Psych FINAL
You are planning care for a suicidal patient, what is your nursing priority? a) Client will sign a no-suicide contract b) Obtaining medications to help calm the client c) Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy d) Making sure the client sells his guns
a
A nurse working in an emergency department is caring for a client who has Benzodiazepine toxicity due to an overdose. Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority? A. Administer flumazenil. B. Identify the client's level of orientation. C. Infuse IV fluids. D. Prepare the client for gastric lavage
b
Which of the following behavioral patterns is characteristic of individuals with schizotypal personality disorder? a. Belittling themselves and their abilities b. A lifelong pattern of social withdrawal c. Suspicious and mistrustful of others d. Overreacting inappropriately to minor stimuli
b
Tricyclic antidepressants should not be administered when there is a ____ in blood pressure and heart rate, why? Select all a. Increase, they increase blood pressure b. Decrease, they decrease blood pressure c. Can cause postural hypotension d. Increased risk for heart failure
b, c
An 82 year old male is brought in by his daughter because she states she is afraid he will commit suicide because he has been very depressed ever since his wife died, all he does is sleep and complain his life is meaningless. All of the following are risk factors for suicide except: a) Age b) Gender c) Single/loss of loved one d) Hypersomnia
d
A nurse observes dental deterioration when assessing a client diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. What explains this assessment finding? A. The emesis produced during purging is acidic and corrodes the tooth enamel. B. Purging causes the depletion of dietary calcium. C. Food is rapidly ingested without proper mastication. D. Poor dental and oral hygiene leads to dental caries.
A
A nurse is assessing a client who has alcohol use disorder and is experiencing withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.) A. Bradycardia B. Fine tremors of both hands C. Hypotension D. Vomiting E. Restlessness
B, D, E
The client states, "I don't know if I'll have time take the new promotion and go to school." The nurse replies, "you're afraid you may fail in the new position because of your schoolwork demand." Which therapeutic technique is this? A. Restating B. Making an observation C. Focusing D. Exploring
A
What is the difference between date rape and statutory rape? A. Statutory rape is when one person is above the age of consent and the other is not. Where as Date rape is where the people are acquaintances. B. Date rape is when one person is above the age of consent and the other is not. Where as Statutory rape is where the people are acquaintances. C. Statutory rape takes place in high schools and Date rape takes place in college. D. There is no difference in the two.
A
When an individual's stress response is sustained over a long period, the endocrine system involvement results in which of the following? A. Decreased resistance to disease B. Increased libido C. Decreased blood pressure D. Increased inflammatory response
A
Which tool can be used in order to assess a patient's likeliness to go through alcohol withdrawal? Select all the apply. A. CAGE B. CIWA C. MMSE D. SOAP E. MAST
A, B, E
A nurse is completing an admission assessment for a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse document as positive symptoms? (SATA) A. Auditory hallucination B. Lack of motivation C. Use of clang associations D. Delusion of persecution E. Constantly waving arms F. Flat effect
A, C, D, E
Which of the following are basic assumptions of milieu therapy? (Select all that apply.) A. The client owns his or her own environment B. Each client owns his or her own behavior C. Peer pressure is a useful and powerful tool D. Inappropriate behaviors are punished immediately
A,B,C
A client wants to give a gift to the nurse after termination of the nurse-client relationship. What boundary is the nurse concerned about protecting? A - Material B - Professional C - Social D - Personal
B
A nurse is explaining to a client different manifestations of depressive mood disorder, what subrole is the nurse fulfilling in this situation? A - Leader B - Resource Person C - Technical Expert D - Surrogate
B
A nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a client who was just informed that she requires emergency surgery. The client, has a respiratory rate 30/min, and says, "This is difficult to comprehend. I feel shaky and nervous." The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following levels of anxiety? A. Mild B. Moderate C. Severe D. Panic
B
John tells the nurse, "I think lights out at 10 o'clock on a weekend is stupid. We should be able to watch TV until midnight!" Which of the following is the most appropriate response from the nurse on the milieu unit? A. "John, you were told the rules when you were admitted." B. "You may bring it up before the others at the community meeting, John." C. " Some people want to go to bed early, John." D. " You are not the only person on the unit, John. You must think of others besides yourself."
B
This philosopher placed mental illness in a physical rather than supernatural context. A. Pythagorean B. Hippocrates C. Copernicus D. Kepler
B
Using the strategic approach with a family in therapy, the therapist would: A. Try to change family principles that may be promoting dysfunctional behavior patterns B. Strive to create change in destructive behavior through improvement in communication and interaction patterns C. Encourage increase in the differentiation of individual family members D. Promote change in dysfunctional behavior by encouraging the formation of more diffuse boundaries between family members
B
What are the main reasons that people stay with their abuser? A. Lack of support and they don't want to leave. B. Fear of retaliation and Fear for children. C. They feel that things will get better with time and they should try to fix it other ways. D. They dont want to neglect the other person and they dont know how to support themselves.
B
A nurse is caring for a client who has alcohol use disorder. The client is no longer experiencing withdrawal manifestations. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate administering to assist the client with maintaining abstinence from alcohol? A. Chlordiazepoxide B. Bupropion C. Disulfiram D. Carbamazepine
C
A nurse is planning a staff education program on substance use in older adults. Which of the following is appropriate for the nurse to include in the presentation? A. Older adults require higher doses of a substance to achieve a desired effect. B. Older adults commonly use rationalization to cope with a substance use disorder. C. Older adults are at an increased risk for substance use following retirement. D. Older adults develop substance use to mask manifestations of dementia.
C
A nurse responsible for conducting group therapy on an eating disorder unit schedules the sessions immediately after meals. Which is the best rationale for scheduling group therapy at this time? A. To shift the clients' focus from food to psychotherapy B. To prevent the use of maladaptive defense mechanisms C. To promote the processing of anxiety associated with eating D. To focus on weight control mechanisms and food preparation
C
The nurse is creating a contract of goals and expectations during the therapeutic relationship, what phase of the therapeutic relationship does this represent? A - Preinteraction B - Working C - Orientation D - Termination
C
This woman fought for therapeutic care of the mentally ill in the 19th century. A. Anna Freud B. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross C. Dorothea Dix D. Hildegard Peplau
C
A potential Olympic figure skater collapses during practice and is hospitalized for severe malnutrition. Anorexia nervosa is diagnosed. Which client statement best reflects a theory about the underlying etiology of this disorder? A. "I was just trying to be like everyone else." B. "All the skaters on the team are following an approved 1,200-calorie diet." C. "When I lose skating competitions, I also lose my appetite." D. "I am angry at my mother. I can get her approval only when I win competitions."
D
Cindy regularly develops nausea and vomiting when she is faced with a stressful situation. Which of the following is most likely a predisposing factor to this maladaptive response by Cindy? A. Cindy inherited her mother's "nervous stomach" B. Cindy is fixed in a lower level of development C. Cindy has never been motivated to achieve success D. When Cindy was a child, her mother pampered her and kept her home from school when she was ill
D
Client teaching is an important nursing function in milieu therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates the need for knowledge and a readiness to learn?" A. "Get away from me with that medicine! I'm not sick." B. " I don't need psychiatric treatment. It's my migraine headaches that I need help with." C. " I've taken Valium every day of my life for the last 20 years. I'll stop when I'm good and ready." D. "The doctor says I have bipolar disorder. What does that really mean?"
D
Education for the client who is taking MAOIs should include which of the following? A. Fluid and sodium replacement when appropriate, frequent drug blood levels, signs and symptoms of toxicity B. Lifetime of continuous use, possible tardive dyskinesia, advantages of an injection every 2 to 4 weeks C. Short-term use, possible tolerance to beneficial effects, careful tapering of the drug at end of treatment D. Tyramine-restricted diet, prohibitive concurrent use of over-the-counter medications without physician notification
D
Which of the following is NOT a therapeutic communication technique? A. Reflecting B. Offering self C. Accepting D. Probing
D
Which of the following is not a risk factor for the development of a somatic disorder? a. Childhood trauma or abuse b. A comorbid depressive disorder c. Female gender d. Being over 45 years old
D
A nurse assists a client with a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in his preparations for bedtime. One hour later the client calls the nurse and says that he is feeling anxious; he asks the nurse to sit and talk for a while. Which is the appropriate initial nursing action? a. Sit and talk with the client. b. Ask the unlicensed assistive personnel to sit with the client. c. Administer the prescribed as-needed antianxiety medication. d. Tell the client that it is time for sleep and that you will talk with him tomorrow.
a
A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with a conversion disorder. Which of the following should the nurse identify as a risk factor for developing a conversion disorder? a. Death of a spouse one month ago b. Recent job promotion c. Retirement one year ago d. History of arthritis
a
A nurse is planning care for the termination phase of a nurse-client relationship. What should they include in the plan of care? a. Discussing ways to use new behaviors b. Practicing new problem solving skills c. Developing goals d. Establishing boundaries
a
A patient is prescribed haloperidol for the management of schizophrenia. Before administering the medication, the healthcare provider observes facial grimacing and tongue thrusting. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first? a. Hold the medication and continue to assess patient b. Perform a mental status exam and document the findings c. Administer the prescribed amount of haloperidol d. Send a blood sample to the lab to measure the haloperidol level
a
A patient presents with sudden onset of psychotic symptoms that were preceded by a severe psychosocial stressor. Symptoms have been present for 3 days. Which disorder do you anticipate being diagnosed ? a. Brief psychotic disorder b. Schizoaffective disorder c. Schizophreniform disorder d. Substance-induced psychotic disorder
a
Hyperthyroidism can cause what disorder? a. Anxiety b. Depression c. Mania d. Schizophrenia
a
What foods should you avoid while taking an MAOI a. Processed meats b. Avacados c. Fruits d. Vegetables
a, b
What are the decisive factors in diagnosing schizoaffective disorder? Select all that apply. a. Presence of hallucinations and/or delusions b. Hallucinations and/or delusions occur for at least 2 weeks c. There is an absence of a major mood episode d. Catatonic features
a, b, c
When obtaining a health history focused on psych, what topic would you include? (Select all that apply) a. Past hospitalizations/ suicide attempts b. Medications/ treatments c. Providers/ diagnosis d. Details of tonsillectomy when 6.
a, b, c
What falls under the Objective data when writing a SOAP note? a. Orientation b. Height, weight c. Mood and Affect d. Thought content, thought process e. Insight, Judgement f. History of illness
a, b, c, d, e
Which of the following drugs can be used to treat somatic disorders?(select all that apply) a. Analgesics b. Antidepressants c. Anxiolytics d. Antipsychotics
a,b,c
A nurse is caring for a client who is in mechanical restraint. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the documentation? (Select all that apply.) a. "Client ate most of his breakfast" b. "Client was offered 8 oz of water every hour" c. "Client shouted obscenities at assistive personnel" d. "Client received chlorpromazine 15 mg by mouth at 1000" e. "Client acted out after lunch"
b, c, d
Tam has a new diagnosis of panic disorder. Her doctor has written a PRN order for alprazolam (Xanax) for her anxiety. She asked her nurse "The doctor gave my friend buspirone for her anxiety. Why did he order something different for me?" The nurse's answer is based on which of the following? a. Buspirone is not an anti anxiety medication b. Alprazolam and buspirone are essentially the same medication, so either is appropriate c. Buspirone has delayed onset of action and cannot be used on PRN basis. d. Alprazolam is the only medication that really works for panic disorder
c
Education for the client taking MAOIs should include which of the following? a. Fluid and sodium replacement when appropriate, frequent drug blood levels, signs and symptoms of toxicity b. Lifetime of continuous use, possible tardive dyskinesia, advantage of an injection every 2-4 weeks c. Short term use, possible tolerance to beneficial effects, careful tapering of the drug at the end of treatment d. Tyramine restricted diet, prohibitive concurrent use of over the counter medications without consulting physician
d
Paul is a member of an anger management group. He knew that people did not want to be his friend because of his violent temper. In the group, he has learned to control his temper and form satisfactory interpersonal relationships with others. This is an example of which therapeutic factor? a. Catharsis b. Altruism c. Imparting of information d. Development of socializing techniques
d
The daily record of dysfunctional thoughts is used in cognitive therapy to help clients: a. Identify automatic thoughts b. Modify automatic thoughts c. Identify rational alternatives d. All of the above
d
Which of the following are a part of SOLER active listening? (Select all that apply) A. Using eye contact B. Using comforting touch C. Relax D. Having an open posture E. Having a closed posture F. Leaning toward client G. Sitting square to client H. Standing by client I. Reassure client
A,C,D,F,G
Samuel, a 19-year-old high school student, has been admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with disturbance of conduct. He assaulted a teacher when he was told he was receiving detentions for a pattern of tardiness. The nurse, while completing rounds, finds the patient in his room crying, and one of his wrists is bleeding from a self-inflicted cut made by a piece of metal from an unknown source. Prioritize each of the following nursing interventions from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest priority. ___ A. Check the patient's vital signs. ___ B. Assess the wound site. ___ C. Contact the parents. ___ D. Discuss with Samuel what precipitated this event. ___ E. Cleanse and treat the wound site to prevent infection.
ANS: A: 3 B: 1 C: 5 D: 4 E: 2 The first priority is assessment (Item B), followed by providing care to meet physical and safety needs (Items E and A). The next priority is responding to the patient's emotional needs (Item D), and finally, contacting the patient's parents (Item C) in accordance with standards for confidentiality of medical information. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Management of Care
Which nursing statement reflects a common characteristic of a client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder? A. "This client consistently criticizes care and has difficulty getting along with others." B. "This client is shy and fades into the background." C. "This client expects special treatment, and setting limits will be necessary." D. "This client is expressive during group and is very pleased with self."
ANS: A A client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder has a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others. Anticipating humiliation and betrayal, the paranoid individual characteristically learns to attack first. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which characteristics should a nurse recognize as being exhibited by individuals diagnosed with any personality disorder? A. These clients accept and are comfortable with their altered behaviors. B. These clients understand that their altered behaviors result from anxiety. C. These clients seek treatment to avoid interpersonal discomfort. D. These clients avoid relationships due to past negative experiences.
ANS: A Clients who are diagnosed with personality disorders accept and are comfortable with their altered behaviors. Personalities that develop in a disordered pattern remain somewhat unstable and unpredictable throughout the lifetime. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is caring for a client who has threatened to commit suicide by hanging. The client states, "I'm going to use a knotted shower curtain when no one is around." Which information would determine the nurse's plan of care for this client? A. The more specific the plan is, the more likely the client will attempt suicide. B. Clients who talk about suicide never actually commit it. C. Clients who threaten suicide should be observed every 15 minutes. D. After a brief assessment, the nurse should avoid the topic of suicide.
ANS: A Clients who have specific plans are at greater risk for suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nurse begins the intake assessment of a client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder. The client shouts, "You can't do this to me. Do you know who I am?" Which is the priority nursing action in this situation? A. To provide self and client with a safe environment B. To redirect the client to the needed assessment information C. To provide high-calorie finger foods to meet nutritional needs D. To reorient the client to person, place, time, and situation
ANS: A During a manic episode the client's mood is elevated, expansive, and irritable. Providing a safe environment should be prioritized to protect the client and staff from potential injury. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client requests information on several medications in order to make an informed choice about management of depression. A nurse should provide this information to facilitate which ethical principle? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Nonmaleficence D. Justice
ANS: A The nurse should provide the information to support the client's autonomy. A client who is capable of making independent choices should be permitted to do so. In instances when clients are incapable of making informed decisions, a legal guardian or representative would be asked to give consent. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. What client history should cause a nurse to question this order? A. History of alcohol dependence B. History of personality disorder C. History of schizophrenia D. History of hypertension
ANS: A The nurse should question a prescription of alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety if the client has a history of alcohol dependence. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety and has an increased risk for physiological dependence and tolerance. A client with a history of substance abuse may be more likely to abuse other addictive substances and/or combine this drug with alcohol. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with depression and substance use disorder has an altered sleep pattern and demands that a psychiatrist prescribe a sedative. Which rationale explains why a nurse should encourage the client to first try nonpharmacological interventions? A. Sedative-hypnotics are potentially addictive and will lose their effectiveness due to tolerance. B. Sedative-hypnotics are expensive and have numerous side effects. C. Sedative-hypnotics interfere with necessary REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. D. Sedative-hypnotics are not as effective to promote sleep as antidepressant medications.
ANS: A The nurse should recommend nonpharmacological interventions to this client because sedative-hypnotics are potentially addictive and will lose their effectiveness due to tolerance. The effects of central nervous system depressants are additive with one another and are capable of producing physiological and psychological dependence. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
A lonely, depressed divorcée has been self-medicating with cocaine for the past year. Which term should a nurse use to best describe this individual's situation? A. The individual is experiencing psychological addiction. B. The individual is experiencing physical addiction. C. The individual is experiencing substance addiction. D. The individual is experiencing social addiction.
ANS: A The nurse should use the term "psychological addiction" to best describe this client's situation. A client is considered to be psychologically addicted to a substance when there is an overwhelming desire to use a substance in order to produce pleasure or avoid discomfort. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband. She is feeling very depressed. Which nontherapeutic statement by the nurse conveys sympathy? A. "You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband." B. "I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. I'll sit with you." C. "You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?" D. "I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like a prn medication for anxiety?"
ANS: A The nurse's statement, "You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same when I decided to leave my husband," is a nontherapeutic statement that conveys sympathy. Sympathy implies that the nurse shares what the client is feeling and by this personal expression alleviates the client's distress. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client who has been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder states, "God has taught me how to decode the Bible." A nurse should anticipate that which combination of medications would be ordered to address this client's symptoms? A. Lithium carbonate (Lithobid) and risperidone (Risperdal) B. Lithium carbonate (Lithobid) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) C. Valproic acid (Depakote) and sertraline (Zoloft) D. Valproic acid (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal)
ANS: A The patient who is experiencing psychosis (in this case, delusions of grandeur) may be benefited by the addition of an antipsychotic medication (risperidone) to the mood stabilizer (lithium). In addition, since lithium does not immediately reach therapeutic levels, the sedative properties of an antipsychotic may be useful in reducing agitation, hyperactivity, and/or insomnia. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
What should be the priority nursing diagnosis for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal? A. Risk for injury R/T central nervous system stimulation B. Disturbed thought processes R/T tactile hallucinations C. Ineffective coping R/T powerlessness over alcohol use D. Ineffective denial R/T continued alcohol use despite negative consequences
ANS: A The priority nursing diagnosis for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal should be risk for injury R/T central nervous system stimulation. Alcohol withdrawal may include the following symptoms: course tremors of hands, tongue, or eyelids; seizures; nausea or vomiting; malaise or weakness; tachycardia; sweating; elevated blood pressure; anxiety; depressed mood; hallucinations; headache; and insomnia. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: depressive episode intentionally overdoses on sertraline (Zoloft). Family reports that the client has experienced anorexia, insomnia, and recent job loss. What should be the priority nursing diagnosis for this client? A. Risk for suicide R/T hopelessness B. Anxiety: severe R/T hyperactivity C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements R/T refusal to eat D. Dysfunctional grieving R/T loss of employment
ANS: A The priority nursing diagnosis for this client should be risk for suicide R/T hopelessness. The nurse should prioritize diagnoses on the basis of physical and safety needs. This client continues to be at risk for suicide related to an intentional Zoloft overdose. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
Which nursing intervention strategy is most appropriate to implement initially with a suicidal client? A. Ask a direct question such as, "Do you ever think about killing yourself?" B. Ask client, "Please rate your mood on a scale from 1 to 10." C. Establish a trusting nurse-client relationship. D. Apply the nursing process to the planning of client care.
ANS: A The risk of suicide is greatly increased if the client has suicidal ideations, if the client has developed a plan, and particularly if the means exist for the client to execute the plan. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nursing instructor is teaching about the medications used to treat panic disorder. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. "Clonazepam (Klonopin) is particularly effective in the treatment of panic disorder." B. "Clozapine (Clozaril) is used off-label in long-term treatment of panic disorder." C. "Doxepin (Sinequan) can be used in low doses to relieve symptoms of panic attacks." D. "Buspirone (BuSpar) is used for its immediate effect to lower anxiety during panic attacks."
ANS: A The student indicates learning has occurred when he or she states that clonazepam is a particularly effective treatment for panic disorder. Clonazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that can be abused and lead to physical dependence and tolerance. It can be used on an as-needed basis to reduce anxiety and its related symptoms. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which client statement may indicate a transference reaction? A. "I need a real nurse. You are young enough to be my daughter and I don't want to tell you about my personal life." B. "I deserve more than I am getting here. Do you know who I am and what I do? Let me talk to your supervisor." C. "I don't seem to be able to relate to people. I would rather stay in my room and be by myself." D. "My mother is the source of my problems. She has always told me what to do and what to say."
ANS: A Transference occurs when a client unconsciously displaces or "transfers" to the nurse feelings formed toward a person from the past. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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 ___________________.
ANS: Anger The stages of grieving include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and resolution. Joe is expressing anger but in a way that is impairing his relationships with others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium carbonate because he complains that it makes him feel sick. Which of the following medications might be alternatively prescribed for mood stabilization in bipolar disorders? A. Sertraline (Zoloft) B. Valproic acid (Depakote) C. Trazodone (Desyrel) D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
ANS: B Although lithium is a prototype drug in the treatment of bipolar disorders, anticonvulsants such as valproic acid also have demonstrated efficacy for mood stabilization. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Which is a correctly written, appropriate outcome for a client with a history of suicide attempts who is currently exhibiting symptoms of low self-esteem by isolating self? A. The client will not physically harm self. B. The client will express three positive self-attributes by day 4. C. The client will reveal a suicide plan. D. The client will establish a trusting relationship.
ANS: B Although the client has a history of suicide attempts, the current problem is isolative behaviors based on low self-esteem. Outcomes should be client centered, specific, realistic, and measureable and contain a time frame. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization? A. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours. B. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast. C. The client will participate in three unit activities by day 3. D. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day 1.
ANS: B An appropriate initial client outcome is for the client to wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast. The nurse should also provide a structured schedule of activities and later in treatment begin to gradually limit the time allowed for rituals. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A stockbroker commits suicide after being convicted of insider trading. In speaking with the family, which statement by the nurse demonstrates accurate and appropriate sharing of information? A. "Your grieving will subside within 1 year; until then I recommend antidepressants." B. "Support groups are available specifically for survivors of suicide, and I would be glad to help you locate one in this area." C. "The only way to deal effectively with this kind of grief is to write a letter to the brokerage firm to express your anger with them." D. "Since stigmatization often occurs in these situations, it would be best if you avoid discussing the suicide with anyone."
ANS: B Bereavement following suicide is complicated by the complex psychological impact of the act on those close to the victim. Support groups for survivors can provide a meaningful resource for grief work. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. In which situation should a nurse recognize that this client is at greatest risk for drug overdose? A. When the client has a knowledge deficit related to the effects of the drug B. When the client combines the drug with alcohol C. When the client takes the drug
ANS: B Both Librium and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. In combination, these drugs have an additive effect and can suppress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory arrest and death. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse learns at report that a newly admitted client experiencing mania is demonstrating grandiose delusions. The nurse should recognize that which client statement would provide supportive evidence of this symptom? A. "I can't stop my sexual urges. They have led me to numerous affairs." B. "I'm the world's most perceptive attorney." C. "My wife is distraught about my overspending." D. "The FBI is out to get me."
ANS: B Grandiosity is defined as a belief that personal abilities are better than anyone else's. This client is experiencing delusions of grandeur, which are commonly experienced in mania. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
In assessing a client with polysubstance abuse, the nurse should recognize that withdrawal from which substance may require a life-saving emergency intervention? A. Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) B. Diazepam (Valium) C. Morphine (Astramorph) D. Phencyclidine (PCP)
ANS: B If large doses of a central nervous system (CNS) depressant (such as Valium) are repeatedly administered over a prolonged duration, a period of CNS hyperexcitability occurs on withdrawal of the drug. The response can be quite severe, even leading to convulsions and death. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Brandy is an 18-year-old being treated in the Community Mental Health Clinic for an adjustment disorder after receiving news of her parents' impending divorce. While talking about her feelings she becomes angry and starts shouting and crying. She screams, "I wish they would both die!" Which of these is the most appropriate response by the nurse at this point? A. Contact the parents and the police to report that Brandy is expressing homicidal ideation. B. Encourage Brandy to talk more about her anger. C. Instruct Brandy that it's okay to cry but that it is not acceptable to talk that way about her parents. D. Assess Brandy for suicidal ideation.
ANS: B It is important in treating patients with adjustment disorders to allow them to express anger. Item C discourages the patient from expressing anger. Items A and D would be premature, since there is inadequate evidence to warrant those responses. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client admitted to the psychiatric unit following a suicide attempt is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which behavioral symptoms should the nurse expect to assess? A. Anxiety and unconscious anger B. Lack of attention to grooming and hygiene C. Guilt and indecisiveness D. Low self-esteem
ANS: B Lack of attention to grooming and hygiene is the only behavioral symptom presented. Lack of energy, low self-esteem, and feelings of helplessness and hopelessness (all common symptoms of depression) contribute to lack of attention to activities of daily living, including grooming and hygiene. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nurse should recognize which factors that distinguish personality disorders from psychosis? A. Functioning is more limited in personality disorders than in psychosis. B. Major disturbances of thought are absent in personality disorders. C. Personality disordered clients require hospitalization more frequently. D. Personality disorders do not affect family relationships as much as psychosis.
ANS: B Major disturbances of thought are absent in personality disorders and are a classic symptom of psychosis. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
What is the priority reason for a nurse to perform a full physical health assessment on a client admitted with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder? A. The attention during the assessment is beneficial in decreasing social isolation. B. Depression is a symptom of several medical conditions. C. Physical health complications are likely to arise from antidepressant therapy. D. Depressed clients avoid addressing physical health and ignore medical problems.
ANS: B Medical conditions such as hormone disturbances, electrolyte disturbances, and nutritional deficiencies may produce symptoms of depression. These are a priority to identify and treat, since they may be the cause of the depressive symptoms and represent physiological needs. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A pessimistic client expresses low self-worth, has much difficulty making decisions, avoids positions of responsibility, and has a behavioral pattern of "suffering" in silence. Which underlying cause of this client's personality disorder should a nurse recognize? A. "Nurturance was provided from many sources, and independent behaviors were encouraged." B. "Nurturance was provided exclusively from one source, and independent behaviors were discouraged." C. "Nurturance was provided exclusively from one source, and independent behaviors were encouraged." D. "Nurturance was provided from many sources, and independent behaviors were discouraged."
ANS: B Nurturance provided from one source and discouragement of independent behaviors can attribute to the etiology of dependent personality disorder. Dependent behaviors may be rewarded by a parent who is overprotective and discourages autonomy. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is implementing a one-on-one suicide observation level with a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The client states, "I'm feeling a lot better, so you can stop watching me. I have taken up too much of your time already." Which is the best nursing reply? A. "I really appreciate your concern but I have been ordered to continue to watch you." B. "Because we are concerned about your safety, we will continue to observe you." C. "I am glad you are feeling better. The treatment team will consider your request." D. "I will forward you request to your psychiatrist because it is his decision."
ANS: B Often suicidal clients resist personal monitoring, which impedes the implementation of a suicide plan. A nurse should continually observe a client when risk for suicide is suspected. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
The experience of being physically restrained can be traumatic. Which nursing intervention would best help the client deal with this experience? A. Administering a tranquilizing medication before applying the restraints B. Talking to the client at brief but regular intervals while the client is restrained C. Decreasing stimuli by leaving the client alone most of the time D. Checking on the client infrequently, in order to meet documentation requirements
ANS: B Restraints are never to be used as punishment or for the convenience of the staff. Connecting with the client by maintaining communication during the period of restraint will help the client recognize this intervention as a therapeutic treatment versus a punishment. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which is the priority nursing intervention for a client admitted for acute alcohol intoxication? A. Darken the room to reduce stimuli in order to prevent seizures. B. Assess aggressive behaviors in order to intervene to prevent injury to self or others. C. Administer lorazepam (Ativan) to reduce the rebound effects on the central nervous system. D. Teach the negative effects of alcohol on the body.
ANS: B Symptoms associated with the syndrome of alcohol intoxication include but are not limited to aggressiveness, impaired judgment, impaired attention, and irritability. Safety is a nursing priority in this situation. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
What tool should a nurse use to differentiate occasional spontaneous behaviors of children from behaviors associated with bipolar disorder? A. "Risky Activity" tool B. "FIND" tool C. "Consensus Committee" tool D. "Monotherapy" tool
ANS: B The Consensus Group recommends that clinicians use the FIND tool to differentiate occasional spontaneous behaviors of children from behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. FIND is an acronym that stands for frequency, intensity, number, and duration and is used to assess behaviors in children. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
During a hiring interview, which response by a nursing applicant should indicate that the applicant operates from an ethical egoism framework? A. "I would want to be treated in a caring manner if I were mentally ill." B. "This job will pay the bills, and the workload is light enough for me." C. "I will be happy caring for the mentally ill. Working in Med/Surg kills my back." D. "It is my duty in life to be a psychiatric nurse. It is the right thing to do."
ANS: B The applicant's comment reflects an ethical egoism framework. This framework promotes the idea that decisions are based on what is good for the individual and may not take the needs of others into account. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
During an assessment interview, a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder spits, curses, and refuses to answer questions. Which is the most appropriate nursing statement to address this behavior? A. "You are very disrespectful. You need to learn to control yourself." B. "I understand that you are angry, but this behavior will not be tolerated." C. "What behaviors could you modify to improve this situation?" D. "What anti-personality-disorder medications have helped you in the past?"
ANS: B The appropriate nursing statement is to reflect the client's feeling while setting firm limits on behavior. Clients diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder have a low tolerance for frustration, see themselves as victims, and use projection as a primary ego defense mechanism. Antidepressants and anxiolytics are used for symptom relief; however, there are no specific medications targeted for the treatment of a personality disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Using a behavioral approach, which nursing intervention is most appropriate when caring for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder? A. Seclude the client when inappropriate behaviors are exhibited. B. Contract with the client to reinforce positive behaviors with unit privileges. C. Teach the purpose of antianxiety medications to improve medication compliance. D. Encourage the client to journal feelings to improve awareness of abandonment issues.
ANS: B The most appropriate nursing intervention from a behavioral perspective is to contract with the client to reinforce positive behaviors with unit privileges. Behavioral strategies offer reinforcement for positive change. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is reviewing STAT laboratory data of a client presenting in the emergency department. At what minimum blood alcohol level should a nurse expect intoxication to occur? A. 50 mg/dL B. 100 mg/dL C. 250 mg/dL D. 300 mg/dL
ANS: B The nurse should expect that 100 mg/dL is the minimum blood alcohol level at which intoxication occurs. Intoxication usually occurs between 100 and 200 mg/dL. Death has been reported at levels ranging from 400 to 700 mg/dL. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide in the elderly population. Which information should the instructor include? A. Elderly people use less lethal means to commit suicide. B. Although the elderly make up less than 13% of the population, they account for 16% of all suicides. C. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among the elderly. D. It is normal for elderly individuals to express a desire to die, because they have come to terms with their mortality.
ANS: B This factual information should be included in the nursing instructor's teaching plan. An expressed desire to die is not normal in any age group. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A patient being treated for symptoms of PTSD following a shooting incident at a local elementary school reports "I feel like there's no reason to go on living when so many others died." Which of these is the most appropriate response by the nurse at this juncture? A. "You've got lots of reasons to go on living" B. "Are you having thoughts of hurting or killing yourself?" C. "You're just experiencing survivor guilt." D. "There must be something that gives you hope."
ANS: B This patient is expressing hopelessness, and it is a priority to assess for suicide ideation in these circumstances. Items A and D minimize the patient's experience of feeling hopelessness. Item C may be a useful strategy to encourage the patient that this is a common experience of trauma survivors, but the immediate priority is determining patient safety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Communication and Documentation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client data indicate that a suicidal client is participating in a plan for safety? A. Compliance with antidepressant therapy B. A mood rating of 9/10 C. Disclosing a plan for suicide to staff D. Expressing feelings of hopelessness to nurse
ANS: C A degree of the responsibility for the suicidal client's safety is given to the client. When a client shares with staff a plan for suicide, the client is participating in a plan for safety by communicating thoughts of self-harm that would initiate interventions to prevent suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is newly admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which of the following is most critical to assess when determining risk for suicide? A. Family history of depression B. The client's orientation to reality C. The client's history of suicide attempts D. Family support systems
ANS: C A history of suicide attempts places a client at a higher risk for current suicide behaviors. Knowing this specific data will alert the nurse to the client's risk. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nurse admits an older client who is experiencing memory loss, confused thinking, and apathy. A psychiatrist suspects depression. What is the rationale for performing a mini-mental status exam? A. To rule out bipolar disorder B. To rule out schizophrenia C. To rule out neurocognitive disorder D. To rule out a personality disorder
ANS: C A mini-mental status exam should be performed to rule out neurocognitive disorder. The elderly are often misdiagnosed with neurocognitive disorder such as Alzheimer's disease, when depression is their actual diagnosis. Memory loss, confused thinking, and apathy are common symptoms of depression in the elderly. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A nurse is caring for four clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. When considering each client's belief system, the nurse should conclude which client would potentially be at highest risk for suicide? A. Roman Catholic B. Protestant C. Atheist D. Muslim
ANS: C Depressed men and women who consider themselves affiliated with a religion are less likely to attempt suicide than their nonreligious counterparts. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client on an inpatient unit is diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic episode. During a discussion in the dayroom about weekend activities, the client raises his voice, becomes irritable, and insists that plans change. What should be the nurse's initial intervention? A. Ask the group to take a vote on alternative weekend events. B. Remind the client to quiet down or leave the dayroom. C. Assist the client to move to a calmer location. D. Discuss with the client impulse control problems.
ANS: C During a manic episode, the client experiences increased agitation and extreme hyperactivity that can lead to a risk for injury. Overstimulation can exacerbate these symptoms. Therefore, the nurse's initial action should focus on removing the client from the stimulating environment to a calmer location. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
Studies have suggested that re-experiencing a traumatic event can become an addiction of sorts. The evidence suggests that the reason for this is: A. People with PTSD often have addictive personalities. B. Perpetuating the traumatic experience yields secondary gains. C. The re-experiencing of trauma enhances production of endogenous opioid peptides. D. People with PTSD often have concurrent substance abuse issues.
ANS: C Hollander and Simeon (2008) report on studies suggesting that the release of endogenous opioid peptides can produce an "addiction to the trauma." There is no evidence suggesting that addictive personality traits are responsible for chronicity in PTSD symptoms. Items B and D are possible outcomes in any individual with PTSD, but neither has been correlated to an "addiction" to re-experiencing trauma. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A recovering alcoholic relapses and drinks a glass of wine. The client presents in the emergency department (ED) experiencing severe throbbing headache, tachycardia, flushed face, dyspnea, and continuous vomiting. What may these symptoms indicate to the ED nurse? A. Alcohol poisoning B. Cardiovascular accident (CVA) C. A reaction to disulfiram (Antabuse) D. A reaction to tannins in the red wine
ANS: C Ingestion of alcohol while disulfiram is in the body results in a syndrome of symptoms that can produce a good deal of discomfort for the individual. Symptoms may include flushed skin, throbbing in the head and neck, respiratory difficulty, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, confusion, hypotension, and tachycardia. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client's wife has been making excuses for her alcoholic husband's work absences. In family therapy, she states, "I just need to work harder to get him there on time." Which is the appropriate nursing response? A. "Why do you assume responsibility for his behaviors?" B. "Codependency is a typical behavior of spouses of alcoholics." C. "Your husband needs to deal with the consequences of his drinking." D. "Do you understand what the term 'enabler' means?"
ANS: C The appropriate nursing response is to use confrontation with caring. In Stage One (The Survival Stage) of recovery from codependency, the codependent person must begin to let go of the denial that problems exist or that his or her personal capabilities are unlimited. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
There is one bed available on an inpatient psychiatric unit. For which client should a nurse advocate emergency commitment? A. An individual who is persistently mentally ill and evicted from an apartment B. An individual treated in the emergency department (ED) for generalized anxiety disorder C. An individual who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife D. An individual who rates mood 4/10 and is participating in a no-harm safety plan
ANS: C The criteria for involuntary emergency commitment include danger to self and/or others. Of the four clients considered, the client who is delusional and has a plan to kill his wife meets this criterion as a danger to others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with alcohol use disorder joins a community 12-step program and states, "My life is unmanageable." How should the nurse interpret this client's statement? A. The client is using minimization as an ego defense. B. The client is ready to sign an Alcoholics Anonymous contract for sobriety. C. The client has accomplished the first of 12 steps advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous. D. The client has met the requirements to be designated as an Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor.
ANS: C The first step of the 12-step program advocated by Alcoholics Anonymous is that clients must admit powerlessness over alcohol and that their lives have become unmanageable. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing instructor is presenting content on the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act as it relates to their state. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction? A. "The Nurse Practice Act provides a list of definitions of important terms, including the definition of nursing." B. "The Nurse Practice Act lists education requirements for licensure and reciprocity." C. "The Nurse Practice Act contains detailed statements that describe the scope of practice for registered nurses (RNs)." D. "The Nurse Practice Act lists the general authority and powers of the state board of nursing."
ANS: C The nurse practice act contains broad, not detailed, statements that describe the scope of practice for various levels of nursing (APN, RN, LPN), not just for the RN. This student statement indicates a need for further instruction. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
When planning care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which self-harm behavior should a nurse expect the client to exhibit? A. The use of highly lethal methods to commit suicide B. The use of suicidal gestures to evoke a rescue response from others C. The use of isolation and starvation as suicidal methods D. The use of self-mutilation to decrease endorphins in the body
ANS: B The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder might use suicidal gestures to evoke a rescue response from others. Repetitive, self-mutilative behaviors are common in clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorders. These behaviors are generated by feelings of abandonment following separation from significant others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client is a nurse most likely to admit to an inpatient facility for self-destructive behaviors? A. A client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder B. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder C. A client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder D. A client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder
ANS: B The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder would be most likely to be admitted to an inpatient facility for self-destructive behaviors. Clients diagnosed with this disorder often exhibit repetitive, self-mutilative behaviors. Most gestures are designed to evoke a rescue response. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A client refuses to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with his spouse because of fearing that the cruise ship will sink and all will drown. Using a cognitive theory perspective, the nurse should use which of these statements to explain to the spouse the etiology of this fear? A. "Your spouse may be unable to resolve internal conflicts, which result in projected anxiety." B. "Your spouse may be experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation." C. "Your spouse may have a genetic predisposition to overreacting to potential danger." D. "Your spouse may have high levels of brain chemicals that may distort thinking."
ANS: B The nurse should explain that from a cognitive perspective the client is experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation. From a cognitive perspective, fear is described as the result of faulty cognitions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client who has been taking fluvoxamine (Luvox) without significant improvement asks a nurse, "I heard about something called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Can't my doctor add that to my medications?" Which is an appropriate nursing reply? A. "This combination of drugs can lead to delirium tremens." B. "A combination of an MAOI and Luvox can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis." C. "That's a good idea. There have been good results with the combination of these two drugs." D. "The only disadvantage would be the exorbitant cost of the MAOI."
ANS: B The nurse should explain to the client that combining an MAOI and Luvox can lead to a life-threatening hypertensive crisis. Symptoms of hypertensive crisis include severe occipital and/or temporal pounding headaches with occasional photophobia, sensations of choking, palpitations, and a feeling of "dread." KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
If an individual is "two-faced," which characteristic essential to the development of a therapeutic relationship should a nurse identify as missing? A. Respect B. Genuineness C. Sympathy D. Rapport
ANS: B The nurse should identify that genuineness is missing in the relationship. Genuineness refers to an individual's ability to be open and honest and maintain congruence between what is felt and what is communicated. Genuineness is essential to establishing trust in a relationship. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is distraught over insomnia experienced over the last 3 nights and a 12-pound weight loss over the past 2 weeks. Which should be this client's priority nursing diagnosis? A. Knowledge deficit R/T bipolar disorder AEB concern about symptoms B. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight loss C. Risk for suicide R/T powerlessness AEB insomnia and anorexia D. Altered sleep patterns R/T mania AEB insomnia for the past 3 nights
ANS: B The nurse should identify that the priority nursing diagnosis for this client is altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T hyperactivity AEB weight loss. Due to the client's rapid weight loss, the nurse should prioritize interventions to ensure proper nutrition and health. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntarily commitment? A. A client living under a bridge in a cardboard box B. A client threatening to commit suicide C. A client who never bathes and wears a wool hat in the summer D. A client who eats waste out of a garbage can
ANS: B The nurse should identify the client threatening to commit suicide as eligible for involuntary commitment. The suicidal client who refuses treatments is a danger to self and requires emergency treatment. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia becomes agitated when asked to play a game. The client responds, "Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Which nursing response is most appropriate? A. "You are upset now. It would be best if you go to your room until you feel better." B. "Remember, we have a professional relationship. Are you feeling uncomfortable?" C. "We have discussed this before. I am not allowed to date clients." D. "I think you should discuss your fantasies with your therapist."
ANS: B The nurse should promote the client's insight and perception of reality by confirming appropriate roles in the nurse-client relationship and identifying what is troubling the client in this situation. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client with a history of heavy alcohol use is brought to an emergency department (ED) by family members who state that the client has had nothing to drink in the last 24 hours. Which client symptom should the nurse immediately report to the ED physician? A. Antecubital bruising B. Blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg C. Mood rating of 2/10 on numeric scale D. Dehydration
ANS: B The nurse should recognize that high blood pressure is a symptom of alcohol withdrawal and should promptly report this finding to the physician. Complications associated with alcohol withdrawal may progress to alcohol withdrawal delirium and possible seizure activity on about the second or third day following cessation of prolonged alcohol consumption. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
Which nursing action demonstrates the role of the teacher in a therapeutic milieu? A. The nurse implements a self-affirmation exercise during a one-to-one client interaction. B. The nurse holds a group meeting to present common side effects of psychiatric medications. C. The nurse introduces the concept of fair play while playing cards with a group of clients. D. The nurse models adaptive and effective coping mechanisms with clients on the psychiatric unit.
ANS: B The nurse, in the role of teacher, identifies learning needs and provides information required by the client or family to improve the client's health. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client has been taking lithium for several years with good symptom control. The client presents in the emergency department with blurred vision, tinnitus, and severe diarrhea. The nurse should correlate these symptoms with which lithium level? A. 1.3 mEq/L B. 1.7 mEq/L C. 2.3 mEq/L D. 3.7 mEq/L
ANS: B The therapeutic level of lithium carbonate is 1.0 to 1.5 mEq/L for acute mania and 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L for maintenance therapy. There is a narrow margin between the therapeutic and toxic levels. The symptoms presented in the question can be correlated with a lithium level of 1.7 mEq/L. Levels of 2.3 mEq/L and 3.7 mEq/L would produce more extreme symptoms of intensified toxicity, eventually leading to death. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Group therapy is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory, on an inpatient psychiatric unit. The unit manager's policy is that clients can make a choice about whether or not to attend group therapy. Which ethical principle does the unit manager's policy preserve? A. Justice B. Autonomy C. Veracity D. Beneficence
ANS: B The unit manager's policy regarding voluntary client participation in group therapy preserves the ethical principle of autonomy. The principle of autonomy presumes that individuals are capable of making independent decisions for themselves and that health-care workers must respect these decisions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
After years of dialysis, an 84-year-old states, "I'm exhausted, depressed, and done with these attempts to keep me alive." Which question should the nurse ask the spouse when preparing a discharge plan of care? A. "Have there been any changes in appetite or sleep?" B. "How often is your spouse left alone?" C. "Has your spouse been following a diet and exercise program consistently?" D. "How would you characterize your relationship with your spouse?"
ANS: B This client has many risk factors for suicide. The client should have increased supervision to decrease likelihood of self-harm. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Upon admission for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, a client states, "I haven't eaten in 3 days." Assessment reveals BP 170/100 mm Hg, P 110, R 28, and T 97F (36C) with dry skin, dry mucous membranes, and poor skin turgor. What should be the priority nursing diagnosis? A. Knowledge deficit B. Fluid volume excess C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements D. Ineffective individual coping
ANS: C The nurse should assess that the priority nursing diagnosis is imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of malnutrition as well as alcohol withdrawal. The nurse should consult a dietitian, restrict sodium intake to minimize fluid retention, and provide small, frequent feedings of nonirritating foods. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A highly emotional client presents at an outpatient clinic appointment wearing flamboyant attire, spiked heels, and theatrical makeup. Which personality disorder should a nurse associate with this assessment data? A. Compulsive personality disorder B. Schizotypal personality disorder C. Histrionic personality disorder D. Manic personality disorder
ANS: C The nurse should associate histrionic personality disorder with this assessment data. Individuals diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder tend to be self-dramatizing, attention seeking, overly gregarious, and seductive. They often use manipulation and exhibitionism as a means of gaining attention. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Looking at a slightly bleeding paper cut, the client screams, "Somebody help me, quick! I'm bleeding. Call 911!" A nurse should identify this behavior as characteristic of which personality disorder? A. Schizoid personality disorder B. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder C. Histrionic personality disorder D. Paranoid personality disorder
ANS: C The nurse should identify this behavior as characteristic of histrionic personality disorder. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder tend to be self-dramatizing, attention seeking, over-gregarious, and seductive. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
During group therapy, a client diagnosed with alcohol use disorder states, "I would not have boozed it up if my wife hadn't been nagging me all the time to get a job. She never did think that I was good enough for her." How should a nurse interpret this statement? A. The client is using denial by avoiding responsibility. B. The client is using displacement by blaming his wife. C. The client is using rationalization to excuse his alcohol dependence. D. The client is using reaction formation by appealing to the group for sympathy.
ANS: C The nurse should interpret that the client is using rationalization to excuse his alcohol use disorder. Rationalization is the defense mechanism by which people avoid taking responsibility for their actions by making excuses for the behavior. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is newly committed to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which nursing intervention best lowers this client's risk for suicide? A. Encouraging participation in the milieu to promote hope B. Developing a strong personal relationship with the client C. Observing the client at intervals determined by assessed data D. Encouraging and redirecting the client to concentrate on happier times
ANS: C The nurse should observe the actively suicidal client continuously for the first hour after admission. After a full assessment the treatment team will determine the observation status of the client. Observation of the client allows the nurse to interrupt any observed suicidal behaviors. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic episode. In which order should the nurse prioritize the listed client outcomes? Client Outcomes: 1. Maintains nutritional status. 2. Interacts appropriately with peers. 3. Remains free from injury. 4. Sleeps 6 to 8 hours a night. A. 2, 1, 3, 4 B. 4, 1, 2, 3 C. 3, 1, 4, 2 D. 1, 4, 2, 3
ANS: C The nurse should order client outcomes based on priority in the following order: Remains free of injury, maintains nutritional status, sleeps 6 to 8 hours a night, and interacts appropriately with peers. The nurse should prioritize the client's physical and safety needs. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A client who will be receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) must provide informed consent. Which situation should cause a nurse to question the validity of the informed consent? A. The client is paranoid. B. The client is 87 years old. C. The client incorrectly reports his or her spouse's name, the date, and the time of day. D. The client relies on his or her spouse to interpret the information.
ANS: C The nurse should question the validity of informed consent when the client incorrectly reports the spouse's name, date, and time of day. This indicates that this client is disoriented and may not be competent to make informed choices. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Which client symptoms should lead a nurse to suspect a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder? A. The client experiences unwanted, intrusive, and persistent thoughts. B. The client experiences unwanted, repetitive behavior patterns. C. The client experiences inflexibility and lack of spontaneity when dealing with others. D. The client experiences obsessive thoughts that are externally imposed.
ANS: C The nurse should suspect a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder when a client experiences inflexibility and lack of spontaneity. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are very serious and formal and have difficulty expressing emotions. They are perfectionistic and preoccupied with rules. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which situation contradicts the ethical principle of veracity? A. A nurse provides a client with outpatient resources to benefit recovery. B. A nurse refuses to give information to a physician who is not responsible for the client's care. C. A nurse tricks a client into seclusion by asking the client to carry linen to the seclusion room. D. A nurse treats all of the clients equally regardless of illness severity.
ANS: C The nurse who tricks a client into seclusion has violated the ethical principle of veracity. The principle of veracity refers to one's duty to always be truthful and not intentionally deceive or mislead clients. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia refuses to take medication, citing the right of autonomy. Under which circumstance would a nurse have the right to medicate the client against the client's wishes? A. When the client makes inappropriate sexual innuendos to a staff member B. When the client constantly demands inappropriate attention from the nurse C. When the client physically attacks another client after being confronted in group therapy D. When the client refuses to bathe or perform hygienic activities
ANS: C The nurse would have the right to medicate a client against his or her wishes if the client physically attacks another client. This client poses a significant risk to safety and is incapable of making rational choices. The client's refusal to accept treatment can be challenged because the client is endangering the safety of others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
What should be the nurse's primary goal during the preinteraction phase of the nurse-client relationship? A. To evaluate goal attainment and ensure therapeutic closure B. To establish trust and formulate a contract for intervention C. To explore self-perceptions D. To promote client change
ANS: C The nurse's primary goal of the preinteraction phase should be to explore self-perceptions. The nurse should be aware of how any preconceptions may affect his or her ability to care for individual clients. Another goal of the preinteraction phase is to obtain available client information. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder with psychotic features hears voices commanding self-harm. The client refuses to commit to developing a plan for safety. What should be the nurse's priority intervention at this time? A. Obtaining an order for locked seclusion until client is no longer suicidal B. Conducting 15-minute checks to ensure safety C. Placing the client on one-to-one observation while monitoring suicidal ideations D. Encouraging client to express feelings related to suicide
ANS: C The nurse's priority intervention when a client hears voices commanding self-harm is to place the client on one-to-one observation while continuing to monitor suicidal ideation. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
When planning care for clients diagnosed with personality disorders, what should be the anticipated treatment outcome? A. To stabilize pathology with the correct combination of medications B. To change the characteristics of the dysfunctional personality C. To reduce inflexibility of personality traits that interfere with functioning and relationships D. To decrease the prevalence of neurotransmitters at receptor sites
ANS: C The outcome of treatment for clients diagnosed with personality disorders should be to reduce inflexibility of personality traits that interfere with functioning and relationships. Personality disorders are often difficult and, in some cases, seem impossible to treat. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse discovers a client's suicide note that details the time, place, and means to commit suicide. What should be the priority nursing intervention and the rationale for this action? A. Administering lorazepam (Ativan) prn, because the client is angry about the discovery of the note B. Establishing room restrictions, because the client's threat is an attempt to manipulate the staff C. Placing this client on one-to-one suicide precautions, because the more specific the plan, the more likely the client will attempt suicide D. Calling an emergency treatment team meeting, because the client's threat must be addressed
ANS: C The priority nursing action should be to place this client on one-to-one suicide precautions, because the more specific the plan, the more likely the client will attempt suicide. The appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client would be risk for suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A college student is unable to take a final examination because of severe test anxiety. Instead of studying, the student relieves stress by attending a movie. Which priority nursing diagnosis should a campus nurse assign for this client? A. Noncompliance R/T test taking B. Ineffective role performance R/T helplessness C. Altered coping R/T anxiety D. Powerlessness R/T fear
ANS: C The priority nursing diagnosis for this client is altered coping R/T anxiety. The nurse should assist in implementing interventions that should improve the client's healthy coping skills and reduce anxiety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
As the client and nurse move from the orientation stage to the working stage of the therapeutic relationship, which is the nurse's most therapeutic statement? A. "I want to assure you that I will maintain your confidentiality." B. "A long-term goal for someone your age would be to develop better job skills." C. "Which identified problems would you like for us to initially address?" D. "I think first we need to focus on your relationship issues."
ANS: C When moving on a continuum from the orientation to working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the client's identified goals are addressed through mutual therapeutic work to promote client behavioral change. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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________________________.
ANS: Complicated grieving A grieving process that does not follow normative expectations may include fixation at a particular stage of grieving, psychosomatic symptoms, and/or impairment in occupational, social, intellectual, or emotional function. KEY: Cognitive Level: Knowledge | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which term should a nurse use to describe the administration of a central nervous system (CNS) depressant during alcohol withdrawal? A. Antagonist therapy B. Deterrent therapy C. Codependency therapy D. Substitution therapy
ANS: D A CNS depressant such as Ativan is used during alcohol withdrawal as substitution therapy to prevent life-threatening symptoms that occur because of the rebound reaction of the central nervous system. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which client statement demonstrates positive progress toward recovery from a substance use disorder? A. "I have completed detox and therefore am in control of my drug use." B. "I will faithfully attend Narcotic Anonymous (NA) when I can't control my cravings." C. "As a church deacon, my focus will now be on spiritual renewal." D. "Taking those pills got out of control. It cost me my job, marriage, and children."
ANS: D A client who takes responsibility for the consequences of substance use is making positive progress toward recovery. This client would most likely be in the working phase of the counseling process, in which he or she accepts the fact that substance use causes problems. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I've been feeling 'down' for 3 months. Will I ever feel like myself again?" Which reply by the nurse will best assess this client's affective symptoms? A. "Have you been diagnosed with any physical disorder within the last 3 months?" B. "Have you ever felt this way before? C. "People who have mood changes often feel better when spring comes." D. "Help me understand what you mean when you say, 'feeling down'?"
ANS: D The nurse is using a clarifying statement in order to gather more details related to this client's mood. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
According to Peplau, which nursing action demonstrates the nurse's role as a resource person? A. The nurse balances a safe therapeutic environment to increase the client's sense of belonging. B. The nurse holds a group meeting with the clients on the unit to discuss common feelings about mental illness. C. The nurse monitors the administration of medications and watches for signs of "cheeking." D. The nurse explains, in language the client can understand, information related to the client's health care.
ANS: D According to Peplau, a resource person provides specific answers to questions usually formulated with relation to a larger problem. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse identify as appropriate when working with a client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder? A. Altered thought processes R/T increased stress B. Risk for suicide R/T loneliness C. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T paranoid thinking D. Social isolation R/T inability to relate to others
ANS: D An appropriate nursing diagnosis when working with a client diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder is social isolation R/T inability to relate to others. Clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder appear cold, aloof, and indifferent to others. They prefer to work in isolation and are unsociable. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client statement would demonstrate a common characteristic of Cluster "B" personality disorder? A. "I wish someone would make that decision for me." B. "I built this building by using materials from outer space." C. "I'm afraid to go to group because it is crowded with people." D. "I didn't have the money for the ring, so I just took it."
ANS: D Antisocial personality disorder is included in the Cluster "B" personality disorders. In this disorder there is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing student is developing a plan of care for a suicidal client. Which documented intervention should the student implement first? A. Communicate therapeutically. B. Observe the client. C. Provide a hazard-free environment. D. Assess suicide risk.
ANS: D Assessment is the first step of the nursing process to gain needed information to determine further appropriate interventions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
The family of a suicidal client is very supportive and requests more facts related to caring for their family member after discharge. Which information should the nurse provide? A. Address only serious suicide threats to avoid the possibility of secondary gain. B. Promote trust by verbalizing a promise to keep suicide attempt information within the family. C. Offer a private environment to provide needed time alone at least once a day. D. Be available to actively listen, support, and accept feelings.
ANS: D Being available to actively listen, support, and accept feelings increases the potential that a client would confide suicidal ideations to family members. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The inpatient psychiatric unit is being redecorated. At a unit meeting, staff discusses bedroom décor for clients experiencing mania. The nurse manager evaluates which suggestion as most appropriate? A. Rooms should contain extra-large windows with views of the street. B. Rooms should contain brightly colored walls with printed drapes. C. Rooms should be painted deep colors and located close to the nurse's station. D. Rooms should be painted with neutral colors and contain pale-colored accessories.
ANS: D Clients experiencing mania are subject to frequent mood variations, easily changing from irritability and anger to sadness and crying. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain low levels of stimuli in the client's environment (low lighting, few people, simple décor, low noise levels). Anxiety levels rise in a stimulating environment. Neutral colors and pale accessories are most appropriate for a client experiencing mania. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which is an accurate description of a common law? A. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse who, without justification, threatens a client with restraints. B. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse who touches a client without the client's consent. C. A common law would be invoked to deal with a hospital employee who steals drugs, hospital equipment, or both. D. A common law would be invoked to deal with a nurse's refusal to provide care for a specific client.
ANS: D Common laws apply to a body of principles that evolve from court decisions resolving various controversies. Common law may vary from state to state. Assault (threats) and battery (touch) are governed by civil law. Stealing is governed by criminal law. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client exhibits dependency on staff and peers and expresses fear of abandonment. Using Mahler's theory of object relations, which should the nurse expect to note in this client's childhood? A. Lack of fulfillment of basic needs by parental figures B. Absence of the client's maternal figure during symbiosis C. Difficulty establishing trust with the maternal figure D. Inconsistency by the maternal figure during individuation
ANS: D During phase 3 (5 to 36 months) of Margaret Mahler's individuation theory, there should be a strengthening of the ego and an acceptance of "self" with independent ego boundaries. Inconsistency by the maternal figure during individuation may in later years result in feelings of helplessness when the client is alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for self. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is planning care for a child who is experiencing depression. Which medication is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents? A. Paroxetine (Paxil) B. Sertraline (Zoloft) C. Citalopram (Celexa) D. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
ANS: D Fluoxetine (Prozac) is FDA approved for the treatment of depression in children and adolescents. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used in the treatment of depression. All antidepressants carry an FDA warning for increased risk of suicide in children and adolescents. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which client statement expresses a typical underlying feeling of clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder? A. "It's just a matter of time and I will be well." B. "If I ignore these feelings, they will go away." C. "I can fight these feelings and overcome this disorder." D. "Nothing will help me feel better."
ANS: D Hopelessness and helplessness are typical symptoms of clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A nurse is caring for four clients taking various medications, including imipramine (Tofranil), doxepine (Sinequan), ziprasidone (Geodon), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). The nurse orders a special diet for the client receiving which medication? A. Tofranil B. Senequan C. Geodon D. Parnate
ANS: D Hypertensive crisis occurs in clients receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) who consume foods or drugs with a high tyramine content. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed disulfiram (Antabuse) as a deterrent to alcohol relapse. Which information should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication? A. "Only oral ingestion of alcohol will cause a reaction when taking this drug." B. "It is safe to drink beverages that have only 12% alcohol content." C. "This medication will decrease your cravings for alcohol." D. "Reactions to combining Antabuse with alcohol can occur for as long as 2 weeks after stopping the drug."
ANS: D If Antabuse is discontinued, it is important for the client to understand that the sensitivity to alcohol may last for as long as 2 weeks. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nursing instructor is teaching about suicide. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. "Suicidal threats and gestures should be considered manipulative and/or attention-seeking." B. "Suicide is the act of a psychotic person." C. "All suicidal individuals are mentally ill." D. "Fifty to eighty percent of all people who kill themselves have a history of a previous attempt."
ANS: D It is a fact that between 50% and 80% of all people who kill themselves have a history of a previous attempt. All other answer choices are myths about suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Evaluation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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 can't go back to work." C. "I've 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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The treatment team is making a discharge decision regarding a previously suicidal client. Which client assessment information should a nurse recognize as contributing to the team's decision? A. No previous admissions for major depressive disorder B. Vital signs stable; no psychosis noted C. Able to comply with medication regimen; able to problem-solve life issues D. Able to participate in a plan for safety; family agrees to constant observation
ANS: D Participation in a plan of safety and constant family observation will decrease the risk for self-harm. All other answer choices are not directly focused on suicide prevention and safety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
When is self-disclosure by the nurse appropriate in a therapeutic nurse-client relationship? A. When it is judged that the information may benefit the nurse and client B. When the nurse has a duty to warn C. When the nurse feels emotionally indebted toward the client D. When it is judged that the information may benefit the client
ANS: D Self-disclosure on the part of the nurse may be appropriate when it is judged that the information may therapeutically benefit the client. It should never be undertaken for the purpose of meeting the nurse's needs. KEY: Cognitive Level: Knowledge | Integrated Processes: Communication and Documentation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client situation should a nurse identify as reflective of the impulsive behavior that is commonly associated with borderline personality disorder? A. As the day shift nurse leaves the unit, the client suddenly hugs the nurse's arm and whispers, "The night nurse is evil. You have to stay." B. As the day shift nurse leaves the unit, the client suddenly hugs the nurse's arm and states, "I will be up all night if you don't stay with me." C. As the day shift nurse leaves the unit, the client suddenly hugs the nurse's arm, yelling, "Please don't go! I can't sleep without you being here." D. As the day shift nurse leaves the unit, the client suddenly shows the nurse a bloody arm and states, "I cut myself because you are leaving me."
ANS: D The client's statement "I cut myself because you are leaving me" reflects impulsive behavior that is commonly associated with the diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Repetitive, self-mutilative behaviors are common and are generated by feelings of abandonment following separation from significant others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
During a one-to-one session with a client, the client states, "Nothing will ever get better," and "Nobody can help me." Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for a nurse to assign to this client at this time? A. Powerlessness R/T altered mood AEB client statements B. Risk for injury R/T altered mood AEB client statements C. Risk for suicide R/T altered mood AEB client statements D. Hopelessness R/T altered mood AEB client statements
ANS: D The client's statements indicate the problem of hopelessness. Prior to assigning either risk for injury or risk for suicide, a further evaluation of the client's suicidal ideations and intent would be necessary. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A geriatric client is confused and wandering in and out of every door. Which scenario reflects the least restrictive alternative for this client? A. The client is placed in seclusion. B. The client is placed in a geriatric chair with tray. C. The client is placed in soft Posey restraints. D. The client is monitored by an ankle bracelet.
ANS: D The least restrictive alternative for this client would be monitoring by an ankle bracelet. The client does not pose a direct dangerous threat to self or others, so neither physical restraints nor seclusion would be justified. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
An involuntarily committed client is verbally abusive to the staff and repeatedly threatening to sue. The client records the full names and phone numbers of the staff. Which nursing action is most appropriate to decrease the possibility of a lawsuit? A. Verbally redirect the client, and then limit one-on-one interaction. B. Involve the hospital's security division as soon as possible. C. Notify the client that documenting personal staff information is against hospital policy. D. Continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client.
ANS: D The most appropriate nursing action is to continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client. The involuntarily committed client should be respected and has the right to assert grievances if rights are infringed. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nurse holds the hand of a client who is withdrawing from alcohol. What is the nurse's rationale for this intervention? A. To assess for emotional strength B. To assess for Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome C. To assess for tachycardia D. To assess for fine tremors
ANS: D The nurse is most likely assessing the client for fine tremors secondary to alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol can also cause headache, insomnia, transient hallucinations, depression, irritability, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, sweating, tachycardia, malaise, coarse tremors, and seizure activity. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
A child diagnosed with ADHD is having difficulty maintaining concentration. Which nursing intervention would help improve the client's task performance? A. mandate that the client remain in their room until all homework is done B. remove privileges if homework is not completed with a 2 hour period C. encourage dividing tasks into smaller, attainable steps and reward successful completion D. seek a physician's order to discontinue the stimulant
C
This man is known as the father of American psychiatry. A. Sigmund Freud B. Abraham Maslow C. Arnold Scheibel D. Benjamin Rush
D
A nurse is discussing manifestations of schizophrenia with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following manifestations should the charge nurse identify as being effectively treated by first‐generation antipsychotics? (select all that apply.) a. auditory hallucinations b. Withdrawal from social situations c. delusions of grandeur d. severe agitation e. anhedonia
a, c, d
A provider suspects a child is being physically abused when she notices the following: (Select all that apply) A. When the child seems frightened by parents or caregiver. B. The parents describe the child as "evil" or in a negative way. C. The parent or caregiver has a conflicting, or unconvincing argument for a child's injury. D. They fell off the playground while playing and broke their arm.
a,b,c
Nina recently left her husband of 10 years. She was very dependent on him and is having difficulty adjusting to an independent lifestyle. She has been hospitalized with a diagnosis of adjustment disorder with depressed mood. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for Nina? a. Risk-prone health behavior related to loss of dependency b. Complicated grieving related to break-up of marriage c. Ineffective communication related to problems with dependency d. Social isolation related to depressed mood
b
Sandra is the nurse leader of a supportive-therapeutic group for individuals with anxiety disorders. In this group, Helen talks incessantly. When someone else tries to make a comment, she refuses to allow him or her to speak. What type of member role is Helen assuming in the group? a. Aggressor b. Monopolizer c. Blocker d. Seducer
b
The nurse is reviewing the assessment data of a client admitted to the mental health unit the nurse notes that the admission nurse documented that the client is experiencing anxiety as a result of the situational crisis. The nurse plans care for the client, determining the best type of graces could be caused by which event? a. Witnessing a murder b. The death of a loved one c. A fire that destroyed the clients home d. A recent rape episode experienced by the quiet
b
The nurse psychotherapist is working with the Juarez family in the outpatient mental health clinic. The husband says, "We can't agree on anything! And it seems like everytime we disagree on something, it ends up in a screaming match." Which of the following prescription by the nurse represents a paradoxical intervention for the Juarez family? a. Mr. and Mrs. Juarez must not have a disagreement for one full day b. Mr. and Mrs. Juarez will yell at each other on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00pm to 8:10 pm c. Mr. and Mrs. Juarez must refrain from yelling at each other until the next counseling session d. Mr. and Mrs. Juarez must not discuss serious issues until they can do so without yelling at each other
b
The physician orders sertraline (Zoloft) 50 mg PO bid for Margaret, a 68-year-old woman with major depressive disorder. After 3 days of taking the medication, Margaret says to the nurse, "I don't think this medicine is doing any good. I don't feel a bit better." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse? a. "Cheer up, Margaret. You have so much to be happy about." b. "Sometimes it takes a few weeks for the medicine to bring about an improvement in symptoms." c. "I'll report that to the physician, Margaret. Maybe he will order something different." d. "Try not to dwell on your symptoms, Margaret. Why don't you join the others down in the dayroom?"
b
The primary goal in working with an actively psychotic, suspicious client would be a. Promote interaction with others b. Decrease his anxiety and increase trust c. Improve his relationship with his parents d. Encourage participation in therapy activities
b
What do the letters in CAGE mean? a. Cocaine, alcohol, grass, erbs b. "Cut" down, annoyed, guilty, eye-opening c. Crack, amphetamines, gas, epinephrine d. Cannabis, alcohol, guilty, eye-opener
b
What is the initial task of the nurse who is caring for a client in crisis? a. To teach the client meditation techniques. b. Assess the client for potential suicide or homicide. c. Provide the client information on the antianxiety drugs that may be prescribed. d. Talk with the client to identify the current problem.
b
When assessing a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, which of the following with the healthcare provider identify as a negative symptom? a. Hallucinations b. Anhedonia c. Disorganized Speech d. Delusions
b
Which of the following groups is most commonly used for drug management of the child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? a. CNS depressants b. CNS stimulants c. Anticonvulsants d. Major tranquilizer
b
The home care nurse is visiting and older client two spouse died six months ago. Which behaviors by the client indicates effective coping? Select all that apply a. Neglecting personal grooming b. Looking at older snapshots of family c. Participating in a senior citizens program d. Visiting the spouse's grave once a month e. Decorating a wall with the spouses pictures in awards received
b, c, d, e
A nurse is assessing a client who is currently taking perphenazine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an extrapyramidal symptom (ePs)? (select all that apply.) a. decreased level of consciousness b. drooling c. involuntary arm movements d. Urinary retention e. continual pacing
b, c, e
A nurse is planning care for a client who has bipolar disorder and is currently experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (select all that apply) a. Provide flexible client behavior expectations b. Offer concise explanations c. Establish consistent limits d. Disregard client complaints e. Use a firm approach with communication
b, c, e
A nurse is assessing a client 4 hr after receiving an initial dose of fluoxetine. Which of the following finding should the nurse report to the provider as indications of serotonin syndrome (select all that apply) a. hypothermia b. hallucinations c. muscular flaccidity d. diaphoresis e. agitation
b, d, e
A nurse is caring for a client in an inpatient mental health facility who gets up from a chair and throws it across the day room. Which of the following is the priority nursing action? a. Encourage the client to express her feelings. b. Maintain eye contact with the client. c. Move the client away from others. d. Tell the client that the behavior is not acceptable.
c
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and exhibits a lack of grooming and a flat affect. the nurse should anticipate a prescription of which of the following medications? a. chlorpromazine b. thiothixene c. risperidone d. haloperidol
c
A nurse is orienting a new client to a mental health unit. When explaining the units community meetings, which of the following statements should the nurse make? a. "You and a group of other clients will meet to discuss your treatment plans" b. "Community meets have a specific agenda that is established by staff" c. "You and the other clients will meet with the staff to discuss common problems"
c
A nurse is talking with a client who is at risk for suicide after the death of his spouse. Which statement should the nurse say to the client? a. "I am so sorry for the loneliness you must be experiencing" b. "Suicide is not how you cope with loss" c. "Losing someone close to you must be very upsetting" d. "I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one"
c
A patient has a new prescription for clozapine which statement should the nurse include in the teaching? a. Eat a high carb snack in between meals b. Hand tremors are likely to develop if used long term c. Monitor your WBC count each week d. After each dose you might experience numbness of the mouth
c
A patient states, "The night nurse hates me. She doesn't want me to get out of here." What subtype of delusional disorder is the patient exhibiting? a. Jealous Type b. Somatic Type c. Persecutory Type d. Erotomanic Type
c
A patient's anxiety escalates to severe panic levels, is demonstrated in which phase of crisis? a. Phase 4 b. Phase 2 c. Phase 3 d. Phase 1
c
Benjamin is a member of an AA group. He learned about the effects of alcohol on the body when a nurse from the chemical dependency unit spoke to the group. This is an example of which therapeutic factor? a. Catharsis b. Altruism c. Imparting of information d. Universality
c
Initial symptoms of lithium toxicity include: a. Constipation and dry mouth b. Dizziness and thirst c. Vomiting and diarrhea d. Anuria and arrhythmias
c
Mr. and Mrs. Jones have been married for 21 years. Mr. Jones is the family breadwinner, and Mrs. Jones has never worked outside the home. Mr. Jones has always made all the decisions for the family, and Mrs. Jones has always been compliant. According to the strategic model of family therapy, this is an example of which of the following? a. Marital schism b. Pseudomutuality c. Marital skew d. Pseudohostility
c
Opal is a 43-year-old woman who is suffering from depression and suicidal ideation. Opal says, I'm such a worthless person. I don't deserve to live." The therapist responds, "I would like for you to think about what problems committing suicide would solve." The therapist is using which of the following cognitive therapy techniques. a. Imagery b. Role play c. Problem-solving d. Thought recording
c
The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Orders from the physician include 100 mg chloropromazine IM STAT and the 50 mg PO bid; 2 mg mg benztropine PO bid prn. Why is the chlorpormazine ordered? a. To reduce extrapyramidal symptoms b. To prevent neuroleptic malignant syndrome c. To decrease psychotic symptoms d. To induce sleep
c
The nurse is caring for a client with schizophrenia. Orders from the physician include 100 mg chlorpromazine IM STAT and then 50 mg PO bid, 2 mg benztropine PO bid prn. Why is chlorpromazine ordered? a. To reduce extrapyramidal symptoms b. To prevent neuroleptic malignant syndrome c. To decrease psychotic symptoms d. To induce sleep
c
The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who was experiencing anxiety after the loss of a job. The client is now verbalizing concerns regarding the ability to meet role expectations and financial obligations. What is the priority problem for this client? a. Anxiety b. Unrealistic outlook c. Lack of ability to cope effectively d. Disturbances in thoughts and ideas
c
What are some of the side effects associated with ECT? a. Brain damage and fractured bones b. Permanent memory loss and confusion c. Temporary memory loss and confusion d. Dysphagia, nausea and vomiting
c
What is the difference between the CIWA and the MAST tools? a. One is for alcohol and one is for substances b. CIWA is alcohol and MAST is general mental exam c. CIWA uses a numerical scoring system while the MAST has yes-no questions d. MAST does not exist, only CIWA for alcohol
c
What is the highest priority to report to the provider with a patient who recently began taking haloperidol? a. N/V b. Drowsiness c. Neck spasms d. Shuffling gait
c
What is the priority nursing intervention before starting ECT? a. Record the patient's vital signs b. Ensure that the patient has not had anything to eat for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure c. Ensure that the patient has signed the consent form d. Ensure that the patient has a living will and health care surrogate in place
c
What neurotransmitter plays a role in coordination, memory retention, and play a role in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease? a. Dopamine b. Serotonin c. Acetylcholine d. Norepinephrine
c
You are talking to a patient who has told you they have a detailed plan of how they are going to commit suicide, including the time, place and weapon. What is a priority nursing intervention? a) Identify patients coping strategies b) Place client in seclusion c) Place client on one-on-one observation d) Administer lorazepam since the client is agitated
c
A patient diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD) is admitted to a long-term care facility. Which of the following assessment findings will the healthcare provider anticipate? Select all that apply. a. Apathy b. Anhedonia c. Amnesia d. Agnosia e. Aphasia
c, d, e
The nurse is preparing to care for a dying client and several family members were at the client's bedside. Which therapeutic techniques should the nurse use when communicating with the family? Select all that apply. A. Discourage reminiscing B. Make the decisions for the family C. Encourage expression of feelings, concerns, and fears D. Touch and hold the client's or family member's hand if appropriate. E. Be honest and let the client and family know they will not be abandoned by the nurse.
c, d, e
A nurse is conducting group therapy with a group of clients. Which of the following statements made by a client is an example of aggressive communication? a. "I wish you would not make me angry." b. "I feel angry when you leave me." c. "It makes me angry when you interrupt me." d. "You'd better listen to me."
d
A patient diagnosed with delirium sees the intravenous (IV) tubing and believes it to be a snake. How should the healthcare provider document this behavior? a. Hallucination b. Delusion c. Confusion d. Illusion
d
All of the following are strategies the nurse can use while caring for a patient who has anxiety due to crisis except: a. Remain with the client. b. Make eye contact. c. Ask questions related to the event. d. Nod your head along while listening to the client discuss their feelings.
d
The nurse is caring for a patient in the inpatient mental health unit. The patient tells the nurse, "Here come the monkeys. They are on the ceiling!" Which of the following responses is most appropriate in this situation? a. "Please tell me about the monkeys" b. "Really? How many monkeys do you see?" c. "Did you say monkeys on the ceiling?!" d. "I don't see any monkeys on the ceiling."
d
Which of the clinical findings support the decision at a child was diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) a. Annoys other kids on purpose b. Cries for attention c. Manipulates other kids d. Uninterested in playing with others
d
Which of the following should the nurse suggest to the client to reduce the a nticholinergic effects of fluphenazine? a. Use cooling measures to decrease fever b. Take an antacid to relieve nausea. c. Take the med in the morning d. Chew sugarless gum to reduce dry mouth.
d
A patient with a history of depression who experiences memory lapses and word finding difficulty is diagnosed with pseudodementia. Which of these represents a characteristic of pseudodementia? a. Cognitive impairments are reversible b. Lewy bodies form within the brain tissue c. Psychosis is a prominent feature d. Eventually evolves into Alzheimer's
a
The goal of cognitive therapy with depressed clients is to: a. Identify and change dysfunctional patterns of thinking. b. Resolve the symptoms and initiate or restore adaptive family functioning. c. Alter the neurotransmitters that are creating the depressed mood. d. Provide feedback from peers who are having similar experiences.
a
The physician orders lithium carbonate 600mg tid for a newly dignosed client with bipolar I disorder. There is a narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic levels of lithium. Therapeutic range for acute mania is: a. 1.0 to 1.5 mEq/L b. 10 to 15 mEq/L c. 0.5 to 1.0 mEq/L d. 5 to 10 mEq/L
a
The physician orders sertraline (Zoloft) for a client who is hospitalized with adjustment disorder with depressed mood. This medication is intended to: a. Increase energy and elevate mood b. Stimulate the central nervous system c. Prevent psychotic symptoms d. Produce calming effect
a
What is one of the most common contraindications of ECT? a. Patients with cardiovascular issues b. Patients who smoke c. Patients with a past history of cancer d. Patients with respiratory issues
a
What is the first type of drug given for alcohol withdrawal a. Benzo b. Sartan c. Amlodipine d. Digoxin
a
When Jack is not accepted into the law school of his choice, he thinks, "I'm so stupid. No law school will ever accept me." What automatic thought does this statement represent? a. Overgeneralization b. Magnification c. Catastrophic thinking d. Personalization
a
Which of the following behavioral patterns is characteristic of individuals with narcissistic personality disorder? a. Overly self-centered and exploitative of others b. Suspicious and mistrustful of others c. Rule conscious and disapproving of change d. Anxious and socially isolated
a
What falls under Subjective data when writing a SOAP note?(Select all that apply) a. History Present Illness b. Psych History c. Medical History d. Substance abuse e. Family history f. Social history g. Review of systems h. Weight, height
a, b, c, d, e, f, g
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder was raised in a strongly religious family where bad behavior was equated with sins against God. Which nursing intervention would be most appropriate to help the client address spirituality as it relates to his illness? A. Encourage the client to bring into awareness underlying sources of guilt. B. Teach the client that religious beliefs should be put into perspective throughout the life span. C. Confront the client with the irrational nature of the belief system. D. Assist the client to modify his or her belief system in order to improve coping skills
ANS: A A client raised in an environment that reinforces one's inadequacy may be at risk for experiencing guilt, shame, low self-esteem, and hopelessness, which can contribute to depression. Assisting the client to bring these feelings into awareness allows the client to realistically appraise distorted responsibility and dysfunctional guilt. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The client is unable to concentrate, has no appetite, and is experiencing insomnia. Which should be included in this client's plan of care? A. A simple, structured daily schedule with limited choices of activities B. A daily schedule filled with activities to promote socialization C. A flexible schedule that allows the client opportunities for decision making D. A schedule that includes mandatory activities to decrease social isolation
ANS: A A client with depression has difficulty concentrating and may be overwhelmed by activity overload or the expectation of independent decision making. A simple, structured daily schedule with limited choices of activities is more appropriate. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
According to Peplau, which nursing intervention is most appropriate when the nurse is functioning in the role of a surrogate? A. The nurse functions as a nurturing parent in order to build a trusting relationship. B. The nurse plays cards with a small group of clients. C. The nurse discusses childhood events that may affect personality development. D. The nurse provides a safe social environment.
ANS: A According to Peplau, when a client is acutely ill, he or she may incur the role of infant or child, while the nurse is perceived as the mother surrogate. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse reviews the laboratory data of a 29-year-old client suspected of having major depressive disorder. Which laboratory value would potentially rule out this diagnosis? A. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level of 6.2 U/mL B. Potassium (K+) level of 4.2 mEq/L C. Sodium (Na+) level of 140 mEq/L D. Calcium (Ca2+) level of 9.5 mg/dL
ANS: A According to the DSM-5, symptoms of major depressive disorder cannot be due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism). The diagnosis of major depressive disorder may be ruled out if the client's laboratory results indicate a high TSH level (normal range for this age group is 0.4 to 4.2 U/mL), which results from a low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism metabolic processes are slowed, leading to depressive symptoms. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
What is the legal significance of a nurse's action when a nurse threatens a demanding client with restraints? A. The nurse can be charged with assault. B. The nurse can be charged with negligence. C. The nurse can be charged with malpractice. D. The nurse can be charged with beneficence.
ANS: A Assault is an act that results in a person's genuine fear and apprehension that he or she will be touched without consent. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
When a client on an acute care psychiatric unit demonstrates behaviors and verbalizations indicating a lack of guilt feelings, which nursing intervention would help the client to meet desired outcomes? A. Provide external limits on client behavior. B. Foster discussions of rationales for behavioral change. C. Implement interventions consistently by only one staff member. D. Encourage the client to involve self in care.
ANS: A Because the client, due to a lack of guilt, cannot or will not impose personal limits on maladaptive behaviors, these limits must be delineated and enforced by staff. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is questioning the nurse about a newly prescribed medication, acamprosate calcium (Campral). Which is the most appropriate reply by the nurse? A. "This medication will help you maintain your abstinence." B. "This medication will cause uncomfortable symptoms if you combine it with alcohol." C. "This medication will decrease the effect alcohol has on your body." D. "This medication will lower your risk of experiencing a complicated withdrawal."
ANS: A Campral has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in clients diagnosed with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client is admitted in a manic episode of bipolar I disorder. Which nursing intervention should be most therapeutic for this client? A. Using a calm, unemotional approach during client interactions B. Focusing primarily on enforcing limits C. Limiting interactions to decrease external stimuli D. Encouraging the client to establish social relationships with peers
ANS: A Clients experiencing mania are subject to frequent mood variations, easily changing from irritability and anger to sadness and crying. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a calm, unemotional approach during client interactions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia receives fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) from a home health nurse. The client refuses medication at one regularly scheduled home visit. Which nursing intervention is ethically appropriate? A. Allow the client to decline the medication and document. B. Tell the client that if the medication is refused, hospitalization will occur. C. Arrange with a relative to add medication to the client's morning orange juice. D. Call for help to hold the client down while the injection is administered.
ANS: A It is ethically and legally appropriate for the nurse to allow the client to decline the medication and provide accurate documentation. The client's right to refuse treatment should be upheld unless the refusal puts the client or others in harm's way. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client has been brought to the emergency department for signs and symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The client has a history of a suicide attempt 1 year ago. Which nursing intervention would take priority in this situation? A. Assessing the client's pulse oximetry and vital signs B. Developing a plan for safety for the client C. Assessing the client for suicidal ideations D. Establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship
ANS: A It is important to prioritize client interventions that assess the symptoms of COPD prior to any other nursing intervention. Physical needs must be prioritized according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This client's problems with oxygenation will take priority over assessing for current suicidal ideations. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A military vet who recently returned from active duty in a Middle Eastern country and suffers from PTSD states he will not allow the lab tech, who is Iranian, to draw his blood. The patient states "He'll probably use a contaminated needle on me". Which of these is the most appropriate response by the nurse? A. "Let me see if I can arrange for a different technician to draw your blood." B. "Let me help you overcome your cultural bias by letting him draw your blood." C. "There is no other technician, so you're just going to have to let him draw your blood." D. "I don't think the technician is really Middle Eastern."
ANS: A Item A demonstrates acceptance of the patient and attempts to create a less threatening situation for the patient. Item B makes an unsubstantiated assumption about the patient's biases. Item C will not contribute to the patient's sense of control, and sense of comfort and control is important in managing symptoms of PTSD. Item D minimizes the patient's concerns rather than responding empathically to them. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Caring | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
An inpatient client, whom the treatment team has determined to be a danger to self, gives notice of intention to leave the hospital. What information should the nurse recognize as having an impact on the treatment team's next action? A. State law determines how long a psychiatric facility can hold a client. B. Federal law determines if the client is competent. C. The client's family involvement will determine if discharge is possible. D. Hospital policies will determine treatment team actions.
ANS: A Most states commonly cite that in an emergency a client who is dangerous to self or others may be involuntarily hospitalized. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Arthur, who is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, reports to the nurse that he can't stop thinking about all the potentially life threatening germs in the environment. What is the most accurate way for the nurse to document this symptom? A. Patient is expressing an obsession with germs. B. Patient is manifesting compulsive thinking. C. Patient is expressing delusional thinking about germs. D. Patient is manifesting arachnophobia of germs.
ANS: A Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive, repetitive thoughts. Compulsions are unwanted, repetitive behavior patterns in response to obsessive thoughts that are efforts to reduce anxiety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Communication and Documentation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of persistent depressive disorder. Which client statement would describe a symptom consistent with this diagnosis? A. "I am sad most of the time and I've felt this way for the last several years." B. "I find myself preoccupied with death." C. "Sometimes I hear voices telling me to kill myself." D. "I'm afraid to leave the house."
ANS: A Persistent depressive disorder is characterized by depressed mood for most of day, for more days than not, for at least 2 years. Thoughts of death would be more consistent with major depressive disorder; hearing voices is more consistent with a psychotic disorder; and fear of leaving the house is more consistent with a phobia. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client taking a benzodiazepine. Which client statement would indicate a need for further follow-up instructions? A. "I will need scheduled bloodwork in order to monitor for toxic levels of this drug." B. "I won't stop taking this medication abruptly, because there could be serious complications." C. "I will not drink alcohol while taking this medication." D. "I won't take extra doses of this drug because I can become addicted."
ANS: A The client indicates a need for additional information about taking benzodiazepines when stating the need for blood work to monitor for toxic levels. No blood work is needed when taking a short-acting benzodiazepine. The client should understand that taking extra doses of a benzodiazepine may result in addiction and that the drug should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Without authorization, a nurse administers an extra dose of narcotic tranquilizer to an agitated client. The nurse's coworker observes this action but does nothing for fear of repercussion. What is the ethical interpretation of the coworker's lack of involvement? A. Taking no action is still considered an action by the coworker. B. Taking no action releases the coworker from ethical responsibility. C. Taking no action is advised when potential adverse consequences are foreseen. D. Taking no action is acceptable, because the coworker is only a bystander.
ANS: A The coworker's lack of involvement can be interpreted as an action taken. The coworker is experiencing an ethical dilemma in which a decision needs to be made between two unfavorable alternatives. Although the coworker may be struggling with ethical decision making, he or she has witnessed another nurse dispensing medication outside of the scope of practice; therefore, from a legal perspective, this should be reported. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A psychiatric nurse working on an inpatient unit receives a call asking if an individual has been a client in the facility. Which nursing response reflects appropriate legal and ethical obligations? A. Refusing to give any information to the caller, citing rules of confidentiality B. Refusing to give any information to the caller by hanging up C. Affirming that the person has been seen at the facility but providing no further information D. Suggesting that the caller speak to the client's therapist
ANS: A The most appropriate action by the nurse is to refuse to give any information to the caller. Admission to the facility would be considered protected health information (PHI) and should not be disclosed by the nurse without prior client consent. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with chronic alcohol use disorder is being discharged from an inpatient treatment facility after detoxification. Which client outcome related to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) would be most appropriate for a nurse to discuss with the client during discharge teaching? A. After discharge, the client will immediately attend 90 AA meetings in 90 days. B. After discharge, the client will rely on an AA sponsor to help control alcohol cravings. C. After discharge, the client will incorporate family in AA attendance. D. After discharge, the client will seek appropriate deterrent medications through AA.
ANS: A The most appropriate client outcome for the nurse to discuss during discharge teaching is attending 90 AA meetings in 90 days after discharge. AA is a major self-help organization for the treatment of alcoholism. It accepts alcoholism as an illness and promotes total abstinence as the only cure. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with panic disorder states, "When an attack happens, I feel like I am going to die." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "I know it's frightening, but try to remind yourself that this will only last a short time." B. "Death from a panic attack happens so infrequently that there is no need to worry." C. "Most people who experience panic attacks have feelings of impending doom." D. "Tell me why you think you are going to die every time you have a panic attack."
ANS: A The most appropriate nursing reply to the client's concerns is to empathize with the client and provide encouragement that panic attacks last only a short period. Panic attacks usually last minutes but can, rarely, last hours. Symptoms of depression are also common with this disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
What is the most essential task for a nurse to accomplish prior to forming a therapeutic relationship with a client? A. To clarify personal attitudes, values, and beliefs B. To obtain thorough assessment data C. To determine the client's length of stay D. To establish personal goals for the interaction
ANS: A The most essential task for a nurse to accomplish prior to forming a therapeutic relationship with a client is to clarify personal attitudes, values, and beliefs. Understanding one's own attitudes, values, and beliefs is called self-awareness. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client has a history of excessive fear of water. What is the term that a nurse should use to describe this specific phobia, and under what subtype is this phobia identified? A. Aquaphobia, a natural environment type of phobia B. Aquaphobia, a situational type of phobia C. Acrophobia, a natural environment type of phobia D. Acrophobia, a situational type of phobia
ANS: A The nurse should determine that an excessive fear of water is identified as aquaphobia, which is a natural environment type of phobia. Natural environment-type phobias are fears about objects or situations that occur in the natural environment, such as a fear of heights or storms. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Family members of a client ask a nurse to explain the difference between schizoid and avoidant personality disorders. Which is the appropriate nursing reply? A. "Clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder desire intimacy but fear it, and clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be alone." B. "Clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder exhibit odd, bizarre, and eccentric behavior, whereas clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder do not." C. "Clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder are eccentric, and clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder are dull and vacant." D. "Clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder have a history of psychotic thought processes, whereas clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder remain based in reality."
ANS: A The nurse should educate the family that clients diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder desire intimacy but fear it, whereas clients diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder prefer to be alone. Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by an extreme sensitivity to rejection, which leads to social isolation. Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a profound deficit in the ability to form personal relationships. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client response should a nurse expect during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship? A. The client gains insight and incorporates alternative behaviors. B. The client and nurse establish rapport and mutually develop treatment goals. C. The client explores feelings related to reentering the community. D. The client explores personal strengths and weaknesses that impact behaviors.
ANS: A The nurse should expect that the client would gain insight and incorporate alternative behaviors during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship. The client may also overcome resistance, problem-solve, and continually evaluate progress toward goals. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client has a history of daily bourbon drinking for the past 6 months. He is brought to an emergency department by family, who report that his last drink was 1 hour ago. It is now 12 midnight. When should a nurse expect this client to exhibit withdrawal symptoms? A. Between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. B. Shortly after a 24-hour period C. At the beginning of the third day D. Withdrawal is individualized and cannot be predicted.
ANS: A The nurse should expect that this client will begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms from alcohol between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually occur within 4 to 12 hours of cessation or reduction in heavy and prolonged alcohol use. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
A psychiatrist prescribes a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for a client. Which foods should the nurse teach the client to avoid? A. Pepperoni pizza and red wine B. Bagels with cream cheese and tea C. Apple pie and coffee D. Potato chips and diet cola
ANS: A The nurse should instruct the client to avoid pepperoni pizza and red wine. Foods with high tyramine content can induce hypertensive crisis within 2 hours of ingestion. Symptoms of hypertensive crisis include severe occipital and/or temporal pounding headaches with occasional photophobia, sensations of choking, palpitations, and a feeling of "dread." KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client is diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode. Which nursing intervention would be implemented to achieve the outcome of "Client will gain 2 pounds by the end of the week?" A. Provide client with high-calorie finger foods throughout the day. B. Accompany client to cafeteria to encourage adequate dietary consumption. C. Initiate total parenteral nutrition to meet dietary needs. D. Teach the importance of a varied diet to meet nutritional needs.
ANS: A The nurse should provide the client with high-calorie finger foods throughout the day to help the client achieve the outcome of gaining 2 pounds by the end of the week. Because of hyperactivity, the client will have difficulty sitting still to consume large meals. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder states, "I hate oatmeal. Let's get everybody together to do exercises. I'm thirsty and I'm burning up. Get out of my way; I have to see that guy." What should be the priority nursing action? A. Assess the client's vital signs. B. Offer to have the dietitian discuss food preferences. C. Encourage the client to lead the exercise program in the community meeting. D. Acknowledge the client briefly and then walk away.
ANS: A When assessing a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the nurse should not lose sight of the fact that co-occurring physical problems could be masked by hyperactive, manic, or both behaviors. The client's statement of "I'm thirsty and I'm burning up" could be a symptom of either infection or dehydration and must be assessed. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of CareANS: A When assessing a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the nurse should not lose sight of the fact that co-occurring physical problems could be masked by hyperactive, manic, or both behaviors. The client's statement of "I'm thirsty and I'm burning up" could be a symptom of either infection or dehydration and must be assessed. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A client is admitted for alcohol detoxification. During detoxification, which symptoms should the nurse expect to assess? A. Gross tremors, delirium, hyperactivity, and hypertension B. Disorientation, peripheral neuropathy, and hypotension C. Oculogyric crisis, amnesia, ataxia, and hypertension D. Hallucinations, fine tremors, confabulation, and orthostatic hypotension
ANS: A Withdrawal is defined as the physiological and mental readjustment that accompanies the discontinuation of an addictive substance. Symptoms can include gross tremors, delirium, hyperactivity, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, hallucinations, and seizures. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A patient's wife reports to the nurse that she was told her husband's PTSD may be related to cognitive problems. She is asking the nurse to explain what that means. Which of the following are accurate statements about the cognitive theory as it applies to PTSD? Select all that apply. A. People are vulnerable to trauma-related disorders when their fundamental beliefs are invalidated. B. Cognitive theory addresses the importance of how people think (or cognitively appraise) events. C. Dementia is a common symptom of PTSD. D. Amnesia is the biggest cognitive problem in PTSD and is the primary cause of trauma-related disorders.
ANS: A, B Both A and B address aspects of cognitive theory and its relevance in PTSD. Dementia includes cognitive symptoms but is not a symptom of PTSD. Amnesia does not cause PTSD but is a symptom of PTSD. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Joe, a patient being treated for PTSD, tells the nurse that his therapist is recommending cognitive therapy. He asks the nurse how that's supposed to help his nightmares. Which of these responses by the nurse provides accurate information about the benefits of this type of therapy? Select all that apply. A. The nightmares may be related to troubling thoughts and feelings; cognitive therapy will help you explore and modify those thoughts and feelings. B. It is designed to help you cope with anxiety, anger, and other feelings that may be related to your symptoms. C. It is designed to repeatedly expose you to the trauma you experienced so you can regain a sense of safety. D. Once you learn to repress these troubling feelings, the nightmares should cease.
ANS: A, B Both A and B are desired outcomes in cognitive therapy. Item C more aptly describes prolonged exposure therapy. D is incorrect because exploration and awareness (rather than repression) are fundamental to cognitive therapy. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Which of the following explanations should a nurse include when teaching parents why is it difficult to diagnose a child or adolescent exhibiting symptoms of bipolar disorder? Select all that apply. A. Bipolar symptoms are similar to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms. B. Children are naturally active, energetic, and spontaneous. C. Neurotransmitter levels vary considerably in accordance with age. D. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder cannot be assigned prior to the age of 18. E. Genetic predisposition is not a reliable diagnostic determinant.
ANS: A, B It is difficult to diagnose a child or adolescent with bipolar disorder because bipolar symptoms are similar to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder symptoms and because children are naturally active, energetic, and spontaneous. Symptoms may also be comorbid with other childhood disorders, such as conduct disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A military veteran is being assessed for outpatient therapy after he reports having problems at home and at work. Which of the symptoms that he describes are commonly associated with PTSD? Select all that apply. A. "I've been drinking and smoking pot daily." B. "I've been having trouble sleeping and I think I've been having nightmares but I can't remember them." C. "I slapped my wife when she was trying to hug me." D. "I've been having intense pain in the leg where I sustained a combat wound."
ANS: A, B, C Common symptoms associated with PTSD include substance abuse, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and aggression. Whereas the combat exposure and wounding could be described as traumas, the patient's complaint of pain requires further physical assessment rather than assuming this symptom is related to PTSD. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Joshua recently moved into a dormitory to begin his freshman year in college. He was reprimanded by the dormitory supervisor for not properly disposing of food items and responded by throwing all of his belongings from a second story window while shouting obscenities. The campus police escorted him to campus health services, where he was diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder with Disturbance of Conduct. Which of the following items in Joshua's history predispose him to this disorder? Select all that apply. A. Joshua reports that he doesn't have any friends in the dormitory. B. Joshua's family currently lives out of the country and are often difficult to reach. C. Joshua was notified the same day that he would have to withdraw from one of his classes because he didn't have the prerequisite credits needed to register for the class. D. Joshua has a higher than average GPA and is a member of The National Honor Society.
ANS: A, B, C Items A and B may suggest lack of available support systems, which is identified as a predisposing factor for Adjustment Disorders. Item C presents evidence of another stressor occurring in proximity to the reprimand from the dormitory supervisor, which may also predispose to the development of an Adjustment Disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
After a teenager reveals that he is gay, the father responds by beating him. The next morning, the teenager is found hanging in his closet. Which paternal grief responses should a nurse anticipate? Select all that apply. A. "I can't believe this is happening." B. "If only I had been more understanding." C. "How dare he do this to me!" D. "I'm just going to have to accept that he was gay." E. "Well, that was a selfish thing to do."
ANS: A, B, C Suicide of a family member can induce a whole gamut of feelings in the survivors. Shock, disbelief, guilt, remorse, anger, and resentment are all feelings that may be experienced by this father. The last two possible responses suggest acceptance and understanding. It is far more common for survivors of suicide to have a sense of feeling wounded and as if they will never get over it. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which statements represent positive outcomes for clients diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder? Select all that apply. A. The client will relate one empathetic statement toward another client in group, by day 2. B. The client will identify one personal limitation by day 1. C. The client will acknowledge one strength that another client possesses by day 2. D. The client will list four personal strengths by day 3. E. The client will list two lifetime achievements by discharge.
ANS: A, B, C The nurse should determine that appropriate outcomes for a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder include relating empathetic statements to other clients, identifying one personal limitation, and acknowledging one strength in another client. An exaggerated sense of self-worth, a lack of empathy, and exploitation of others are characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which of the following instructions regarding lithium therapy should be included in a nurse's discharge teaching? Select all that apply. A. Avoid excessive use of beverages containing caffeine. B. Maintain a consistent sodium intake. C. Consume at least 2,500 to 3,000 mL of fluid per day. D. Restrict sodium content. E. Restrict fluids to 1,500 mL per day.
ANS: A, B, C The nurse should instruct the client taking lithium to avoid excessive use of caffeine, maintain a consistent sodium intake, and consume at least 2,500 to 3,000 mL of fluid per day. The risk of developing lithium toxicity is high due to the narrow margin between therapeutic doses and toxic levels. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client who has been diagnosed with a phobic disorder asks the nurse if there are any medications that would be beneficial in treating phobic disorders. Which of the following would be accurate responses by the nurse? Select all that apply. A. Some antianxiety agents have been successful in treating social phobias. B. Some antidepressant agents have been successful in diminishing symptoms of agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). C. Specific phobias are generally not treated with medication unless accompanied by panic attacks. D. Beta-blockers have been used successfully to treat phobic responses to public performance.
ANS: A, B, C, D All of the listed pharmacological treatments are evidence-based treatments for phobic disorders. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil). Which of the following client statements should indicate to a nurse that discharge teaching about this medication has been successful? Select all that apply. A. "I'll have to let my surgeon know about this medication before I have my cholecystectomy." B. "Guess I will have to give up my glass of red wine with dinner." C. "I'll have to be very careful about reading food and medication labels." D. "I'm going to miss my caffeinated coffee in the morning." E. "I'll be sure not to stop this medication abruptly."
ANS: A, B, C, E The nurse should evaluate that teaching has been successful when the client states that phenelzine (Nardil) should not be taken in conjunction with the use of alcohol or foods high in tyramine and should not be stopped abruptly. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that can have negative interactions with other medications. The client needs to tell other physicians about taking MAOIs because of the risk of drug interactions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which of the following nursing statements exemplify important insights that will promote effective intervention with clients diagnosed with substance use disorders? Select all that apply. A. "I am easily manipulated and need to work on this prior to caring for these clients." B. "Because of my father's alcoholism, I need to examine my attitude toward these clients." C. "Drinking is legal, so the diagnosis of substance use disorder is an infringement on client rights." D. "Opiate addicts are typically uneducated, unrefined individuals who will need a lot of education and social skills training." E. "I can fix clients diagnosed with substance use disorders as long as I truly care about them."
ANS: A, B, D The nurse should examine personal bias and preconceived negative attitudes prior to caring for clients diagnosed with substance-abuse disorders. A deficit in this area may affect the nurse's ability to establish therapeutic relationships with these clients. A nurse who adopts the attitude that he or she can "fix" another person may be struggling with codependency issues. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing instructor is teaching students about cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following student statements about the complications of hepatic encephalopathy should indicate that further student teaching is needed? Select all that apply. A. "A diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing." B. "This condition leads to a rise in serum ammonia, resulting in impaired mental functioning." C. "In this condition, blood accumulates in the abdominal cavity." D. "Neomycin and lactulose are used in the treatment of this condition." E. "This condition is caused by the inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea."
ANS: A, C The nursing instructor should understand that further teaching is needed if the nursing student states that a diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing or that this condition causes blood to accumulate in the abdominal cavity (ascites), because these are incorrect statements. The treatment of hepatic encephalopathy requires abstention from alcohol, temporary elimination of protein from the diet, and reduction of intestinal ammonia by means of neomycin or lactulose. This condition occurs in response to the inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea for excretion. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A patient is admitted to the community mental health center for outpatient therapy with a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder. Which of the following subjective statements by the patient support this diagnosis? Select all that apply. A. "I was divorced 3 months ago and I can't seem to cope." B. "I was a victim of date rape 15 years ago when I was in college." C. "My partner came home last week and told me he just didn't love me anymore." D. "I failed one of my classes last month and I can't get motivated to register for my next semester."
ANS: A, C, D A diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder is appropriate when the stressors are related to relational conflict, where there are significant emotional or behavioral symptoms, and when the response occurs within 3 months after the onset of the stressor (and persists no longer than 6 months). Item B would be more aptly described as a traumatic event. KEY: Cognitive Level: Evaluation | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A 20-year-old female has a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Which of the following should a nurse identify as consistent with this diagnosis? Select all that apply. A. Symptoms are causing significant interference with work, school, and social relationships. B. Patient-rated mood is 2/10 for the past 6 months C. Mood swings occur the week before onset of menses D. Patient reports subjective difficulty concentrating E. Patient manifests pressured speech when communicating
ANS: A, C, D Diagnostic criteria for a premenstrual dysphoric disorder include that symptoms must be associated with significant distress, occur in the week before onset of menses, and improve or disappear in the week post-menses KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A patient who is being seen in the community mental health center for PTSD is being considered for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. The nurse is being asked to conduct an assessment to validate the patient's appropriateness for this treatment. Which of the following pieces of data, collected by the nurse, are most important to document when determining appropriateness for treatment with EMDR? Select all that apply. A. The patient has a history of a seizure disorder. B. The patient has a history of ECT. C. The patient reports suicidal ideation with a plan. D. The patient has been using alcohol in increasing quantities over the last 3 months.
ANS: A, C, D Items A, C, and D are all factors that would contraindicate the use of EMDR. A history of ECT is not directly relevant in determining appropriateness for EMDR. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Documentation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nursing student is developing a study guide related to historical facts about suicide. Which of the following facts should the student include? Select all that apply. A. In the Middle Ages, suicide was viewed as a selfish and criminal act. B. During the Roman Empire, suicide was followed by incineration of the body. C. Suicide was an offense in ancient Greece, and a common-site burial was denied. D. During the Renaissance, suicide was discussed and viewed more philosophically. E. Old Norse traditionally set a person who committed suicide adrift in the North Sea.
ANS: A, C, D These are true historical facts about suicide and should be included in the student's study guide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse has been caring for a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following nursing interventions would address this client's symptoms? Select all that apply. A. Encourage the client to recognize the signs of escalating anxiety. B. Encourage the client to avoid any situation that causes stress. C. Encourage the client to employ newly learned relaxation techniques. D. Encourage the client to cognitively reframe thoughts about situations that generate anxiety. E. Encourage the client to avoid caffeinated products.
ANS: A, C, D, E Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to recognize signs of escalating anxiety, to employ relaxation techniques, to cognitively reframe thoughts about anxiety-provoking situations, and to avoid caffeinated products. Avoiding situations that cause stress is not an appropriate intervention, because avoidance does not help the client overcome anxiety. Stress is a component of life and is not easily evaded. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is caring for a group of clients within the DSM-5 Cluster B category of personality disorders. Which factors should the nurse consider when planning client care? Select all that apply. A. These clients have personality traits that are deeply ingrained and difficult to modify. B. These clients need medications to treat the underlying physiological pathology. C. These clients use manipulation, making the implementation of treatment problematic. D. These clients have poor impulse control that hinders compliance with a plan of care. E. These clients commonly have secondary diagnoses of substance abuse and depression.
ANS: A, C, D, E The nurse should consider that individuals diagnosed with cluster B-type personality disorders have deeply ingrained personality traits, use manipulation, have poor impulse control, and often have secondary diagnoses of substance abuse and/or depression. This cluster includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse who works on an inpatient psychiatric unit is working on developing a treatment plan for a patient admitted with PTSD. The patient, a military veteran, reports that sometimes he thinks he sees bombs exploding and the enemy rushing toward him. He has had aggressive outbursts and was hospitalized after assaulting a coworker during one of these episodes. Which of these interventions by the nurse are evidence-based responses? Select all that apply. A. Collaborate with the patient about how he would like staff to respond when he has episodes of re-experiencing traumatic events. B. Tell the patient it is not appropriate to hit other patients or staff and if that occurs he will have to be discharged from the hospital. C. Contact the doctor and recommend that the patient be ordered an antipsychotic medication. D. Refer the patient to a support group with other military veterans.
ANS: A, D Collaborating with the patient demonstrates an environment of mutual respect and is helpful in establishing a trusting relationship. Both of these are identified as essential in effective treatment of PTSD. Evidence also supports that a group with other people who have experienced similar traumas is helpful in reducing the sense of isolation that some people with PTSD experience. Items B and C are incorrect since they both reflect an inaccurate understanding of the dynamics of PTSD. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
After disturbing the peace, an aggressive, disoriented, unkempt, homeless individual is escorted to an emergency department by police. The client threatens suicide. Which criteria would enable a physician to consider involuntary commitment? Select all that apply. A. Being dangerous to others B. Being homeless C. Being disruptive to the community D. Being gravely disabled and unable to meet basic needs E. Being suicidal
ANS: A, D, E The physician could consider involuntary commitment when a client is being dangerous to others, is gravely disabled, or is suicidal. If the client is determined to be mentally incompetent, consent should be obtained from the legal guardian or court-approved guardian or conservator. A hospital administrator may give permission for involuntary commitment when time does not permit court intervention. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Jane presents in the Emergency Department with a friend, who reports that Jane has been sitting in her apartment "staring off into space" and doesn't 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 Jane's 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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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 client's 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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
An isolative client was admitted 4 days ago with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which nursing statement would best motivate this client to attend a therapeutic group being held in the milieu? A. "We'll go to the day room when you are ready for group." B. "I'll walk with you to the day room. Group is about to start." C. "It must be difficult for you to attend group when you feel so bad." D. "Let me tell you about the benefits of attending this group."
ANS: B A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder exhibits little to no motivation and must be actively directed by staff to participate in therapy. It is difficult for a severely depressed client to make decisions, and this function must be temporarily assumed by the staff. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client statement would the nurse recognize as indicating that the client understands dietary teaching related to lithium carbonate (Lithobid) treatment? A. "I will limit my intake of fluids daily." B. "I will maintain normal salt intake." C. "I will take Lithobid on an empty stomach." D. "I will increase my caloric intake to prevent weight loss."
ANS: B A client taking Lithobid should be taught not to skimp on dietary sodium intake. He or she should take Lithobid on a full stomach to avoid gastrointestinal upset and choose lower-calorie foods to prevent weight gain. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse assign to this client to address a behavioral symptom of this disorder? A. Altered communication R/T feelings of worthlessness AEB anhedonia B. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room C. Altered thought processes R/T hopelessness AEB persecutory delusions D. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T high anxiety AEB anorexia
ANS: B A nursing diagnosis of social isolation R/T poor self-esteem AEB secluding self in room addresses a behavioral symptom of major depressive disorder. Other behavioral symptoms include psychomotor retardation, virtually nonexistent communication, maintaining a fetal position, and no personal hygiene and/or grooming. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A mother who has a history of chronic heroin use has lost custody of her children due to abuse and neglect. She has been admitted to an inpatient drug rehabilitation program. Which client statement should a nurse associate with a positive prognosis for this client? A. "I'm not going to use heroin ever again. I know I've got the willpower to do it this time." B. "I cannot control my use of heroin. It's stronger than I am." C. "I'm going to get all my children back. They need their mother." D. "Once I deal with my childhood physical abuse, recovery should be easy."
ANS: B A positive prognosis is more likely when a client admits that he or she is addicted to a substance and has a loss of control. One of the first steps in the 12-step model for treatment is for the client to admit powerlessness over the substance. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which is an example of an intentional tort? A. A nurse fails to assess a client's obvious symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. B. A nurse physically places an irritating client in four-point restraints. C. A nurse makes a medication error and does not report the incident. D. A nurse gives patient information to an unauthorized person.
ANS: B A tort is a violation of civil law in which an individual has been wronged and can be intentional or unintentional. A nurse who physically places an irritating client in restraints has touched the client without consent and has committed an intentional tort. Examples of unintentional torts are malpractice and negligence actions. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client who has been taking buspirone (BuSpar) as prescribed for 2 days is close to discharge. Which statement indicates to the nurse that the client has an understanding of important discharge teaching? A. "I cannot drink any alcohol with this medication." B. "It is going to take 2 to 3 weeks in order for me to begin to feel better." C. "This drug causes physical dependence, and I need to strictly follow doctor's orders." D. "I can't take this medication with food. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach."
ANS: B BuSpar takes at least 2 to 3 weeks to be effective in controlling symptoms of anxiety. This is important to teach clients in order to prevent potential noncompliance due to the perception that the medication is ineffective. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A newly admitted client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "I have never considered suicide." Later the client confides to the nurse about plans to end it all by medication overdose. What is the most helpful nursing reply? A. "There is nothing to worry about. We will handle it together." B. "Bringing this up is a very positive action on your part." C. "We need to talk about the things you have to live for." D. "I think you should consider all your options prior to taking this action."
ANS: B By admitting to the staff a suicide plan, this client has taken responsibility for possible personal actions and expresses trust in the nurse. Therefore, the client may be receptive to continuing a safety plan. Recognition of this achievement reinforces this adaptive behavior. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with Cluster C traits sits alone and ignores other's attempts to converse. When ask to join a group the client states, "No, thanks." In this situation, which should the nurse assign as an initial nursing diagnosis? A. Fear R/T hospitalization B. Social isolation R/T poor self-esteem C. Risk for suicide R/T to hopelessness D. Powerlessness R/T dependence issues
ANS: B Clients diagnosed with Cluster C traits are described as anxious and fearful. The DSM-5 divides Cluster C personality disorders into three categories: avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive. Anxiety and fear contribute to social isolation. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A newly admitted client is diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic episode. Which symptom related to altered thought is the nurse most likely to assess? A. Pacing B. Flight of ideas C. Lability of mood D. Irritability
ANS: B Clients diagnosed with bipolar disorder: manic episode experience cognition and perception fragmentation often with psychosis during acute mania. Rapid thinking proceeds to racing and disjointed thinking (flight of ideas) and may be manifested by a continuous flow of accelerated, pressured speak with abrupt changes from topic to topic. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client who is diagnosed with major depressive disorder asks the nurse what causes depression. Which of these is the most accurate response? A. Depression is caused by a deficiency in neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. B. The exact cause of depressive disorders is unknown. A number of things, including genetic, biochemical, and environmental influences, likely play a role. C. Depression is a learned state of helplessness cause by ineffective parenting. D. Depression is caused by intrapersonal conflict between the id and the ego.
ANS: B Depression is likely an illness that has varied and multiple causative factors, but at present the exact cause of depressive disorders is not entirely understood. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
In the situation presented, which nursing intervention constitutes false imprisonment? A. The client is combative and will not redirect, stating, "No one can stop me from leaving." The nurse seeks the physician's order after the client is restrained. B. The client has been consistently seeking the attention of the nurses much of the day. The nurse institutes seclusion. C. A psychotic client, admitted in an involuntary status, runs off the psychiatric unit. The nurse runs after the client and the client agrees to return. D. A client hospitalized as an involuntary admission attempts to leave the unit. The nurse calls the security team and they prevent the client from leaving.
ANS: B False imprisonment is the deliberate and unauthorized commitment of a person within fixed limits by the use of verbal or physical means. Seclusion should only be used in an emergency situation to prevent harm after least restrictive means have been unsuccessfully attempted. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client's spouse asks, "What evidence supports the possibility of genetic transmission of bipolar disorder?" Which is the best nursing reply? A. "Clients diagnosed with bipolar disorders have alterations in neurochemicals that affect behaviors." B. "Higher rates of relatives diagnosed with bipolar disorder are found in families of clients diagnosed with this disorder." C. "Higher rates of relatives of clients diagnosed with bipolar disorder respond in an exaggerated way to daily stress." D. "More individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder come from higher socioeconomic and educational backgrounds."
ANS: B Family studies have shown that if one parent is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the risk that a child will have the disorder is around 28%. If both parents are diagnosed with the disorder, the risk is two to three times as great. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
1. In response to a student's question regarding choosing a psychiatric specialty, a charge nurse states, "Mentally ill clients need special care. If I were in that position, I'd want a caring nurse also." From which ethical framework is the charge nurse operating? A. Kantianism B. Christian ethics C. Ethical egoism D. Utilitarianism
ANS: B The charge nurse is operating from a Christian ethics framework. A basic principle in Christian ethics is to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Kantianism states that decisions should be based on moral law and that actions are bound by a sense of moral duty. Utilitarianism holds that decisions should be made with a focus on the end result being happiness. Ethical egoism promotes the idea that what is right is good for the individual. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Caring | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client is diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder. What client behaviors should the nurse expect to assess? A. The client expresses "feeling blue most of the time." B. The client has endured periods of elation and dysphoria lasting for more than 2 years. C. The client fixates on hopelessness and thoughts of suicide continually. D. The client has labile moods with periods of acute mania.
ANS: B The essential feature of cyclothymic disorder is a chronic mood disturbance of at least 2 years' duration, involving numerous episodes of hypomania and depressed mood of insufficient severity or duration to meet the criteria for bipolar I or II disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
What is the main goal of the working phase of the nurse-client therapeutic relationship? A. Role modeling to improve interaction with others B. Resolution of the client's problems C. Using therapeutic communication to clarify perceptions D. Helping the client access outpatient treatment
ANS: B The goal of the working phase of the nurse-client therapeutic relationship is to resolve client problems by promoting behavioral change. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse recently admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. A health-care provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil) for the client. Which intervention related to this medication should be initiated to maintain this client's safety upon discharge? A. Provide a 6-month supply of Elavil to ensure long-term compliance. B. Provide a 1-week supply of Elavil with refills contingent on follow-up appointments. C. Provide a pill dispenser as a memory aid. D. Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine.
ANS: B The health-care provider should provide a 1-week supply of Elavil with refills contingent on follow-up appointments as an appropriate intervention to maintain the client's safety. Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow therapeutic range and can be used in overdose to commit suicide. Distributing limited amounts of the medication decreases this potential. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Communication and Documentation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
After teaching a client about lithium carbonate (Lithane), a nurse would consider the teaching successful on the basis of which client statement? A. "I should expect to feel better in a couple of days." B. "I'll call my doctor immediately if I experience any diarrhea or ringing in my ears." C. "If I forget a dose, I can double the dose the next time I take this drug." D. "I need to restrict my intake of any food containing salt."
ANS: B The initial signs of lithium toxicity include ataxia, blurred vision, severe diarrhea, persistent nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nursing instructor is teaching students about clients diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder and the quality of their relationships. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. "Their dramatic style tends to make their interpersonal relationships quite interesting and fulfilling." B. "Their interpersonal relationships tend to be shallow and fleeting, serving their dependency needs." C. "They tend to develop few relationships because they are strongly independent but generally maintain deep affection." D. "They pay particular attention to details, which can frustrate the development of relationships."
ANS: B The instructor should evaluate that learning has occurred when the student describes clients diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder as having shallow, fleeting interpersonal relationships that serve their dependency needs. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by colorful, dramatic, and extroverted behavior. These individuals also have difficulty maintaining long-lasting relationships. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing student questions an instructor regarding the order for fluvoxamine (Luvox), 300 mg daily, for a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which instructor reply is most accurate? A. "High doses of tricyclic medications will be required for effective treatment of OCD." B. "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) doses, in excess of what is effective for treating depression, may be required for OCD." C. "The dose of Luvox is low due to the side effect of daytime drowsiness and nighttime insomnia." D. "The dosage of Luvox is outside the therapeutic range and needs to be questioned."
ANS: B The most accurate instructor response is that SSRI doses in excess of what is effective for treating depression may be required in the treatment of OCD. SSRIs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of OCD. Common side effects include headache, sleep disturbances, and restlessness. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A family member is seeking advice about an elderly parent who seems to worry unnecessarily about everything. The family member states, "Should I seek psychiatric help for my mother?" Which is an appropriate nursing reply? A. "My mother also worries unnecessarily. I think it is part of the aging process." B. "Anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning." C. "From what you have told me, you should get her to a psychiatrist as soon as possible." D. "Anxiety is a complex phenomenon and is effectively treated only with psychotropic medications."
ANS: B The most appropriate reply by the nurse is to explain to the family member that anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion and impairs functioning. Anxiety is a normal reaction to a realistic danger or threat to biological integrity or self-concept. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A newly admitted client is diagnosed with major depressive disorder with suicidal ideations. Which would be the priority nursing intervention for this client? A. Teach about the effect of suicide on family dynamics. B. Carefully and unobtrusively observe on the basis of assessed data, at varied intervals around the clock. C. Encourage the client to spend a portion of each day interacting within the milieu. D. Set realistic achievable goals to increase self-esteem.
ANS: B The most effective way to interrupt a suicide attempt is to carefully, unobtrusively observe on the basis of assessed data at varied intervals around the clock. If a nurse observes behavior that indicates self-harm, the nurse can intervene to stop the behavior and keep the client safe. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Which situation exemplifies both assault and battery? A. The nurse becomes angry, calls the client offensive names, and withholds treatment. B. The nurse threatens to "tie down" the client and then does so against the client's wishes. C. The nurse hides the client's clothes and medicates the client to prevent elopement. D. The nurse restrains the client without just cause and communicates this to family.
ANS: B The nurse in this situation has committed both the acts of assault and battery. Assault refers to an action that results in fear and apprehension that the person will be touched without consent. Battery is the touching of another person without consent. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
Which statement indicates that the nurse is acting as an advocate for a client who was hospitalized after a suicide attempt and is now nearing discharge? A. "I must observe you continually for 1 hour in order to keep you safe." B. "Let's confer with the treatment team about the resources that you may need after discharge." C. "You must have been very upset to do what you did today." D. "Are you currently thinking about harming yourself?"
ANS: B The nurse is functioning in an advocacy role when collaborating with the client and treatment team to discuss client problems and needs. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A hungry, homeless client, diagnosed with schizophrenia, refuses to participate in an admission interview. When the nurse postpones the admission interview, verbally assures safety, and provides a warm meal, he or she is promoting which of the following? A. Sympathy B. Trust C. Veracity D. Manipulation
ANS: B The nurse is promoting trust by postponing the admission interview, assuring safety, and providing a warm meal. Trust implies a feeling of confidence that a person is reliable and sincere and has integrity and veracity. Trustworthiness is demonstrated through nursing interventions that convey a sense of warmth and caring to the client. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse evaluates a client's patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump and notices 100 attempts within a 30-minute period. Which is the best rationale for assessing this client for substance use disorder? A. Narcotic pain medication is contraindicated for all clients with active substance-use problems. B. Clients who are regularly using alcohol or benzodiazepines may have developed cross-tolerance to analgesics and require increased doses to achieve effective pain control. C. There is no need to assess the client for substance use disorder. There is an obvious PCA malfunction. D. The client is experiencing symptoms of withdrawal and needs to be accurately assessed for lorazepam (Ativan) dosage.
ANS: B The nurse should assess the client for substance use disorder because clients who are regularly using alcohol or benzodiazepines may have developed cross-tolerance to analgesics and require increased doses to achieve effective pain control. Cross-tolerance occurs when one drug lessens the client's response to another drug. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A nursing instructor is teaching about specific phobias. Which student statement should indicate that learning has occurred? A. "These clients do not recognize that their fear is excessive, and they rarely seek treatment." B. "These clients have overwhelming symptoms of panic when exposed to the phobic stimulus." C. "These clients experience symptoms that mirror a cerebrovascular accident (CVA)." D. "These clients experience the symptoms of tachycardia, dysphagia, and diaphoresis."
ANS: B The nursing instructor should evaluate that learning has occurred when the student knows that clients experiencing phobias have a panic level of fear that is overwhelming and unreasonable. Phobia is fear cued by a specific object or situation in which exposure to the stimulus produces an immediate anxiety response. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder brings up a conflict with the staff in a community meeting and develops a following of clients who unreasonably demand modification of unit rules. How can the nursing staff best handle this situation? A. Allow the clients to apply the democratic process when developing unit rules. B. Maintain consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation. C. Allow the client spokesperson to verbalize concerns during a unit staff meeting. D. Maintain unit order by the application of autocratic leadership.
ANS: B The nursing staff can best handle this situation by maintaining consistency of care by open communication to avoid staff manipulation. Clients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder can exhibit negative patterns of interaction, such as clinging and distancing, splitting, manipulation, and self-destructive behaviors. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing instructor is teaching about the prevalence of bipolar disorder. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. "This disorder is more prevalent in the lower socioeconomic groups." B. "This disorder is more prevalent in the higher socioeconomic groups." C. "This disorder is equally prevalent in all socioeconomic groups." D. "This disorder's prevalence cannot be evaluated on the basis of socioeconomic groups."
ANS: B The nursing student is accurate when stating that bipolar disorder is more prevalent in higher socioeconomic groups. Theories consider both hereditary and environmental factors in the etiology of bipolar disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Which phase of the nurse-client relationship begins when the individuals first meet and is characterized by an agreement to continue to meet and work on setting client-centered goals? A. Preinteraction B. Orientation C. Working D. Termination
ANS: B The orientation phase is when the individuals first meet and is characterized by an agreement to continue to meet and work on setting client-centered goals. There are four phases of relationship development: preinteraction, orientation, working, and termination. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Major Smith, who is being treated for PTSD symptoms following a course of military duty, reports, "I think I was in denial about even having PTSD. I thought I was just having trouble sleeping." Which of these is an accurate evaluation of the patient's comments? A. The patient is still in denial and unable to recognize that he is having flashbacks rather than insomnia. B. The patient is beginning to recognize stages of grieving and reevaluating his symptoms. C. The patient is beginning to recognize that he may be at risk for suicide. D. The patient is trying to avoid discussing symptoms of PTSD.
ANS: B The patient is expressing recognition that he was in denial, which is a stage of grieving. It is not uncommon for people to recognize that they are having troubling symptoms but not immediately recognize this as PTSD. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
What is the priority nursing action during the orientation (introductory) phase of the nurse-client relationship? A. Acknowledge the client's actions and generate alternative behaviors. B. Establish rapport and develop treatment goals. C. Attempt to find alternative placement. D. Explore how thoughts and feelings about this client may adversely impact care.
ANS: B The priority nursing action during the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship should be to establish rapport and develop treatment goals. Rapport implies feelings on the part of both the nurse and the client based on respect, acceptance, a sense of trust, and a nonjudgmental attitude. It is the essential foundation of the nurse-client relationship. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client has the following symptoms: preoccupation with imagined defect, verbalizations that are out of proportion to actual physical abnormalities, and numerous visits to plastic surgeons to seek relief. Which nursing diagnosis would best describe the problems evidenced by these symptoms? A. Ineffective coping B. Disturbed body image C. Complicated grieving D. Panic anxiety
ANS: B The symptoms presented describe the DSM-5 diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder, and the related nursing diagnosis is disturbed body image. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nursing staff is discussing the concept of competency. Which information about competency should a nurse recognize as true? A. Competency is determined with a client's compliance with treatment. B. Refusal of medication can initiate an incompetency hearing leading to forced medications. C. A competent client has the ability to make reasonable judgments and decisions. D. Competency is a medical determination made by the client's physician.
ANS: C A competent individual's cognition is not impaired to an extent that would interfere with decision making. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A nurse is discussing treatment options with a client whose life has been negatively impacted by claustrophobia. The nurse would expect which of the following behavioral therapies to be most commonly used in the treatment of phobias? Select all that apply. A. Benzodiazepine therapy B. Systematic desensitization C. Imploding (flooding) D. Assertiveness training E. Aversion therapy
ANS: B, C The nurse should explain to the client that systematic desensitization and imploding are the most commonly used behavioral therapies in the treatment of phobias. Systematic desensitization involves the gradual exposure of the client to anxiety-provoking stimuli. Imploding is the intervention used in which the client is exposed to extremely frightening stimuli for prolonged periods of time. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A mother brings her son to the Emergency Department and tells the nurse that her son must have PTSD, because 2 days ago he witnessed a car accident in which there were fatalities. She is convinced that her son has PTSD because he has been crying when he talks about the incident. She believes that boys are at greater risk for PTSD because they don't typically cry. She read on the internet that PTSD can have dangerous consequences, so she wants her son to get some medication "to cure the PTSD before it gets too bad." Which of these statements by the nurse would accurately correct this mother's misunderstanding about PTSD? Select all that apply. A. There are no long-term or dangerous consequences from PTSD. B. Women appear to be at greater risk of this disorder than men. C. Medications have been found to be effective in treating symptoms of depression or anxiety but do not represent a cure for the disorder. D. Fewer than 10% of trauma victims develop PTSD.
ANS: B, C, D Items B, C, and D are evidence-based pieces of information. Item A is incorrect since, in fact, dangerous consequences of unmanaged PTSD may include depression and/or suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
An individual experiences sadness and melancholia in September continuing through November. Which of the following factors should a nurse identify as most likely to contribute to the etiology of these symptoms? Select all that apply. A. Gender differences in social opportunities that occur with age B. Drastic temperature and barometric pressure changes C. Increased levels of melatonin D. Variations in serotonergic functioning E. Inaccessibility of resources for dealing with life stressors
ANS: B, C, D The nurse should identify drastic temperature and barometric pressure changes, increased levels of melatonin, and/or variations in serotonergic functioning as contributing to the etiology of the client's symptoms. A number of studies have examined seasonal patterns associated with mood disorders and have revealed two prevalent periods of seasonal involvement: spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November). KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nurse-client therapeutic relationship includes which of the following characteristics? Select all that apply. A. Meeting the psychological needs of the nurse and the client B. Ensuring therapeutic termination C. Promoting client insight into problematic behavior D. Collaborating to set appropriate goals E. Meeting both the physical and psychological needs of the client
ANS: B, C, D, E The nurse-client therapeutic relationship should include promoting client insight into problematic behavior, collaboration to set appropriate goals, meeting the physical and psychological needs of the client, and ensuring therapeutic termination. The nurse's psychological needs should not be addressed within the nurse-client relationship. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. Which is the priority outcome for this client? A. The client will accomplish activities of daily living independently by discharge. B. The client will verbalize feelings during group sessions by discharge. C. The client will remain safe throughout hospitalization. D. The client will use problem-solving to cope adequately after discharge.
ANS: C A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder is at risk for injury in either pole of this disorder. In the manic phase the client is hyperactive and can injure self inadvertently, and in the depressive phase the client can be at risk for suicide. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A 75-year-old client with a long history of depression is currently on doxepin (Sinequan), 100 mg daily. The client takes a daily diuretic for hypertension and is recovering from the flu. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign highest priority? A. Risk for ineffective thermoregulation R/T anhidrosis B. Risk for constipation R/T excessive fluid loss C. Risk for injury R/T orthostatic hypotension D. Risk for infection R/T suppressed white blood cell count
ANS: C A side effect of Sinequan is orthostatic hypotension. Dehydration due to fluid loss from a combination of diuretic medication and flu symptoms can also contribute to this problem, putting this client at risk for injury R/T orthostatic hypotension. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A client is concerned that information given to the nurse remains confidential. Which is the nurse's best response? A. "Your information is confidential. It will be kept just between you and me." B. "I will share the information with staff members only with your approval." C. "If the information impacts your care, I will need to share it with the treatment team." D. "You can make the decision whether your physician needs this information or not."
ANS: C Basic to the psychiatric client's hospitalization is his or her right to confidentiality and privacy. When admitted to an inpatient psychiatric facility, a client gives implied consent for information to be shared with health-care workers specifically involved in the client's care. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nurse is providing counseling to clients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The nurse chooses to help the clients alter their mood by learning how to change the way they think. The nurse is functioning under which theoretical framework? A. Psychoanalytic theory B. Interpersonal theory C. Cognitive theory D. Behavioral theory
ANS: C Cognitive theory suggests that depression is a product of negative thinking. Helping the individual change the way they think is believed to have a positive impact on mood and self-esteem. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation |Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Sandy, a rape survivor, is being treated for PTSD. Which of these statements are good indications that Sally is beginning to recover from PTSD? A. "I still have nightmares every night, but I don't always remember them anymore." B. "I'm not drinking as much alcohol as I had been over the last several months." C. "This traumatic event immobilized me for awhile, but I have found imagery helpful in reducing my anxiety." D. All of the above.
ANS: C Item C demonstrates evidence of awareness of the impact the trauma had on Sandy's life and demonstrates evidence of effective coping skills. Item A indicates continued presence of symptoms and possibly amnesia. Although item B may be evidence of a positive coping strategy, evaluation of recovery from PTSD must also include assessment for less symptoms such as nightmares and flashbacks. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A depressed client reports to a nurse a history of divorce, job loss, family estrangement, and cocaine abuse. According to learning theory, what is the cause of this client's symptoms? A. Depression is a result of anger turned inward. B. Depression is a result of abandonment. C. Depression is a result of repeated failures. D. Depression is a result of negative thinking.
ANS: C Learning theory describes a model of "learned helplessness" in which multiple life failures cause the client to abandon future attempts to succeed. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Warren's college roommate actively resists going out with friends whenever they invite him. He says he can't stand to be around other people and confides to Warren "They wouldn't like me anyway." Which disorder is Warren's roommate likely suffering from? A. Agoraphobia B. Mysophobia C. Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) D. Panic disorder
ANS: C Social anxiety disorder is an excessive fear of social situations R/T fear that one might do something embarrassing or be evaluated negatively by others. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A newly admitted client is experiencing a manic episode of bipolar I disorder and presents as very agitated. The nurse should assign which priority nursing diagnosis to this client? A. Ineffective individual coping R/T hospitalization AEB alcohol abuse B. Altered nutrition: less than body requirements R/T mania AEB 10-pound weight loss C. Risk for violence: directed toward others R/T agitation and hyperactivity D. Sleep pattern disturbance R/T flight of ideas AEB sleeps 1 to 2 hours per night
ANS: C Some signs and symptoms of mania include manic excitement, delusional thinking, and hallucinations, which may predispose the client to aggressive behavior. Nurses should be alert to the risk for self or other directed violence and intervene immediately at the first signs of agitation or aggression. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A new nursing graduate asks the psychiatric nurse manager how to best classify suicide. Which is the nurse manager's best reply? A. "Suicide is a DSM-5 diagnosis." B. "Suicide is a mental disorder." C. "Suicide is a behavior." D. "Suicide is an antisocial affliction."
ANS: C Suicide is not a diagnosis, disorder, or affliction. It is a behavior. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client statement indicates that termination of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship has been handled successfully? A. "I know I can count on you for continued support." B. "I am looking forward to discharge, but I am surprised that we will no longer work together." C. "Reviewing the changes that have happened during our time together has helped me put things in perspective." D. "I don't know how comfortable I will feel when talking to someone else."
ANS: C Termination should begin in the orientation phase to minimize feelings of loss when the nurse-client relationship ends. Bringing a therapeutic conclusion to the relationship occurs when progress has been made toward attainment of mutually set goals. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse moving out of state speaks to a client about the need to work with a new nurse. The client states, "I'm not well enough to switch to a different nurse." What does this client response indicate to the nurse? A. The client is using manipulation to receive secondary gain. B. The client is using the defense mechanism of denial. C. The client is having trouble terminating the relationship. D. The client is using "splitting" as a way to remain dependent on the nurse.
ANS: C Termination should begin in the orientation phase to minimize feelings of loss when the nurse-client relationship ends. When a client feels sadness and loss, behaviors to delay termination may become evident. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nurse believes that a client being admitted for a surgical procedure may have a drinking problem. How should the nurse further evaluate this possibility? A. By asking directly if the client has ever had a problem with alcohol B. By holistically assessing the client, using the CIWA scale C. By using a screening tool such as the CAGE questionnaire D. By referring the client for physician evaluation
ANS: C The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool used to determine whether the individual has a problem with alcohol. This questionnaire is composed of four simple questions. Scoring two or three "yes" answers strongly suggests a problem with alcohol. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder becomes violent on a unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate? A. Provide objective evidence that violence is unwarranted. B. Initially restrain the client to maintain safety. C. Use clear, calm statements and a confident physical stance. D. Empathize with the client's paranoid perceptions.
ANS: C The most appropriate nursing intervention is to use clear, calm statements and to assume a confident physical stance. A calm attitude avoids escalating the aggressive behavior and provides the client with a feeling of safety and security. It may also be beneficial to have sufficient staff on hand to present a show of strength. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder comes to a nurses' station at 11:00 p.m., requesting to phone a lawyer to discuss filing for a divorce. The unit rules state that no phone calls are permitted after 10:00 p.m. Which nursing reply is most appropriate? A. "Go ahead and use the phone. I know this pending divorce is stressful." B. "You know better than to break the rules. I'm surprised at you." C. "It is after the 10:00 p.m. phone curfew. You will be able to call tomorrow." D. "The decision to divorce should not be considered until you have had a good night's sleep."
ANS: C The most appropriate response by the staff is to restate the unit rules in a calm, assertive manner. Because of the probability of manipulative behavior in this client population, it is imperative to maintain consistent application of rules. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention would meet this client's immediate need? A. Teach deep breathing relaxation exercises B. Place the client in a Trendelenburg position C. Stay with the client and offer reassurance of safety D. Administer the ordered prn buspirone (BuSpar)
ANS: C The nurse can meet this client's immediate need by staying with the client and offering reassurance of safety and security. The client may fear for his or her life, and the presence of a trusted individual provides assurance of personal safety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A brother calls to speak to his sister who has been admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse connects him to the community phone and the sister is summoned. Later the nurse realizes that the brother was not on the client's approved call list. What law has the nurse broken? A. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Act B. The Tarasoff Ruling C. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act D. The Good Samaritan Law
ANS: C The nurse has violated the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) by revealing that the client had been admitted to the psychiatric unit. The nurse should not have provided any information without proper consent from the client. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client with a history of three suicide attempts has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 1 month. The client suddenly presents with a bright affect, rates mood at 9/10, and is much more communicative. Which action should be the nurse's priority at this time? A. Give the client off-unit privileges as positive reinforcement. B. Encourage the client to share mood improvement in group. C. Increase frequency of client observation. D. Request that the psychiatrist reevaluate the current medication protocol.
ANS: C The nurse should be aware that a sudden increase in mood rating and change in affect could indicate that the client is at risk for suicide and client observation should be more frequent. Suicide risk may occur early during treatment with antidepressants. The return of energy may bring about an increased ability to act out self-destructive behaviors prior to attaining the full therapeutic effect of the antidepressant medication. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
A client living on the beachfront seeks help with an extreme fear of crossing bridges, which interferes with daily life. A psychiatric nurse practitioner decides to try systematic desensitization. Which explanation of this therapy should the nurse convey to the client? A. "Using your imagination, we will attempt to achieve a state of relaxation that you can replicate when faced with crossing a bridge." B. "Because anxiety and relaxation are mutually exclusive states, we can attempt to substitute a relaxation response for the anxiety response." C. "Through a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps, we will gradually increase your tolerance to anxiety." D. "In one intense session, you will be exposed to a maximum level of anxiety that you will learn to tolerate."
ANS: C The nurse should explain to the client that systematic desensitization exposes the client to a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps that will gradually increase anxiety tolerance. Systematic desensitization was introduced by Joseph Wolpe in 1958 and is based on behavioral conditioning principles. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client began taking lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder approximately 1 month ago. The client asks if it is normal to have gained 12 pounds in this time frame. Which is the appropriate nursing reply? A. "That's strange. Weight loss is the typical pattern." B. "What have you been eating? Weight gain is not usually associated with lithium." C. "Weight gain is a common but troubling side effect." D. "Weight gain occurs only during the first month of treatment with this drug."
ANS: C The nurse should explain to the client that weight gain is a common side effect of lithium carbonate. The nurse should educate the client on the importance of medication compliance and discuss concerns with the prescribing physician if the client does not wish to continue taking the medication. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
Which reaction to a compliment from another client should a nurse identify as a typical response from a client diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder? A. Interpreting the compliment as a secret code used to increase personal power B. Feeling the compliment was well deserved C. Being grateful for the compliment but fearing later rejection and humiliation D. Wondering what deep meaning and purpose are attached to the compliment
ANS: C The nurse should identify that a client diagnosed with avoidant personality disorder would be grateful for the comment but would fear later rejection and humiliation. Individuals with avoidant personality disorder are extremely sensitive to rejection and are often awkward and uncomfortable in social situations. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which treatment should a nurse identify as most appropriate for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? A. Long-term treatment with diazepam (Valium) B. Acute symptom control with citalopram (Celexa) C. Long-term treatment with buspirone (BuSpar) D. Acute symptom control with ziprasidone (Geodon)
ANS: C The nurse should identify that an appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with GAD is long-term treatment with buspirone. Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication that is effective in 60% to 80% of clients with GAD. It takes 10 to 14 days for alleviation of symptoms but does not have the dependency concerns of other anxiolytics. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which client statement should a nurse identify as a typical response to stress most often experienced in the working phase of the nurse-client relationship? A. "I can't bear the thought of leaving here and failing." B. "I might have a hard time working with you. You remind me of my mother." C. "I can't tell my husband how I feel; he wouldn't listen anyway." D. "I'm not sure that I can count on you to protect my confidentiality."
ANS: C The nurse should identify that the client statement "I can't tell my husband how I feel; he wouldn't listen anyway" reflects resistance to change, which is a common behavior in the working phase of the nurse-client relationship. The working phase includes overcoming resistant behaviors on the part of the client as the level of anxiety rises in response to discussion of painful issues. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
On the first day of a client's alcohol detoxification, which nursing intervention should take priority? A. Strongly encourage the client to attend 90 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in 90 days. B. Educate the client about the biopsychosocial consequences of alcohol abuse. C. Administer ordered chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in a dosage according to protocol. D. Administer vitamin B1 to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
ANS: C The priority nursing intervention for this client should be to administer ordered chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in a dosage according to protocol. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is a benzodiazepine and is often used for substitution therapy in alcohol withdrawal. Substitution therapy may be required to reduce life-threatening effects of the rebound stimulation of the central nervous system that occurs during withdrawal. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
An adult client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is prescribed lamotrigine (Lamictal), 400 mg three times a day, for mood stabilization. Which is a true statement about this medication order? A. This dosage is within the recommended dosage range. B. This dosage is lower than the recommended dosage range. C. This dosage is more than twice the recommended dosage range. D. This dosage is four times higher than the recommended dosage range.
ANS: C The recommended dose of lamotrigine for treatment of bipolar disorder in adult clients should not exceed 400 mg daily. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Implementation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
What client information does a nurse need to assess prior to initiating medication therapy with phenelzine (Nardil)? A. The client's understanding of the need for regular bloodwork B. The client's mood and affect score, according to the facility's mood scale C. The client's cognitive ability to understand information about the medication D. The client's access to a support network willing to participate in treatment
ANS: C There are many dietary and medication restrictions when taking Nardil. A client must have the cognitive ability to understand information about the medication and which foods, beverages, and medications to eliminate when taking Nardil. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity
A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety states, "I know the best thing for me to do now is to just forget my worries." How should the nurse evaluate this statement? A. The client is developing insight. B. The client's coping skills are improving. C. The client has a distorted perception of problem resolution. D. The client is meeting outcomes and moving toward discharge.
ANS: C This client has a distorted perception of how to deal with the problem of anxiety. Clients should be encouraged to openly deal with anxiety and recognize the triggers that precipitate anxiety responses. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client with a history of insomnia has been taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium), 15 mg, at night for the past year. The client currently reports that this dose is no longer helping him fall asleep. Which nursing diagnosis appropriately documents this problem? A. Ineffective coping R/T unresolved anxiety AEB substance abuse B. Anxiety R/T poor sleep AEB difficulty falling asleep C. Disturbed sleep pattern R/T Librium tolerance AEB difficulty falling asleep D. Risk for injury R/T addiction to Librium
ANS: C Tolerance is defined as the need for increasingly larger or more frequent doses of a substance in order to obtain the desired effects originally produced by a lower dose. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which medication orders should a nurse anticipate for a client who has a history of complicated withdrawal from benzodiazepines? A. Haloperidol (Haldol) and fluoxetine (Prozac) B. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and donepezil (Aricept) C. Disulfiram (Antabuse) and lorazepam (Ativan) D. Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and phenytoin (Dilantin)
ANS: D The nurse should anticipate that a physician would order chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and phenytoin (Dilantin) for a client who has a history of complicated withdrawal from benzodiazepines. It is common for long-lasting benzodiazepines to be prescribed for substitution therapy. Phenytoin (Dilantin) is an anticonvulsant that would be indicated for a client who has experienced a complicated withdrawal. Complicated withdrawals may progress to seizure activity. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A nurse assesses a client suspected of having major depressive disorder. Which client symptom would eliminate this diagnosis? A. The client is disheveled and malodorous. B. The client refuses to interact with others. C. The client is unable to feel any pleasure. D. The client has maxed-out charge cards and exhibits promiscuous behaviors.
ANS: D The nurse should assess that a client who has maxed-out credit cards and exhibits promiscuous behavior would be exhibiting manic symptoms. According to the DSM-5, these symptoms would rule out the diagnosis of major depressive disorder. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
During an interview, which client statement indicates to a nurse that a potential diagnosis of schizotypal personality disorder should be considered? A. "I really don't 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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client is diagnosed with persistent depressive (dysthymia) disorder. Which should a nurse classify as an affective symptom of this disorder? A. Social isolation with a focus on self B. Low energy level C. Difficulty concentrating D. Gloomy and pessimistic outlook on life
ANS: D The nurse should classify a gloomy and pessimistic outlook on life as an affective symptom of dysthymia. Symptoms of depression can be described as alterations in four areas of human functions: affective, behavioral, cognitive, and physiological. Affective symptoms are those that relate to the mood. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which client statement indicates a knowledge deficit related to substance use? A. "Although it's legal, alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs in our society." B. "Tolerance to heroin develops quickly." C. "Flashbacks from LSD use may reoccur spontaneously." D. "Marijuana is like smoking cigarettes. Everyone does it. It's essentially harmless."
ANS: D The nurse should determine that the client has a knowledge deficit related to substance use when the client compares marijuana to smoking cigarettes and claims it to be harmless. Both of these substances have potentially harmful effects. Cannabis is the second most widely abused drug in the United States. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
An inpatient psychiatric physician refuses to treat clients without insurance and prematurely discharges those whose insurance benefits have expired. Which violation of an ethical principle should a nurse recognize in this situation? A. Autonomy B. Beneficence C. Nonmaleficence D. Justice
ANS: D The nurse should determine that the ethical principle of justice has been violated by the physician's actions. The principle of justice requires that individuals should be treated equally regardless of race, sex, marital status, medical diagnosis, social standing, economic level, or religious belief. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
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 client's 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 client's room are not appropriate interventions because they do not help the client recognize anxiety triggers. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A highly agitated client paces the unit and states, "I could buy and sell this place." The client's mood fluctuates from fits of laughter to outbursts of anger. Which is the most accurate documentation of this client's behavior? A. "Rates mood 8/10. Exhibiting looseness of association. Euphoric." B. "Mood euthymic. Exhibiting magical thinking. Restless." C. "Mood labile. Exhibiting delusions of reference. Hyperactive." D. "Agitated and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile."
ANS: D The nurse should document that this client's behavior is "Agitated and pacing. Exhibiting grandiosity. Mood labile." The client is exhibiting signs of irritation accompanied by aggressive behavior. Grandiosity refers to an exaggerated sense of power, importance, knowledge, or identity. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Communication and Documentation | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder is exhibiting severe manic behaviors. A physician prescribes lithium carbonate (Eskalith) and olanzapine (Zyprexa). The client's spouse questions the Zyprexa order. Which is the appropriate nursing reply? A. "Zyprexa in combination with Eskalith cures manic symptoms." B. "Zyprexa prevents extrapyramidal side effects." C. "Zyprexa ensures a good night's sleep." D. "Zyprexa calms hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect."
ANS: D The nurse should explain to the client's spouse that Zyprexa can calm hyperactivity until the Eskalith takes effect. Eskalith may take 1 to 3 weeks to begin to decrease hyperactivity. Zyprexa is classified as an antipsychotic and can be used to immediately to reduce hyperactive symptoms in acute manic episodes. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Teaching/Learning | Client Need: Health Promotion and Maintenance
A nurse tells a client that the nursing staff will start alternating weekend shifts. Which response should a nurse identify as characteristic of clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder? A. "You really don't have to go by that schedule. I'd just stay home sick." B. "There has got to be a hidden agenda behind this schedule change." C. "Who do you think you are? I expect to interact with the same nurse every Saturday." D. "You can't make these kinds of changes! Isn't there a rule that governs this decision?"
ANS: D The nurse should identify that a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder would have a difficult time accepting change. This disorder is characterized by inflexibility and lack of spontaneity. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder are very serious, formal, over-disciplined, perfectionistic, and preoccupied with rules. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, who has taken lithium carbonate (Lithane) for 1 year, presents in an emergency department with severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus. How should the nurse interpret these symptoms? A. Symptoms indicate consumption of foods high in tyramine. B. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate discontinuation syndrome. C. Symptoms indicate the development of lithium carbonate tolerance. D. Symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity.
ANS: D The nurse should interpret that the client's symptoms indicate lithium carbonate toxicity. The initial signs of toxicity include ataxia, blurred vision, severe diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and tinnitus. Lithium levels should be monitored monthly during maintenance therapy to ensure proper dosage. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
On which task should a nurse place priority during the working phase of relationship development? A. Establishing a contract for intervention B. Examining feelings about working with a particular client C. Establishing a plan for continuing aftercare D. Promoting the client's insight and perception of reality
ANS: D The nurse should place priority on promoting the client's insight and perception of reality during the working phase of relationship development. Establishing a contract for intervention would occur in the orientation phase. Examining feelings about working with a client should occur in the preinteraction phase. Establishing a plan for aftercare would occur in the termination phase. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
How would a nurse differentiate a client diagnosed with panic disorder from a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? A. GAD is acute in nature, and panic disorder is chronic. B. Chest pain is a common GAD symptom, whereas this symptom is absent in panic disorders. C. Hyperventilation is a common symptom in GAD and rare in panic disorder. D. Depersonalization is commonly seen in panic disorder and absent in GAD.
ANS: D The nurse should recognize that a client diagnosed with panic disorder experiences depersonalization, whereas a client diagnosed with GAD would not. Depersonalization refers to being detached from oneself when experiencing extreme anxiety. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
Which is the best nursing action when a client demonstrates transference toward a nurse? A. Promoting safety and immediately terminating the relationship with the client B. Encouraging the client to ignore these thoughts and feelings C. Immediately reassigning the client to another staff member D. Helping the client to clarify the meaning of the current nurse-client relationship
ANS: D The nurse should respond to a client's transference by clarifying the meaning of the nurse-client relationship, based on the current situation. Transference occurs when the client unconsciously displaces feelings toward the nurse about a person from the past. The nurse should assist the client in separating the past from the present. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
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. KEY: Cognitive Level: Analysis | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Analysis | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A confused client has recently been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). The client's spouse is taking paroxetine (Paxil). The client presents with restlessness, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and tremors. What complication does a nurse suspect, and what could be its possible cause? A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by ingestion of two different serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome caused by ingestion of an SSRI and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) C. Serotonin syndrome caused by ingestion of an SSRI and an MAOI D. Serotonin syndrome caused by ingestion of two different SSRIs
ANS: D The nurse should suspect that the client is suffering from serotonin syndrome possibly caused by ingesting two different SSRIs (Zoloft and Paxil). Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, agitation, tachycardia, hypertension, nausea, abdominal pain, myoclonus, muscle rigidity, fever, sweating, and tremor. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Which statement should a nurse identify as correct regarding a client's right to refuse treatment? A. Clients can refuse pharmacological but not psychological treatment. B. Clients can refuse any treatment at any time. C. Clients can refuse only electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). D. Professionals can override treatment refusal if the client is actively suicidal or homicidal.
ANS: D The nurse should understand that health-care professionals can override treatment refusal when a client is actively suicidal or homicidal. A suicidal or homicidal client who refuses treatment may be a danger to self or others. This situation should be treated as an emergency, and treatment may be performed without informed consent. KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
During the planning of care for a suicidal client, which correctly written outcome should be a nurse's first priority? A. The client will not physically harm self. B. The client will express hope for the future by day 3. C. The client will establish a trusting relationship with the nurse. D. The client will remain safe during the hospital stay.
ANS: D The nurse's priority should be that the client will remain safe during the hospital stay. Client safety should always be the nurse's priority. The "A" answer choice is incorrectly written. Correctly written outcomes must be client focused, measurable, and realistic and contain a time frame. Without a time frame, an outcome cannot be correctly evaluated. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Safe and Effective Care Environment
A mother who has learned that her child was killed in a tragic car accident states, "I can't bear to go on with my life." Which nursing statement conveys empathy? A. "This situation is very sad, but time is a great healer." B. "You are sad, but you must be strong for your other children." C. "Once you cry it all out, things will seem so much better." D. "It must be horrible to lose a child; I'll stay with you until your husband arrives."
ANS: D The nurse's response, "It must be horrible to lose a child; I'll stay with you until your husband arrives," conveys empathy to the client. Empathy is the ability to see the situation from the client's point of view. Empathy is considered to be one of the most important characteristics of the therapeutic relationship. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nursing instructor is discussing various challenges in the treatment of clients diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which student statement demonstrates an understanding of the most critical challenge in the care of these clients? A. "Treatment is compromised when clients can't sleep." B. "Treatment is compromised when irritability interferes with social interactions." C. "Treatment is compromised when clients have no insight into their problems." D. "Treatment is compromised when clients choose not to take their medications."
ANS: D The nursing student should understand that the most critical challenge in the care of clients diagnosed with bipolar disorder is that treatment is often compromised when clients choose to not take their medications. Symptoms of bipolar disorder will reemerge if medication is stopped. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
A suicidal client says to a nurse, "There's nothing to live for anymore." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "Why don't you consider doing volunteer work in a homeless shelter?" B. "Let's discuss the negative aspects of your life." C. "Things will look better in the morning." D. "It sounds like you are feeling pretty hopeless."
ANS: D This statement verbalizes the client's implied feelings and allows him or her to validate and explore them. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
A nurse is interviewing a client in an outpatient drug treatment clinic. To promote success in the recovery process, which outcome should the nurse expect the client to initially accomplish? A. The client will identify one person to turn to for support. B. The client will give up all old drinking buddies. C. The client will be able to verbalize the effects of alcohol on the body. D. The client will correlate life problems with alcohol use.
ANS: D To promote the recovery process the nurse should expect that the client would initially correlate life problems with alcohol use. Acceptance of the problem is the first step of the recovery process. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Planning | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The nurse plans to confront a client about secondary gains related to extreme dependency on her spouse. Which nursing statement would be most appropriate? A. "Do you believe dependency issues have been a lifelong concern for you?" B. "Have you noticed any anxiety during times when your husband makes decisions?" C. "What do you know about individuals who depend on others for direction?" D. "How have the specifics of your relationship with your spouse benefited you?"
ANS: D When a client goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, the client is seeking secondary gains. Secondary gains provide clients the support and attention that they might not otherwise receive. KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need: Psychosocial Integrity
The DSM-5 diagnosis of gender dysphoria includes which of the following? [select all that apply] a. The client suffers significant distress in school, social, occupational, and performance functions for at least six months. b. For the child or adolescent client, input from the parent(s) or guardian(s) is considered when making a diagnosis. c. There exists an incongruence between the gender assigned at birth and the expressed gender. d. Although treatment may be sought at any age, the DSM-5 diagnosis of gender dysphoria is not diagnosed prior to the completion of puberty. e. A client must have the desire for surgical alteration to reflect his/her core gender identity, and that desire must have persisted for at least six months.
a, c
"Splitting" by the client with BPD denotes: a. Evidence of precocious development b. A primitive defense mechanism in which the client sees objects as all good or all bad c. A brief psychotic episode in which the client loses contact with reality d. Two distinct personalities within the borderline client
b
A nurse decides to put a client who has a psychotic disorder in seclusion overnight because the unit is very short-staffed, and the client frequently fights with other clients. The nurse's actions are an example of which of the following torts? a. Invasion of privacy b. False imprisonment c. Assault d. Battery
b
A nurse helps a newly admitted client who has a psychotic disorder to feel safe in the environment of the mental health facility. This is an example of which ethical principle? a. Autonomy b. Beneficence c. Justice d. Fidelity
b
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizoaffective disorder. Which of the following statements indicates the client is experiencing depersonalization? A. "I am a superhero and am immortal." B. "I am no one, and everyone is me." C. "I feel monsters pinching me all over." D. "I know that you are stealing my thoughts."
b
A nurse is caring for a client who is speaking in a loud voice with clenched fists. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? a. Insist that the client stop yelling. b. Request that other staff members remain close by. c. Move as close to the client as possible. d. Walk away from the client.
b
A nurse is educating a client about his lithium therapy and explaining signs and symptoms of lithium toxicity. Which of the following would she instruct the client to be on the alert for a. Fever, sore throat and malaise b. Tinnitus severe diarrhea, ataxia c. Occipital headache, palpitations, chest pain d. Skin rash, marked rise in BP bradycardia
b
A veteran nurse is discussing gender identity with a student nurse. Which of the following statements indicates the student nurse has understood the teaching? A. Cisgender individuals do not identify with their birth gender. B. Gender identity does not determine to whom (which gender) a person is attracted. C. Among transgender individuals, approximately 25% of biological males and 75% of biological females desire reassignment to their non-birth gender. D. Transgender expression becomes an established identity by adolescence.
b
Buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) is prescribed for a client with an anxiety disorder. The nurse plans to include which teaching point when reviewing this medication with the client? a. The medication is addicting. b. Dizziness and nervousness may occur. c. Tolerance can develop with this medication. d. The medication can produce a sedating effect.
b
John, a veteran of the war in Iraq, is diagnosed with PTSD. He says to the nurse, "I can't figure out why God took my buddy instead of me." From this statement, the nurse assesses which of the following in John? a. Repressed Anger b. Survivor's Guilt c. Intrusive Thoughts d. Spiritual Distress
b
Josh, age 21, has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He has been socially isolated and hearing voices telling him to kill his parents. He has been admitted to the psychiatric unit from the emergency department. The initial nursing intervention for Josh is to: a. Give him an injection of Thorazine b. Ensure a safe environment for him and others c. Place him in trestrains d. Order him a nutritious diet
b
Margaret, a 68-year-old widow experiencing a manic episode, is admitted to the psych unit after being brought to the ED by her sister-in-law. Margaret yells, "My sister-in-law is just jealous of me! She's trying to make it look like I'm insane!" This behavior is an example of: a. A delusion of grandeur b. A delusion of persecution c. A delusion of reference d. A delusion of control of influence
b