing to give a class presentation. A few minutes before the presentation is to begin, the student seems nervous and distracted. The student is looking at and listening to the peer speaker and occasionally looking at note cards. When the peer speaker asks a question of the group, the student is able to answer correctly. The professor understands that the student is likely experiencing which level of stress? A) Mild B) Moderate C) Severe D) Panic

ANS: B

Which common assessment finding would be most applicable to a patient diagnosed with any personality disorder? The patient: a. demonstrates behaviors that cause distress to self rather than to others. b. has self-esteem issues, despite his or her outward presentation. c. usually becomes psychotic when exposed to stress. d. does not experience real distress from symptoms.

ANS: B Self-esteem issues are present, despite patterns of withdrawal, grandiosity, suspiciousness, or unconcern. They seem to relate to early life experiences and are reinforced through unsuccessful experiences in loving and working. Personality disorders involve lifelong, inflexible, dysfunctional, and deviant patterns of behavior that cause distress to others and, in some cases, to self. Patients with personality disorders may experience very real anxiety and distress when stress levels rise. Some individuals with personality disorders, but not all, may decompensate and show psychotic behaviors under stress.

A patient with blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder says, All the doctors and nurses in this hospital stop by often to check on me. Too bad people outside the hospital dont find me interesting. Which nursing diagnosis is most relevant? a. Social isolation b. Chronic low self-esteem c. Interrupted family processes d. Ineffective health maintenance

ANS: B The patient mentions that the symptoms make people more interested, which indicates that the patient believes he or she is uninteresting and unpopular without the symptoms, thus supporting the nursing diagnosis of Chronic low self-esteem. Defining characteristics for the other nursing diagnoses are not present in this scenario

What are the primary distinguishing factors between the behavior of children diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and those diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD)? (Select all that apply.) The child diagnosed with: a. ODD relives traumatic events by acting them out. b. ODD tests limits and disobeys authority figures. c. ODD has difficulty separating from the parents. d. CD uses stereotypical or repetitive language. e. CD often violates the rights of others.

ANS: B, E Children with ODD are negativistic, disobedient, and defiant toward authority figures without seriously violating the basic rights of others, whereas children with CD frequently behave in ways that violate the rights of others and age-appropriate societal norms. Reliving traumatic events occurs with post-traumatic stress disorder. Stereotypical language behaviors are observed in autistic children. Separation problems with resultant anxiety occur with separation anxiety disorder.

Which adult client should a nurse identify as exhibiting the characteristics of a dependent personality disorder? A. A physically healthy client who is dependent on meeting social needs by contact with 15 cats B. A physically healthy client who has a history of depending on intense relationships to meet basic needs C. A physically healthy client who lives with parents and relies on public transportation D. A physically healthy client who is serious, inflexible, perfectionistic, and depends on rules to provide security

ANS: C A physically healthy adult client who lives with parents and relies on public transportation exhibits signs of dependent personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior.

The head nurse in the ED has received word that a major fire in a high-rise office tower will result in many injured persons being brought to the hospital within the next few minutes. The head nurse tells the staff, You will need to assess for acute stress reactions as well as treating physical problems. Which patient is exhibiting symptoms characteristic of acute stress reaction? a. A male whose moods swing between mania and depression b. A female who reports still hearing her daughters pleas for help c. A male who keeps repeating I dont understand whats going on? d. A female who is rocking her young son and repeating it will be okay.

ANS: C Acute stress reactions are characterized by indications of dissociation, such as dissociative amnesia. Mood swings are more reflective of a mood disorder. Auditory hallucinations would be consistent with re-living a traumatic event. Comforting and reassuring a child in this manner is not characteristic of an acute stress reaction.

A kindergartener is disruptive in class. This child is unable to sit for expected lengths of time, inattentive to the teacher, screams while the teacher is talking, and is aggressive toward other children. The nurse plans interventions designed to: a. promote integration of self-concept. b. provide inpatient treatment for the child. c. reduce loneliness and increase self-esteem. d. improve language and communication skills.

