Mental Health Final Exam Review 325

14. A nurses neighbor says, My sister has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but will not take her medication. I have tried to help her for over 20 years, but it seems like everything I do fails. Do you have any suggestions? Select the nurses best response. a. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a family education series that you might find helpful. b. Since your sister is noncompliant, perhaps its time for her to be changed to injectable medication. c. You have done all you can. Now its time to put yourself first and move on with your life. d. You cannot help her. Would it be better for you to discontinue your relationship?

ANS: A The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a family education series that assists with the stress caregivers and other family members often experience. The nurse should not give advice about injectable medication or encourage the family member to give up on the patient.

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 hearts 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.

29. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia begins to talks about "macnabs" hiding in the warehouse at work. The term "macnabs" should be documented as: a. a neologism. c. thought insertion. b. concrete thinking. d. an idea of reference.

ANS: A A neologism is a newly coined word having special meaning to the patient. "Macnabs" is not a known common word. Concrete thinking refers to the inability to think abstractly. Thought insertion refers to thoughts of others are implanted in one's mind. Ideas of reference are a type of delusion in which trivial events are given personal significance. REF: Page 205-206 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority? a. Implement suicide precautions. b. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently. c. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths. d. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.

ANS: A Implementing suicide precautions is the only option related to patient safety. The other options, related to nutrition, self-esteem, and medication therapy, are important but are not priorities.

4. When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol (Haldol) 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. REF: Page 215-216 (Table 12-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

8. An adult diagnosed with schizophrenia lives with elderly parents. The patient was recently hospitalized with acute psychosis. One parent is very anxious, and the other is ill because of the stress. Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable to this scenario? a. Ineffective family coping related to parental role conflict b. Caregiver role strain related to the stress of chronic illness c. Impaired parenting related to patients repeated hospitalizations d. Interrupted family processes related to relapse of acute psychosis

ANS: B Caregiver role strain refers to a caregivers felt or exhibited difficulty in performing a family caregiver role. In this case, one parent exhibits stress-related illness and the other exhibits increased anxiety. The other nursing diagnoses are not substantiated by the information given and are incorrectly formatted [one nursing diagnosis should not be the etiology for another].

1. After 5 years in a state hospital, an adult diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged to the community. This patient now requires persistent direction to accomplish activities of daily living and expects others to provide meals and do laundry. The nurse assesses this behavior as the probable result of: a. side effects of antipsychotic medications. b. dependency caused by institutionalization. c. cognitive deterioration from schizophrenia. d. stress associated with acclimation to the community.

ANS: B Institutions tend to impede independent functioning; for example, daily activities are planned and directed by staff; others provide meals and only at set times. Over time, patients become dependent on the institution to meet their needs and adapt to being cared for rather than caring for themselves. When these patients return to the community, many continue to demonstrate passive behaviors despite efforts to promote. Cognitive dysfunction and antipsychotic side effects can make planning and carrying out activities more difficult, but the question is more suggestive of adjustment to institutional care and difficulty readjusting to independence instead.

11. A parent is admitted to a chemical dependency treatment unit. The patients spouse and adolescent children attend a family session. Which initial assessment question should the nurse ask of family members? a. What changes are most important to you? b. How are feelings expressed in your family? c. What types of family education would benefit your family? d. Can you identify a long-term goal for improved functioning?

ANS: B It is important to understand family characteristics, particularly in a family under stress. Expression of feelings is an important aspect of assessment of the familys function (or dysfunction). The distracters relate more to outcome identification and planning interventions, both of which should be delayed until the assessment is complete.

15. Serious mental illness is characterized as: a. any mental illness of more than 2 weeks duration. b. a major long-term mental illness marked by significant functional impairments. c. a mental illness accompanied by physical impairment and severe social problems. d. a major mental illness that cannot be treated to prevent deterioration of cognitive and social abilities.

ANS: B Serious mental illness has replaced the term chronic mental illness. Global impairments in function are evident, particularly social. Physical impairments may be present. Serious mental illness can be treated, but remissions and exacerbations are part of the course of the illness.

8. The sibling of a patient who was diagnosed with a serious mental illness asks why a case manager has been assigned. The nurses reply should cite the major advantage of the use of case management as: a. The case manager can modify traditional psychotherapy for homeless patients so that it is more flexible. b. Case managers coordinate services and help with accessing them, making sure the patients needs are met. c. The case manager can focus on social skills training and esteem building in the real world where the patient lives. d. Having a case manager has been shown to reduce hospitalizations, which prevents disruption and saves money.

ANS: B The case manager helps the patient gain entrance into the system of care, can coordinate multiple referrals that so often confuse the seriously mentally ill person and his family, and can help overcome obstacles to access and treatment participation. Case managers do not usually possess the credentials needed to provide psychotherapy or function as therapists. Case management promotes efficient use of services in general, but only Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programming has been shown to reduce hospitalization (which the sibling might see as a disadvantage). Case managers operate in the community, but this is not the primary advantage of their services.

13. Two divorced people plan to marry. The man has a teenager, and the woman has a toddler. This family will benefit most from: a. role-playing opportunities for conflict resolution regarding discipline. b. guidance about parenting children at two developmental levels. c. formal teaching about problem-solving skills. d. referral to a family therapist.

ANS: B The newly formed family will be coping with tasks associated with the stage of rearing preschool children and teenagers. These stages require different knowledge and skills. There is no evidence of a problem, so the distracters are not indicated.

A patient demonstrating characteristics of acute mania relapsed after discontinuing lithium. New orders are written to resume lithium twice daily and begin olanzapine (Zyprexa). What is the rationale for the addition of olanzapine to the medication regimen? It will: a. minimize the side effects of lithium. b. bring hyperactivity under rapid control. c. enhance the antimanic actions of lithium. d. be used for long-term control of hyperactivity.

ANS: B Manic symptoms are controlled by lithium only after a therapeutic serum level is attained. Because this takes several days to accomplish, a drug with rapid onset is necessary to reduce the hyperactivity initially. Antipsychotic drugs neither enhance lithium's antimanic activity nor minimize the side effects. Lithium will be used for longterm control.

3. Which service would be expected to provide resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed for persons with serious mental illness? a. Clubhouse model b. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) c. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) d. Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET)

ANS: C Assertive community treatment (ACT) involves consumers working with a multidisciplinary team that provides a comprehensive array of services. At least one member of the team is available 24 hours a day for crisis needs, and the emphasis is on treating the patient within his own environment.

11. The nurse wants to enroll a patient with poor social skills in a training program for patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which description accurately describes social skills training? a. Patients learn to improve their attention and concentration. b. Group leaders provide support without challenging patients to change. c. Complex interpersonal skills are taught by breaking them into simpler behaviors. d. Patients learn social skills by practicing them in a supported employment setting.

ANS: C In social skills training, complex interpersonal skills are taught by breaking them down into component behaviors that are covered in a stepwise fashion. Social skills training is not based in employment settings, although such skills can be addressed as part of supported employment services. The other distracters are less relevant to social skills training.

16. Which nursing diagnosis is likely to apply to an individual diagnosed with a serious mental illness who is homeless? a. Insomnia b. Substance abuse c. Chronic low self-esteem d. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome

ANS: C Many individuals with serious mental illness do not live with their families and become homeless. Life on the street or in a shelter has a negative influence on the individuals self-esteem, making this nursing diagnosis one that should be considered. Substance abuse is not an approved NANDA-International diagnosis. Insomnia may be noted in some patients but is not a universal problem. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome refers to persistent disorientation, which is not seen in a majority of the homeless.

2. An adult diagnosed with a serious mental illness says, I do not need help with money management. I have excellent ideas about investments. This patient usually does not have money to buy groceries by the middle of the month. The nurse assesses the patient as demonstrating: a. rationalization. c. anosognosia. b. identification. d. projection.

ANS: C The patient scenario describes anosognosia, the inability to recognize ones deficits due to ones illness. The patient is not projecting an undesirable thought or emotion from himself onto others. He is not justifying his behavior via rationalization and is not identifying with another.