ANS: C Because of their disruptive behaviors, children with ADHD often receive negative feedback from parents, teachers, and peers, leading to self-esteem disturbance. These behaviors also cause peers to avoid the child with ADHD, leaving the child with ADHD vulnerable to loneliness. The child does not need inpatient treatment at this time. The incorrect options might or might not be relevant.

A preschool child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has been engaging in constant head-banging behavior. Which nursing intervention is appropriate? A. Place client in restraints until the aggression subsides. B. Sedate the client with neuroleptic medications. C. Hold clients head steady and apply a helmet. D. Distract the client with a variety of games and puzzles.

ANS: C The most appropriate intervention for head banging is to hold the clients head steady and apply a helmet. The helmet is the least restrictive intervention and will serve to protect the clients head from injury.

When analyzing the behaviors of a 23-year-old who meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, the nurse recognizes that which nursing diagnosis would be pertinent to his care? a. Risk for self-mutilation b. Disturbed personal identity c. Impaired social interaction d. Social isolation

ANS: C The patient with antisocial personality disorder is impulsive, manipulative, and dishonest. Patients with this disorder are frequently involved in illegal matters. Self-mutilation and disturbed identity are more appropriate for patients with borderline personality disorder. Social isolation would apply more readily to Cluster A disorders.

A cab driver stuck in traffic is suddenly lightheaded, tremulous, and diaphoretic and experiences tachycardia and dyspnea. An extensive workup in an emergency department reveals no pathology. Which medical diagnosis is suspected, and what nursing diagnosis takes priority? A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear B. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance D. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety

ANS: D The nurse should suspect that the client has exhibited signs/symptoms of a panic disorder. The priority nursing diagnosis should be panic anxiety. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, sudden-onset panic attacks in which the person feels intense fear, apprehension, or terror.

A nursing instructor is teaching about the developmental characteristics of clients diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability (ID). Which student statement indicates that further instruction is needed? A. These clients can work in a sheltered workshop setting. B. These clients can perform some personal care activities. C. These clients may have difficulties relating to peers. D. These clients can successfully complete elementary school.

ANS: D The nursing student needs further instruction about moderate mental retardation because individuals diagnosed with moderate ID are capable of academic skill up to only a second-grade level. Moderate ID reflects an IQ range of 35 to 49.

a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) in divided doses. If the child takes the first dose at 8 AM, which behavior might the school nurse expect to see at noon? A) Increased impulsivity or hyperactive behavior B) Lack of appetite for lunch C) Sleepiness or drowsiness D) Social isolation from peers

Ans: A Feedback: Ritalin has a short half-life, so doses are needed about every 4 hours during the day to maintain symptom control. Giving stimulants during daytime hours usually effectively combats insomnia.

A client experiences panic attacks when confronted with riding in elevators. The therapist is teaching the client ways to relax while incrementally exposing the client to getting on an elevator. This technique is called A) systematic desensitization. B) flooding. C) cognitive restructuring. D) exposure therapy.

Ans: A Feedback: One behavioral therapy often used to treat phobias is systematic (serial) desensitization, in which the therapist progressively exposes the client to the threatening object in a safe setting until the client's anxiety decreases. Flooding is a form of rapid desensitization in which a behavioral therapist confronts the client with the phobic object (either a picture or the actual object) until it no longer produces anxiety. Cognitive restructuring involves challenging the client's irrational beliefs. Exposure therapy is similar to flooding.

Which of the following interventions by the nurse will increase the client's sense of security? A) Allowing the client to perform the rituals B) Distracting the client from rituals with other activities C) Encouraging the client to talk about the purpose of the rituals D) Stopping the client from performing the rituals

Ans: A Feedback: The client performs rituals to decrease anxiety and will feel most secure when performing the rituals. The other choices would not promote a sense of security of the client.

The nurse is educating a client and family about managing panic attacks after discharge from treatment. The nurse includes which of the following in the discharge teaching? Select all that apply. A) Continued development of positive coping skills B) Weaning off of medications as necessary C) Lessening the amount of daily responsibilities D) Continued practice of relaxation techniques E) Development of a regular exercise program

Ans: A, D, E Feedback: Client/family education for panic disorder includes reviewing breathing control and relaxation techniques, discussing positive coping strategies, encouraging regular exercise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining prescribed medication regimen and regular follow-up, describing time management techniques such as creating ìto doî lists with realistic estimated deadlines for each activity, crossing off completed items for a sense of accomplishment, saying ìno,î and stressing the importance of maintaining contact with community and participating in supportive organizations. Medication should be adhered to as prescribed. Daily responsibilities cannot be avoided, rather should be successfully accomplished.

An actor has prepared extensively for his first stage production. On the morning of the opening of the play, the actor awakens with laryngitis. From which disorder is the actor most likely suffering? A) Acute upper respiratory infection B) Conversion disorder C) Hysteria D) Somatization disorder

Ans: B Feedback: Conversion disorder, sometimes called conversion reaction, involves unexplained, usually sudden deficits in sensory or motor function (e.g., blindness, paralysis). These deficits suggest a neurologic disorder but are associated with psychological factors. There is usually significant functional impairment. The term hysteria refers to multiple physical complaints with no organic basis; the complaints are usually described dramatically. Somatization disorder is characterized by multiple physical symptoms and includes a combination of pain and gastrointestinal, sexual, and pseudoneurologic symptoms.

Which of the following might the nurse recognize as longer-term responses to trauma and stress? Select all that apply. A) Acute stress disorder B) Posttraumatic stress disorder C) Adjustment disorder D) Reactive attachment disorder E) Dissociative disorder

Ans: B, C, D, E Feedback: Acute stress disorder usually occurs from 2 days to 4 weeks after a trauma. Posttraumatic stress disorder usually begins 3 months after the trauma. All of the rest of these are longer-term responses to trauma and stress.

Which of the following outcomes would take priority for a client who has survived trauma or abuse? Select all that apply. A) The client will demonstrate healthy, effective ways of dealing with the stress. B) The client will be physically safe. C) The client will establish a social support system in the community. D) The client will distinguish between ideas of self-harm and taking action on those ideas. E) The client will express emotions nondestructively.

Ans: B, D Feedback:It is the highest priority that the client be physically safe. Because persons who have survived trauma or abuse may have thoughts of self-harm, it is also critical that the client will distinguish between ideas of self-harm and taking action on those ideas. The other objectives are not as high a priority as safety and ideas of self-harm.

An anxiolytic agent, lorazepam (Ativan), has been prescribed for the client. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate to the nurse that client education about this medication has been effective? A) ìMy anxiety will be eliminated if I take this medication as prescribed.î B) ìThis medication presents no risk of addiction or dependence.î C) ìI will probably always need to take this medication for my anxiety.î D) ìThis medication will relax me, so I can focus on problem solving.î

Ans: D Feedback:Anxiolytics are designed for short-term use to relieve anxiety. These drugs are designed to relieve anxiety so that the person can deal more effectively with whatever crisis or situation is causing stress. Benzodiazepines have a tendency to cause dependence. Clients need to know that antianxiety agents are aimed at relieving symptoms such as anxiety but do not treat the underlying problems that cause the anxiety.

The parents of an autistic child ask the nurse, ìWill my child ever be normal?î Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse? A) You seem worried about your child's future. B) Autistic children can fully recover with the right treatment and education. C) Your child should outgrow autistic traits by adolescence. D) Your child will probably always have some autistic traits.

Ans: D Feedback: Autistic traits persist into adulthood, and most people with autism remain dependent to some degree on others. Manifestations vary from little speech and poor daily living skills throughout life to adequate social skills that allow relatively independent functioning. Social skills rarely improve enough to permit marriage and child rearing.

Which thought process would cause a client with antisocial personality disorder to want to do everything for himself? A) Belief in his own self-worth B) Inability to delay gratification C) Rewards for competitive behavior D) Sense of mistrust of others

Ans: D Feedback: Clients believe others are just like them, that is, ready to exploit and use others for their own gain. These clients are devoid of personal emotions, and actually the self is quite shallow and empty. These clients view relationships as serving their needs and pursue others only for personal gain. There is no competition because these clients believe they are only taking care of themselves because no one else will