16. A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has taken fluphenazine (Prolixin) 5 mg po bid for 3 weeks. The nurse now observes a shuffling propulsive gait, a mask-like face, and drooling. Which term applies to these symptoms? a. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome c. Pseudoparkinsonism b. Hepatocellular effects d. Akathisia

ANS: C Pseudoparkinsonism induced by antipsychotic medication mimics the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It frequently appears within the first month of treatment and is more common with first-generation antipsychotic drugs. Hepatocellular effects would produce abnormal liver test results. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is characterized by autonomic instability. Akathisia produces motor restlessness. REF: Page 215-216 (Table 12-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment

16. A family expresses helplessness related to dealing with a mentally ill members odd behaviors, mood swings, and argumentativeness. An effective nursing intervention for this family would be to: a. express sympathy for their situation. c. explain symptoms of relapse. b. involve local social service agencies. d. role-play difficult situations.

ANS: D Helping a family learn to set limits and deal with difficult behaviors can often be accomplished by using role-playing situations, which give family members the opportunity to try new, more effective approaches. The other options would not provide learning opportunities.

6. While performing an assessment, the nurse says to a patient, While growing up, most of us heard some half-truths about sexual matters that continue to puzzle us as adults. Do any come to your mind now? The purpose of this question is to: a. identify areas of sexual dysfunction for treatment. b. determine possible homosexual urges. c. introduce the topic of masturbation. d. identify sexual misinformation.

ANS: D Misinformation about normal sex and sexuality is common. Lack of knowledge may affect an individuals sexual adjustment. Once myths have been identified, the nurse can give information to dispel the myth.

15. A nurse provided medication education for a patient diagnosed with major depression who began a new prescription for phenelzine (Nardil). Which behavior indicates effective learning? The patient: a. monitors sodium intake and weight daily. b. wears support stockings and elevates the legs when sitting. c. can identify foods with high selenium content that should be avoided. d. confers with a pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter medications.

ANS: D Over-the-counter medicines may contain vasopressor agents or tyramine, a substance that must be avoided when the patient takes MAOI antidepressants. Medications for colds, allergies, or congestion or any preparation that contains ephedrine or phenylpropanolamine may precipitate a hypertensive crisis. MAOI antidepressant therapy is unrelated to the need for sodium limitation, support stockings, or leg elevation. MAOIs interact with tyramine-containing foods, not selenium, to produce dangerously high blood pressure.

7. The parent of an adolescent diagnosed with mental illness asks the nurse, Why do you want to do a family assessment? My teenager is the patient, not the rest of us. Select the nurses best response. a. Family dysfunction might have caused the mental illness. b. Family members provide more accurate information than the patient. c. Family assessment is part of the protocol for care of all patients with mental illness. d. Every family members perception of events is different and adds to the total picture.

ANS: D The identified patient usually bears most of the family systems anxiety and may have come to the attention of parents, teachers, or law enforcement because of poor coping skills. The correct response helps the family understand that the opinions of each will be valued. It allows the nurse to assess individual coping and prepares the family for the experience of working together to set goals and solve problems. The other responses are either incorrect or evasive.

Nursing behaviors associated with the implementation phase of nursing process are concerned with: a. participating in mutual identification of patient outcomes. b. gathering accurate and sufficient patient-centered data. c. comparing patient responses and expected outcomes. d. carrying out interventions and coordinating care.

ANS: D Nursing behaviors relating to implementation include using available resources, performing interventions, finding alternatives when necessary, and coordinating care with other team members.

A patient's relationships are intense and unstable. The patient initially idealizes the significant other and then devalues him or her, resulting in frequent feelings of emptiness. This patient will benefit from interventions to develop which aspect of mental health? a. Effectiveness in work b. Communication skills c. Productive activities d. Fulfilling relationships

ANS: D The information given centers on relationships with others that are described as intense and unstable. The relationships of mentally healthy individuals are stable, satisfying, and socially integrated. Data are not present to describe work effectiveness, communication skills, or activities.

Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance 25. A patient diagnosed with major depression began taking escitalopram (Lexapro) 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.

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: Page 266 (Table 14-6) | Page 268 (Box 14-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation