Mental Health Chapters: 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

11. What is the purpose of a nurse providing appropriate feedback? A. To give the client good advice B. To advise the client on appropriate behaviors C. To evaluate the client's behavior D. To give the client critical information

ANS: D The purpose of providing appropriate feedback is to give the client critical information. Feedback should not be used to give advice or evaluate behaviors.

6. During an assertiveness training group, a nurse suggests using "I statements." The group questions the usefulness of this communication technique. Which explanation by the nurse is most appropriate? A. "When 'I statements' are used, opinions are communicated without blaming others." B. "When 'I statements' are used, anger is displaced by using indirect means." C. "When 'I statements' are used, responsibility for one's behavior is attributed to another." D. "When 'I statements' are used, eye contact is promoted.

ANS: A "I statements" clearly state one's feelings and needs without blaming or demeaning others.

16. 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.

20. A client is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. In order to maximize the learning process prior to discharge teaching, which assessment should be performed by the nurse? A. Assessing the client's level of anxiety B. Assessing and documenting the client's vital signs C. Assessing suicide risk D. Assessing availability of support systems

ANS: A Anxiety at a moderate or higher level will interfere with the learning process.

2. Two clients are roommates on an inpatient psychiatric unit. At breakfast, client "A," who had been missing her gold locket, notices client "B" wearing it. Which should a nurse recognize as a nonassertive or passive behavioral response from client "A"? A. Client "A" ignores the situation. B. Client "A" discusses the situation with her nurse and develops a plan of action. C. Client "A" immediately approaches client "B" and pulls the necklace off her neck. D. Client "A" offers to wash client "B's" clothes and "accidentally" spills bleach in the water.

ANS: A By ignoring the situation, client "A" avoids conflict, denies her feelings, and does not assertively resolve the problem. This is an example of nonassertive behavior.

10. Two clients get into a heated argument regarding TV program selections. The nurse turns off the TV and asks the clients to go to their rooms to cool off, after which they will discuss and attempt to resolve the problem. The nurse's action is promoting which assertive technique? A. Defusing B. Clouding or fogging C. Responding as a broken record D. Shifting from content to process

ANS: A Defusing is a technique that delays further discussion with an angry individual until a calm demeanor has been achieved. In the situation presented, the nurse is allowing the clients to calm down prior to addressing their issues.

9. A 40-year-old female client has never experienced an intimate relationship. A nursing student tells an instructor that this client remains in Erikson's developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. What is the instructor's most appropriate reply? A. "Erikson's stages of development are assessed by chronological age, not task achievement. This client is in the generativity versus stagnation stage, which occurs from 30 to 65 years of age." B. "Erikson's stages of development are assessed by task achievement, not chronological age. This client is in the intimacy versus isolation stage, which occurs from 20 to 30 years of age." C. "Erikson's stages of development are assessed by task achievement, not chronological age. This client is in the generativity versus stagnation stage, which occurs from 30 to 65 years of age." D. "Erikson's stages of development are assessed by chronological age, not task achievement. This client is in the intimacy versus isolation stage, which occurs from 20 to 30 years of age."

ANS: A Erikson's stages of development are assessed by chronological age, not task achievement. This client is in Erikson's stage of generativity versus stagnation because she is 40 years old. The student has failed to recognize that even though the client did not successfully achieve the intimacy task of the intimacy versus isolation stage, the client must now be assessed at the age-appropriate developmental stage of generativity versus stagnation.

27. An adolescent client has problems expressing anger appropriately. Which nursing statement would encourage the client to set realistic goals? A. "What do you think needs to change about how you express anger?" B. "How did you feel after attending the anger management session?" C. "On a scale of 1 to 10, please rate your current level of anger." D. "What bothers you about the actions of others when you get angry?

ANS: A In the planning phase of the nursing process, the nurse works with the client to identify expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the client or to the situation.

14. A client has continual problematic relationships and rejects others before possibly being rejected. The client states, "I am afraid of failing in my job responsibilities." Which correctly written nursing diagnosis should be prioritized for this client? A. Poor self-esteem R/T negative self-image AEB fear of failure B. Altered thought processes R/T anxiety AEB delusions C. Role confusion R/T rejection and poor job productivity D. High risk for violence: self-directed R/T rejection of others

ANS: A Individuals with low self-esteem perceive themselves to be incompetent, unlovable, insecure, and unworthy. A correctly written actual nursing diagnosis must have a related to (R/T) and an evidenced by (AEB) statement. A "risk for" nursing diagnosis does not contain an AEB statement because the problem has not yet occurred.

21. Which of the following are behavioral components of assertive communication? A. Listening B. "You" statements C. Closed posture D. Continuous direct eye contact

ANS: A One part of assertiveness communication and behavior is to listen and take time to understand what is being said before giving a response.

3. A nurse is running a group on self-esteem. A client asks, "Where does self-esteem come from?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "Many factors, over the life span, influence development and maintenance of self-esteem." B. "Self-esteem is determined by factors outside of an individual's control." C. "Self-esteem is established in childhood and remains relatively fixed throughout life." D. "Genetics are the single largest contributor to an individual's self-esteem."

ANS: A Self-esteem refers to the degree of regard or respect that individuals have for themselves and is a measure of worth that they place on their abilities and judgments. Many factors influence the development of self-esteem over a person's life span.

7. Which is an appropriate initial nursing intervention for a client with chronic low self-esteem? A. Assessing the content of negative self-talk B. Administering anxiolytic medications C. Using reassurance and physical touch D. Using distraction techniques

ANS: A Self-negating verbalizations and internal self-talk undermine self-esteem. Assessing and then intervening to limit or eliminate these negative communications will help improve self-esteem.

6. A clinic nurse is caring for a 40-year-old client who lives with his parents. The client's mother continues to do the client's laundry and provides spending money. Based on this situation, which family dynamic does the nurse recognize? A. Taking over B. Communicating indirectly C. Belittling feelings D. Making assumptions

ANS: A Taking over occurs when a family member fails to allow another member to develop a sense of responsibility and self-worth. By doing the client's laundry and managing finances, the mother is fostering the client's dependence.

8. The nurse should recognize which acronym as representing problem-oriented charting? A. SOAPIE B. SOLER C. DAR D. PQRST

ANS: A The acronym SOAPIE represents problem-oriented charting, which reflects the subjective, objective, assessment, plan, implementation, and evaluation format. This type of charting identifies nursing diagnoses (client problems) on a written plan of care with appropriate nursing interventions described for each.

10. An instructor is teaching about differentiated parent and adult child relationships. Students are instructed to give an example of a well-differentiated parent and adult child relationship. Which student example meets the instructor requirement? A. An adult child considers, but is not governed by, the advice of his or her parents. B. An adult child appears to listen, but ignores, the advice of his or her parents. C. An adult child respects and is governed by the wishes of his or her parents. D. An adult child never requests advice or feedback from his or her parents.

ANS: A The correct student example of a well-differentiated parent and adult child relationship is when an adult child considers, but is not governed by, the advice of his or her parent. The adult child should be differentiated enough not to be threatened by parental advice and should be able to consider the parental advice without feeling the advice must be followed.

10. After assertiveness training, a formerly passive client appropriately confronts a peer in group therapy. The group leader states, "I'm so proud of you for being assertive. You are so good!" Which communication technique has the leader employed? A. The nontherapeutic technique of giving approval B. The nontherapeutic technique of interpreting C. The therapeutic technique of presenting reality D. The therapeutic technique of making observations

ANS: A The group leader has employed the nontherapeutic technique of giving approval. Giving approval implies that the nurse has the right to pass judgment on whether the client's ideas or behaviors are "good" or "bad." This creates a conditional acceptance of the client.

1. 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.

7. A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia for the presence of hallucinations. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of making observations? A. "You appear to be talking to someone I do not see." B. "Please describe what you are seeing." C. "Why do you continually look in the corner of this room?" D. "If you hum a tune, the voices may not be so distracting."

ANS: A The nurse is making an observation when stating, "You appear to be talking to someone I do not see." Making observations involves verbalizing what is observed or perceived. This encourages the client to recognize specific behaviors and make comparisons with the nurse's perceptions.

2. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "My father spanked me often." Nurse: "Your father was a harsh disciplinarian." A. Restatement B. Offering general leads C. Focusing D. Accepting

ANS: A The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of restatement. Restatement involves repeating the main idea of what the client has said. The nurse uses this technique to communicate that the client's statement has been heard and understood.

13. The following outcome was developed for a client: "Client will list five personal strengths by the end of day 1." Which correctly written nursing diagnostic statement most likely generated the development of this outcome? A. Altered self-esteem R/T years of emotional abuse AEB self-deprecating statements B. Self-care deficit R/T altered thought processes C. Disturbed body image R/T major depressive disorder AEB mood rating of 2/10 D. Risk for disturbed self-concept R/T hopelessness AEB suicide attempt

ANS: A The nurse should determine that altered self-esteem and self-deprecating statements would generate the outcome to list personal strengths by the end of day 1. Self-care deficit, disturbed body image, and risk for disturbed self-concept would generate specific outcomes in accordance with specific needs and goals. The self-care deficit and risk for disturbed self-concept nursing diagnoses are incorrectly written.

18. A 10-week, prenuptial counseling group composed of five couples is terminating. At the last group meeting, a nurse notices that the two most faithful and participative couples are absent. When considering concepts of group development, what might explain this behavior? A. They are experiencing problems with termination, leading to feelings of abandonment. B. They did not think any new material would be covered at the last session. C. They were angry with the leader for not extending the length of the group. D. They were bored with the material covered in the group.

ANS: A The nurse should determine that the clients' absence from the final group meeting may indicate that they are experiencing problems with termination. The termination phase of group development may elicit feelings of abandonment and anger. Successful termination may help members develop skills to cope with future unrelated losses.

5. 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.

3. A newly admitted client asks, "Why do we need a unit schedule? I'm not going to these groups. I'm here to get some rest." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "Group therapy provides the opportunity to learn and practice new coping skills." B. "Group therapy is mandatory. All clients must attend." C. "Group therapy is optional. You can go if you find the topic helpful and interesting." D. "Group therapy is an economical way of providing therapy to many clients concurrently."

ANS: A The nurse should explain to the client that the purpose of group therapy is to learn and practice new coping skills. A basic assumption of milieu therapy is that every interaction, including group therapy, is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.

5. After threatening to jump off a bridge, a client is brought to an emergency department by police. To assess for suicide potential, which question should a nurse ask first? A. "Are you currently thinking about harming yourself?" B. "Why do you want to harm yourself?" C. "Have you thought about the consequences of your actions?" D. "Who is your emergency contact person?"

ANS: A The nurse should first assess the client for current suicidal thoughts to minimize risk of harm and provide appropriate interventions. A suicidal client is experiencing a psychiatric emergency. The crisis team should prioritize safety by assessing the client for thoughts of self-harm.

16. The following North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) nursing diagnostic stem was developed for a client on an inpatient unit: Risk for injury. What assessment data most likely led to the development of this problem statement? A. The client is receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and is diagnosed with Parkinsonism. B. The client has a history of four suicide attempts in adolescence. C. The client expresses hopelessness and helplessness and isolates self. D. The client has disorganized thought processes and delusional thinking.

ANS: A The nurse should identify that a client receiving ECT and who is diagnosed with Parkinsonism is at risk for injury due to confusion and potential for falls. History of suicide and hopelessness would lead to the development of nursing diagnosis of risk for suicide. Disorganized thoughts and delusional thinking would lead to the development of a nursing diagnosis of altered thought processes.

10. During an inpatient educational group, a client shouts out, "This information is worthless. Nothing you have said can help me." These statements indicate to the nurse leader that the client is assuming which group role? A. The group role of aggressor B. The group role of initiator C. The group role of gatekeeper D. The group role of blocker

ANS: A The nurse should identify that the client is assuming the group role of the aggressor. The aggressor expresses negativism and hostility toward others in the group or to the group leader and may use sarcasm in an effort to degrade the status of others.

4. During a community meeting, a nurse encourages clients to present unit problems and discuss possible solutions. Which type of leadership style is the nurse demonstrating? A. Democratic B. Autocratic C. Laissez-faire D. Bureaucratic

ANS: A The nurse who encourages clients to present problems and discuss solutions is demonstrating a democratic leadership style. Democratic leaders share information with group members and promote decision making by the members of the group. The leader provides guidance and expertise as needed.

2. During a therapeutic group, two clients engage in an angry verbal exchange. The nurse leader interrupts the exchange and excuses both of the clients from the group. The nurse has demonstrated which leadership style? A. Autocratic B. Democratic C. Laissez-faire D. Bureaucratic

ANS: A The nurse who excuses clients from the group has demonstrated an autocratic leadership style. An autocratic leadership style may be useful in certain situations that require structure and limit-setting. Democratic leaders focus on the members of the group and group-selected goals. Laissez-faire leaders provide no direction to group members.

9. 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.

5. To promote self-reliance, how should a psychiatric nurse best conduct medication administration? A. Encourage clients to request their medications at the appropriate times. B. Refuse to administer medications unless clients request them at the appropriate times. C. Allow the clients to determine appropriate medication times. D. Take medications to the clients' bedside at the appropriate times.

ANS: A The psychiatric nurse promoting self-reliance would encourage clients to request their medications at the appropriate times. Nurses are responsible for the management of medication administration on inpatient psychiatric units; however, nurses must work with clients to foster independence and provide experiences that would foster increased self-esteem.

2. In defiance of parental wishes, a Japanese teenager succumbs to peer pressure and gets a tattoo. According to Bowen's family systems theory, how should the community health nurse interpret the teenager's action? A. The teenager is attempting to differentiate self. B. The teenager is triangulating self. C. The teenager is cutting self off emotionally. D. The teenager is exhibiting antisocial traits.

ANS: A The teenager is taking on some of the cultural values of peers and is beginning to develop a unique identity. This process is called differentiation and is a normal task of adolescence.

17. Which example of a therapeutic communication technique would be effective in the planning phase of the nursing process? A. "We've discussed past coping skills. Let's see if these coping skills can be effective now." B. "Please tell me in your own words what brought you to the hospital." C. "This new approach worked for you. Keep it up." D. "I notice that you seem to be responding to voices that I do not hear."

ANS: A This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action. By the use of this technique, the nurse can help the client plan in advance to deal with a stressful situation which may prevent anger and/or anxiety from escalating to an unmanageable level.

21. A client is struggling to explore and solve a problem. Which nursing statement would verbalize the implication of the client's actions? A. "You seem to be motivated to change your behavior." B. "How will these changes affect your family relationships?" C. "Why don't you make a list of the behaviors you need to change." D. "The team recommends that you make only one behavioral change at a time."

ANS: A This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied. Verbalizing the implied puts into words what the client has only implied or said indirectly.

27. During a nurse-client interaction, which nursing statement may belittle the client's feelings and concerns? A. "Don't worry. Everything will be alright." B. "You appear uptight." C. "I notice you have bitten your nails to the quick." D. "You are jumping to conclusions.

ANS: A This nursing statement is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of belittling feelings. Belittling feelings occurs when the nurse misjudges the degree of the client's discomfort, suggesting a lack of empathy and understanding.

29. Which nursing response is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation? A. "Can you tell me why you said that?" B. "Keep your chin up. I'll explain the procedure to you." C. "There is always an explanation for both good and bad behaviors." D. "Are you not understanding the explanation I provided?"

ANS: A This nursing statement is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of requesting an explanation. Requesting an explanation is when the client is asked to provide the reason for thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and events. Asking "why" a client did something or feels a certain way can be very intimidating and implies that the client must defend his or her behavior or feelings.

15. One nurse confronts another and says, "You are always so talkative in the meetings. I don't know why you can't stay quiet sometimes." Which reply by the other nurse reflects the technique of "clouding/fogging?" A. "You're right. I do speak up a lot." B. "Sounds to me like you're agitated and we need to talk. What are you truly angry about?" C. "Are you offended that I speak up, or because my thoughts are in opposition to yours?" D. "I have the right to express my opinion."

ANS: A This response reflects the use of clouding/fogging. When clouding/fogging is used it concurs with the critic's argument without becoming defensive and without agreeing to change.

24. A student nurse is learning about the appropriate use of touch when communicating with clients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders. Which statement by the instructor best provides information about this aspect of therapeutic communication? A. "Touch carries a different meaning for different individuals." B. "Touch is often used when deescalating volatile client situations." C. "Touch is used to convey interest and warmth." D. "Touch is best combined with empathy when dealing with anxious clients."

ANS: A Touch can elicit both negative and positive reactions, depending on the people involved and the circumstances of the interaction.

19. 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.

15. A couple is in counseling related to their dysfunctional relationship. Their daughter has recently made a suicide gesture. The nurse should recognize that this might be an example of which family system concept? A. Triangulation B. Pseudohostility C. Double-bind communication D. Pseudomutuality

ANS: A Triangulation occurs when a relationship between two people is dysfunctional. A third person is brought into the relationship to help stabilize it. The couple is triangulating with their daughter. The threatened daughter draws attention from her parent's interpersonal conflicts by her own dysfunctional behavior.

8. During a group discussion, members freely interact with each other. Which member statement is an example of Yalom's curative group factor of imparting information? A. "I found a Web site explaining the different types of brain tumors and their treatment." B. "My brother also had a brain tumor and now is completely cured." C. "I understand your fear and will be by your side during this time." D. "My mother was also diagnosed with cancer of the brain."

ANS: A Yalom's curative group factor of imparting information involves sharing knowledge gained through formal instruction as well as by advice and suggestions given by other group members.

What is the legal significance of a nurse's action when the 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.

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 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.

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.

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 unethical 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 unethical action. The coworker is experiencing an ethical dilemma in which a decision needs to be made between two unfavorable alternatives. The coworker has a responsibility to report any observed unethical actions.

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.

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.

11. Which of the following nursing statements and/or questions represent appropriate communication to assess an individual in crisis? Select all that apply. A. "Tell me what happened." B. "What coping methods have you used, and did they work?" C. "Describe to me what your life was like before this happened." D. "Let's focus on the current problem." E. "I'll assist you in selecting functional coping strategies."

ANS: A, B, C In the assessment phase, the nurse should gather information regarding the precipitating stressor and the resulting crisis. Focusing on the current problem and selecting functional coping strategies are nursing interventions rather than assessments.

16. A 47-year-old mother of two has recently undergone a radical mastectomy. She refuses to see anyone and remains isolated and withdrawn. Which of the following may be relevant nursing diagnoses for this client? Select all that apply. A. Disturbed body image B. Situational low self-esteem C. Ineffective coping D. Altered thought processes E. Altered sensory perception

ANS: A, B, C The mastectomy is likely to disturb the client's body image. She is ineffectively coping by withdrawing. She may be experiencing negative feelings about herself related to her altered body image, which would result in low self-esteem. None of the symptoms presented indicate a problem with either altered thought or altered sensory perception.

23. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as likely to experience difficulty in being assertive? Select all that apply. A. A 20-year-old woman who is completing college homework assignments for several peers. B. A 69-year-old widow who is socially isolated C. A 17-year-old boy with conduct disorder D. A 45-year-old successful executive E. A 50-year-old diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder

ANS: A, B, C The woman who is taking on the work of others in addition to her own may be having difficulty assertively saying "no"; the widow who is socially isolated may lack the necessary skills to communicate her needs; and the boy with a conduct disorder is likely to demonstrate aggressive behaviors. The business executive and an individual diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder are the least likely to have difficulty being assertive.

34. Which of the following individuals are communicating a message? Select all that apply. A. A mother spanking her son for playing with matches B. A teenage boy isolating himself and playing loud music C. A biker sporting an eagle tattoo on his biceps D. A teenage girl writing, "No one understands me" E. A father checking for new e-mail on a regular basis

ANS: A, B, C, D The nurse should determine that spanking, isolating, getting tattoos, and writing are all ways in which people communicate messages to others. It is estimated that about 70% to 90% of communication is nonverbal.

15. A nurse is caring for a client who has recently undergone a radical prostatectomy. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as objective symptoms of low self-esteem? Select all that apply. A. Withdrawal from activities B. A decrease in self-care behaviors C. Poor eye contact D. Reports of pain E. Poor posture

ANS: A, B, C, E Withdrawal from activities, a decrease in self-care behaviors, eye contact, and poor posture are all common objective manifestations of low self-esteem. A report of pain should be evaluated as a physical issue before being attributed solely to low self esteem.

12. Which of the following are effective interventions that a nurse should utilize when caring for an inpatient client who expresses anger inappropriately? Select all that apply. A. Maintain a calm demeanor. B. Clearly delineate the consequences of the behavior. C. Use therapeutic touch to convey empathy. D. Set limits on the behavior. E. Teach the client to avoid "I" statements related to expression of feelings.

ANS: A, B, D The nurse should determine that when working with an inpatient client who expresses anger inappropriately, it is important to maintain a calm demeanor, clearly define the consequences, and set limits on the behavior. The use of therapeutic touch may not be appropriate and could escalate the client's anger.

21. Which of the following observed client behaviors would lead a nurse to evaluate a member as assuming a maintenance group role? Select all that apply. A. A client decreases conflict within the group by encouraging compromise. B. A client offers recognition and acceptance of others. C. A client outlines the task at hand and proposes solutions. D. A client listens attentively to group interaction. E. A client uses the group to gain sympathy from others.

ANS: A, B, D The nurse should identify clients who decrease conflict within the group, offer recognition and acceptance of others, and listen attentively to group interaction as assuming a maintenance group role. There are member roles within each group. Maintenance roles include the compromiser, the encourager, the follower, the gatekeeper, and the harmonizer.

31. Which of the following nursing interventions fall within the standards of psychiatric-mental health clinical nursing practice for a nurse generalist? Select all that apply. A. Assist clients to perform activities of daily living. B. Act as a consultant with other clinicians to provide services for clients and effect system change C. Encourage clients to discuss triggers for relapse D. Use prescriptive authority in accordance with state and federal laws E. Educate families about signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence and withdrawal

ANS: A, C, E Assisting clients to perform daily living activities, encouraging clients to discuss triggers, and educating families are nursing interventions that fall within the standards of psychiatric clinical nursing practice for a nurse generalist. Psychiatric-mental health advanced practice registered nurses can consult with other clinicians and use prescriptive authority.

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.

1. During a psychoeducational group on assertiveness training, a client asks, "Why do we need to learn about this stuff?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "Because your doctor requires you to attend this group." B. "Being assertive is the ability to stand up for yourself while respecting the rights of others." C. "Assertiveness training teaches you how to ask for what you want, when you want it." D. "Assertive people place the needs and rights of others before their own."

ANS: B Assertiveness training assists people to maintain their own self-respect and meet their needs while respecting the rights of others.

8. A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening? A. S B. O C. L D. E E. R

ANS: B The nurse should identify that maintaining an uncrossed arm and leg posture is nonverbal behavior that reflects the "O" in the active-listening acronym SOLER. The acronym SOLER includes sitting squarely facing the client (S), open posture when interacting with the client (O), leaning forward toward the client (L), establishing eye contact (E), and relaxing (R).

17. A nursing instructor is teaching about the importance of healthy family-member expectations for newly blended families. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction? A. "Healthy family-member expectations should be flexible." B. "Healthy family-member expectations should be conforming." C. "Healthy family-member expectations should be individual." D. "Healthy family-member expectations should be realistic."

ANS: B Conforming is a behavior that interferes with adaptive functioning in terms of family member expectations. This student statement indicates a need for further instruction. Realism, flexibility, and individuality are all characteristics of healthy family-member expectations.

2. A client shows a nurse a piece of artwork that took 3 days to create. How will this achievement improve the client's self-esteem? A. By providing a framework for assertive behavior B. By providing an expression of feelings and a sense of competence and pride C. By providing a positive perception of body image D. By providing appropriate boundaries for relationship establishment

ANS: B Creating the artwork provides expression of feelings and a sense of competence and pride. This will most likely have a positive effect on the client's self-esteem.

13. During family counseling, a husband tells his wife to spend more time with the family, and she responds by stating, "Okay, I'll turn in my resignation tomorrow." The husband replies, "I knew it! You've always been a quitter!" How should the nurse interpret the husband's statement? A. The husband is expressing an emotional cutoff. B. The husband is expressing double-bind communication. C. The husband is expressing indirect messages. D. The husband is expressing avoidance behaviors.

ANS: B Double-bind communication sets up no-win situations. The husband has created a situation in which no matter what the wife does, she is wrong.

8. A despondent client, who has recently lost her husband of 30 years, tearfully states, "I'll feel a lot better if I sell my house and move away." Which nursing reply is most appropriate? A. "I'm confident you know what's best for you." B. "This may not be the best time for you to make such an important decision." C. "Your children will be terribly disappointed." D. "Tell me why you want to make this change."

ANS: B During crisis intervention, the nurse should guide the client through a problem-solving process. The nurse should help the individual confront the source of the problem, encourage the individual to discuss changes he or she would like to make, and encourage exploration of feelings about aspects of the crisis that cannot be changed. The nurse should also assist the client in determining whether any changes are realistic and if timing of change is appropriate. This response encourages the client to think through what may be an impulsive decision.

23. A student nurse tells the instructor, "I'm concerned that when a client asks me for advice I won't have a good solution." Which should be the nursing instructor's best response? A. "It's scary to feel put on the spot by a client. Nurses don't always have the answer." B. "Remember, clients, not nurses, are responsible for their own choices and decisions." C. "Just keep the client's best interests in mind and do the best that you can." D. "Set a goal to continue to work on this aspect of your practice."

ANS: B Giving advice tells the client what to do or how to behave. It implies that the nurse knows what is best and that the client is incapable of any self-direction. It discourages independent thinking.

29. A client is assigned the nursing diagnosis of impaired social interaction R/T sociocultural differences AEB client stating, "Although I'd like to, I don't join in because I don't speak the language so good." Which correctly written outcome addresses this client's problem? A. The client will collaborate with nursing staff to set specific goals by day 3. B. The client will participate in one group activity of choice by day 2. C. The client will express a desire to interact with others. D. The client will become increasingly independent by discharge.

ANS: B In the planning phase of the nursing process, the nurse works with the client to identify expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the client need or to the situation.

6. On the basis of Erikson's theory, how should a nurse encourage a 40-year-old client to improve his or her self-esteem? A. Encourage the client to review life goals and accomplishments. B. Encourage the client to volunteer at a school, reading to underprivileged children. C. Encourage the client to form lasting intimate relationships. D. Encourage the client to seek recognition for task achievement

ANS: B Making meaningful contributions to others is a way to meet the developmental task of the generativity versus stagnation (30 to 65 years) stage of Erikson's developmental theory. This action would promote a 40-year-old client's self-esteem.

2. Which statement is most accurate regarding the assessment of clients diagnosed with psychiatric problems? A. Medical history is of little significance and can be eliminated from the nursing assessment. B. Assessment provides a holistic view of the client, including biopsychosocial aspects. C. Comprehensive assessments can be performed only by advanced practice nurses. D. Psychosocial evaluations are gained by subjective reports rather than objective observations.

ANS: B The assessment of clients diagnosed with psychiatric problems should provide a holistic view of the client. A thorough assessment involves collecting and analyzing data from the client, significant others, and health-care providers that may include the following dimensions: physical, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, cognitive, developmental, economic, lifestyle, and functional abilities.

21. During the implementation phase of the nursing process, a nurse is teaching an adult depressed patient with a cochlear implant about medications. Which modification in the teaching plan would be the most appropriate for this client? A. Using repetition B. Speaking directly face-to-face C. Employing the use of sign language D. Providing large-print materials

ANS: B Speaking face-to-face is an appropriate way to teach individuals with alterations in hearing.

6. Within the nurse's scope of practice, which function is exclusive to the advance practice psychiatric nurse? A. Teaching about the side effects of neuroleptic medications B. Using psychotherapy to improve mental health status C. Using milieu therapy to structure a therapeutic environment D. Providing case management to coordinate continuity of health services

ANS: B The advanced practice psychiatric nurse is authorized to use psychotherapy to improve mental health. This includes individual, couples, group, and family psychotherapy. It is within the scope of practice of a registered psychiatric mental health nurse generalist to provide education, case management, and milieu therapy.

15. A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In the emergency department, she cries, "I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them." What is the nurse's best response? A. "The smoke was too thick. You couldn't have gone back in." B. "You're feeling guilty because you weren't able to save your children." C. "Focus on the fact that you could have lost all four of your children." D. "It's best if you try not to think about what happened. Try to move on."

ANS: B The best response by the nurse is, "You're experiencing feelings of guilt because you weren't able to save your children." This response utilizes the therapeutic communication technique of reflection which identifies a client's emotional response and reflects these feelings back to the client so that they may be recognized and accepted.

18. 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.

4. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia functions well and is bright, spontaneous, and interactive during hospitalization but then decompensates after discharge. What does the milieu provide that may be missing in the home environment? A. Peer pressure B. Structured programming C. Visitor restrictions D. Mandated activities

ANS: B The milieu, or therapeutic community, provides the client with structured programming that may be missing in the home environment. The therapeutic community provides a structured schedule of activities in which interpersonal interaction and communication with others are emphasized. In the milieu, time is also devoted to personal problems and focus groups.

2. 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.

9. An inpatient client with a known history of violence suddenly begins to pace. Which client behavior should alert a nurse to escalating anger and aggression? A. The client requests prn medications. B. The client has a tense facial expression and body language. C. The client refuses to eat lunch. D. The client sits in group therapy with back to peers.

ANS: B The nurse should assess that tense facial expressions and body language may indicate that a client's anger is escalating. The nurse should conduct a thorough assessment of the client's past and current violent behaviors and develop interventions for de-escalation.

12. During a group session, which client statement demonstrates that the group has progressed to the middle, or working, phase of group development? A. "It's hard for me to tell my story when I'm not sure about the reactions of others." B. "I think Joe's Antabuse suggestion is a good one and might work for me." C. "My situation is very complex, and I need professional, not peer, advice." D. "I am really upset that you expect me to solve my own problems."

ANS: B The nurse should determine that group members have progressed to the working phase of group development when members begin to look to each other instead of to the leader for guidance. Group members in the working phase begin to accept criticism from each other and then use it constructively to foster change.

2. A wife brings her husband to an emergency department after an attempt to hang himself. He is a full-time student and works 8 hours at night to support his family. He states, "I can't function any longer under all this stress." Which type of crisis is the client experiencing? A. Maturational/developmental crisis B. Psychiatric emergency crisis C. Anticipated life transition crisis D. Traumatic stress crisis

ANS: B The nurse should determine that the client is experiencing a psychiatric emergency crisis. Psychiatric emergencies occur when crisis situations result in severe impairment, incompetence, or inability to assume personal responsibility.

3. Which nursing diagnosis should a nurse identify as being correctly formulated? A. Schizophrenia R/T biochemical alterations AEB altered thought B. Self-care deficit: hygiene R/T altered thought as AEB disheveled appearance C. Depressed mood R/T multiple life stressors D. Developmental disability R/T early-onset schizophrenia AEB hallucinations

ANS: B The nurse should determine that the correctly written diagnosis would be Self-care deficit: hygiene R/T altered thought AEB disheveled appearance. The nursing diagnosis should describe the unhealthy response (inference), the contributing factors, and the data that support the inference.

1. During a therapeutic group, a client talks about personal accomplishments in an effort to gain attention. Which group role, assumed by this client, should the nurse identify? A. The task role of gatekeeper B. The individual role of recognition seeker C. The maintenance role of dominator D. The task role of elaborator

ANS: B The nurse should evaluate that the client is assuming the individual role of the recognition seeker. Other individual roles include the aggressor, the blocker, the dominator, the help seeker, the monopolizer, and the seducer.

11. 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.

5. Which situation should a nurse identify as an example of an autocratic leadership style? A. The president of Sigma Theta Tau assigns members to committees to research problems. B. Without faculty input, the dean mandates that all course content be delivered via the Internet. C. During a community meeting, a nurse listens as clients generate solutions. D. The student nurses' association advertises for candidates for president.

ANS: B The nurse should identify that mandating decisions without consulting the group is considered an autocratic leadership style. Autocratic leadership increases productivity but often reduces morale and motivation due to lack of member input and creativity.

15. The nurse should utilize which group function to help an extremely withdrawn, paranoid client increase feelings of security? A. Socialization B. Support C. Empowerment D. Governance

ANS: B The nurse should identify that the group function of support would help an extremely withdrawn, paranoid client increase feelings of security. Support assists group members in gaining a feeling of security from group involvement.

7. What is the best rationale for including the client's family in therapy within the inpatient milieu? A. To structure a program of social and work-related activities B. To facilitate discharge from the hospital C. To provide a concrete demonstration of caring D. To encourage the family to model positive behaviors

ANS: B The nurse should include the client's family in therapy within the inpatient milieu to facilitate discharge from the hospital. Family members are invited to participate in some therapy groups and to share meals with the client in the communal dining room. Family involvement may also serve to prevent the client from becoming too dependent on the therapeutic environment.

14. How should a nurse prioritize nursing diagnoses? A. By the established goal of care B. By the life-threatening potential C. By the physician's priority of care D. By the client's preference

ANS: B The nurse should prioritize nursing diagnoses related to life-threatening potential. Safety is always the nurse's first priority.

13. 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.

6. A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which therapeutic communication technique used by the nurse is an example of a broad opening? A. "What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency department?" B. "What would you like to talk about?" C. "I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this." D. "How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?"

ANS: B The nurse's statement, "What would you like to talk about?" is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving broad openings. Using a broad opening allows the client to take the initiative in introducing the topic and emphasizes the importance of the client's role in the interaction.

20. 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.

18. A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is exhibiting nonverbal behaviors indicating that the client is hearing things that others do not. Which nursing diagnosis accurately reflects this client's problem? A. Altered thought processes B. Altered sensory perception C. Anxiety D. Chronic confusion

ANS: B The nursing diagnosis altered sensory perception accurately reflects the client's symptoms of hearing things that others do not. A nursing diagnosis describes a client's condition and facilitates the prescription of interventions. Delusional thinking, confusion, and disorientation are problems associated with the nursing diagnosis of altered thought processes.

19. A nursing instructor is teaching students about the purpose of using the nursing process in the care of psychiatric patients. Which of the following statements by the student indicates that learning has occurred? A. The nursing process is a method for interviewing the patient in a systematic way. B. The nursing process is used to assist patients to adapt successfully to stressors within the environment. C. The nursing process is used to provide support for the psychiatric diagnosis. D. The nursing process is used primarily to minimize allegations of negligence.

ANS: B The nursing process is a method for nursing care delivery in which the patient's unhealthy responses are identified and interventions are planned, which are designed to assist the patient to adapt more successfully in their environment.

7. 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.

4. 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.

11. What is the purpose when a nurse gathers client information? A. It enables the nurse to modify client behaviors related to personality disorders. B. It enables the nurse to make sound clinical judgments and plan appropriate client care. C. It enables the nurse to prescribe the appropriate medications. D. It enables the nurse to assign the appropriate Axis I diagnosis.

ANS: B The purpose of gathering client information is to enable the nurse to make sound clinical nursing judgments and plan appropriate care. The nurse should complete a thorough assessment of the client, including information collected from the client, significant others, and health-care providers (consistent with HIPAA laws and the client's right to confidentiality).

26. After fasting from 10 p.m. the previous evening, a client finds out that the blood test has been canceled. The client swears at the nurse and states, "You are incompetent!" Which is the nurse's best response? A. "Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?" B. "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me." C. "Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?" D. "I'll give you some space. Let me know if you need anything."

ANS: B This is an example of the appropriate use of feedback. Feedback should be directed toward behavior that the client has the capacity to modify.

32. Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self? A. "I think it would be great if you talked about that problem during our next group session." B. "Would you like me to accompany you to your electroconvulsive therapy treatment?" C. "I notice that you are offering help to other peers in the milieu." D. "After discharge, would you like to meet me for lunch to review your outpatient progress?"

ANS: B This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of offering self. Offering self makes the nurse available on an unconditional basis, increasing client's feelings of self-worth. Professional boundaries must be maintained when using the technique of offering self.

31. Which therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use when communicating with a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations? A. "My sister has the same diagnosis as you and she also hears voices." B. "I understand that the voices seem real to you, but I do not hear any voices." C. "Why not turn up the radio so that the voices are muted." D. "I wouldn't worry about these voices. The medication will make them disappear."

ANS: B This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of presenting reality. Presenting reality is when the client has a misperception of the environment. The nurse defines reality or indicates his or her perception of the situation for the client.

33. A client slammed a door on the unit several times. The nurse responds, "You seem angry." The client states, "I'm not angry." What therapeutic communication technique has the nurse employed, and what defense mechanism is the client unconsciously demonstrating? A. Making observations and the defense mechanism of suppression B. Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial C. Reflection and the defense mechanism of projection D. Encouraging descriptions of perceptions and the defense mechanism of displacement

ANS: B This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of verbalizing the implied. The nurse is putting into words what the client has only implied by words or actions. Denial is the refusal of the client to acknowledge the existence of a real situation, the feelings associated with it, or both.

4. A client continually waits more than an hour before being seen at the mental health clinic. The client approaches the nurse and states, "When I have to wait for more than an hour to be seen, I feel like my time is not important." The nurse recognizes this as what type of behavior? A. Aggressive behavior B. Assertive behavior C. Passive-aggressive behavior D. Passive behavior

ANS: B This response is assertive. The client is openly expressing feelings and attempting to correct a stressful situation.

11. An emergency department nurse, who has worked 10 straight days, is pulled to the psychiatric unit. Which represents a passive-aggressive statement by the emergency department nurse? A. "Get someone else to work 3 to 11! I've been working 10 days straight, and I need a break!" B. "Okay. I'll do it," then purposefully leaves paperwork undone when leaving the unit at 11 p.m. C. "I have worked 10 days straight, and I cannot work tonight. I will work for you tomorrow if you need me." D. "Yes, I'll do it. Anything to keep peace with the hospital administration is a good thing."

ANS: B This response is passive-aggressive. The staff nurse's anger is expressed indirectly.

16. A teenager gets a "C" in algebra. The mother angrily states, "All you ever do is listen to music and text your friends." The teenager replies, "What is it that you're really upset about, mom?" Which response pattern is the teenager expressing? A. Clouding and fogging B. Shifting from content to process C. Delaying assertively D. Assuming responsibility for one's own statements

ANS: B This response reflects the use of shifting from content to process. The teenager is changing the focus of the communication from discussing the topic at hand to analyzing what is actually going on in the interaction.

7. A man diagnosed with alcohol dependence experiences his first relapse. During his AA meeting, another group member states, "I relapsed three times, but now have been sober for 15 years." Which of Yalom's curative group factors does this illustrate? A. Imparting of information B. Instillation of hope C. Catharsis D. Universality

ANS: B This scenario is an example of the curative group factor of instillation of hope. This occurs when members observe the progress of others in the group with similar problems and begin to believe that personal problems can also be resolved.

9. After hearing parents discuss divorce, a 5-year-old develops behavioral problems. Upon dealing with the child's behavioral issues, the marital relationship conflict decreases. The pediatric clinic nurse should recognize that this is an example of which family system concept? A. Differentiation of self B. Triangulation C. Fusion D. Emotional cutoff

ANS: B Triangulation occurs when a relationship between two people is dysfunctional so a third person is brought into the relationship to help stabilize it. The son and his behavioral problems redirect the focus from the couple's marital problems.

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.

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 nurse 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.

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.

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 made based on what is good for the individual and may not take the needs of others into account.

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. The imperative demand of Christian ethics is to treat others as moral equals by permitting them to act as we do when they occupy a position similar to ours. Kantianism states that decisions should be made based on moral law and that actions are bound by a sense of moral duty. Utilitarianism holds that decisions should be made focusing on the end result being happiness. Ethical egoism promotes the idea that what is right is good for the individual.

Which client should a nurse identify as a potential candidate for involuntary 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 treatment is a danger to self and requires emergency treatment.

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 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.

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.

22. Which of the following behavioral skills should a nurse implement when leading a group that is functioning in the orientation phase of group development? Select all that apply. A. Encouraging members to provide feedback to each other about individual progress B. Ensuring that rules established by the group do not interfere with goal fulfillment C. Working with group members to establish rules that will govern the group D. Emphasizing the need for and importance of confidentiality within the group E. Helping the members to resolve conflicts and foster cohesiveness within the group

ANS: B, C, D During the orientation phase of group development, the nurse leader should work together with members to establish rules that will effectively govern the group. The leader should ensure that group rules do not interfere with goal fulfillment and establish the need for and importance of confidentiality within the group. Members need to establish trust and cohesion to move into the working phase of group development.

23. 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.

11. A nurse attends an interdisciplinary team meeting on an inpatient unit. Which of the following individuals are typically included as members of the interdisciplinary treatment team in psychiatry? Select all that apply. A. Respiratory therapist B. Occupational therapist C. Recreational therapist D. Social worker E. Mental health technician

ANS: B, C, D, E The typical interdisciplinary treatment team in a psychiatric inpatient setting consists of a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, psychiatric social worker, music therapist, dietician, psychologist, occupational therapist, recreational therapist, art therapist, mental health technician, and chaplain. Other disciplines may be included on the basis of resources available in a particular hospital setting and individual patient needs.

33. After a comprehensive assessment, correctly written nursing diagnoses developed for psychiatric clients may include which of the following components? Select all that apply. A. Medical judgments related to the psychiatric disorder B. Unmet client needs present at the moment C. Supporting data that validate the diagnosis D. Outcomes that will be targets for nursing interventions E. Statements of client problems of a functional nature

ANS: B, C, E A nursing diagnosis is a statement of a client's functional problem. An actual nursing diagnosis must include related to (R/T) and as evidenced by (AEB) statements. A "risk for" diagnosis does not contain AEB because there is only a potential for the problem; it does not yet exist.

12. Which of the following are accurate descriptors of a therapeutic community? Select all that apply. A. The unit schedule includes unlimited free time for personal reflection. B. Unit responsibilities are assigned according to client capabilities. C. A flexible schedule is determined by client needs. D. The individual is the sole focus of therapy. E. A democratic form of government exists.

ANS: B, E In a therapeutic community the unit responsibilities are assigned according to client capability, and a democratic form of government exists. Therapeutic communities are structured and provide therapeutic interventions that focus on communication and relationship-development skills.

19. A nursing supervisor is scheduling holiday hours. When the supervisor tells the staff nurse that she needs to work Christmas day, the staff nurse calmly states, "I worked last Christmas and will not work this Christmas." When the supervisor says 'But I need you to work," the nurse repeats "I worked last Christmas and will not work this Christmas." This is an example of which assertive behavior technique? A. Shifting from content to process B. Standing up for one's basic rights C. Responding as a broken record D. Defusing

ANS: C "Responding as a broken record" is an assertive behavior technique that consists of persistently repeating in a calm voice what is wanted.

8. How does a democratic form of self-government in the milieu contribute to client therapy? A. By setting punishments for clients who violate the community rules B. By dealing with inappropriate behaviors as they occur C. By setting community expectations wherein all clients are treated on an equal basis D. By interacting with professional staff members to learn about therapeutic interventions

ANS: C A democratic form of self-government in the milieu contributes to client therapy by setting the expectation that all clients should be treated on an equal basis. Clients participate in the decision-making and problem-solving aspects that affect treatment setting. The norms, rules, and behavioral limits are established by the staff and clients. All individuals have input.

19. An experienced psychiatric registered nurse has taken a new position leading groups in a day treatment program. Without further education, which group is this nurse most qualified to lead? A. A psychodrama group B. A psychotherapy group C. A parenting group D. A family therapy group

ANS: C A psychiatric registered nurse is qualified to lead a parenting group. A parenting group can be classified as either a teaching group or therapeutic group. Psychodrama, psychotherapy, and family therapy are forms of group therapy that must be facilitated by qualified leaders who generally have advanced degrees in psychology, social work, nursing, or medicine.

1. A nurse is working in a nursing home. How best can this nurse foster self-esteem in the residents of this facility? A. Allowing them to remain in their rooms as much as they desire to maintain privacy B. Administering anti-anxiety medications as ordered C. Providing a sense of mastery over their environment by giving choices when appropriate D. Teaching assertiveness skills and self-esteem principles

ANS: C A sense of having some power and control over one's life enhances self-esteem.

25. A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder states, "Why should I keep trying to get a job? I mess up everything I do." Which correctly written nursing diagnosis best reflects the content and mood themes in this client's statement? A. Hopelessness R/T poor job performance B. Risk for impaired adjustment R/T inadequate social skills AEB isolation C. Altered role performance R/T the fear of failure AEB not seeking employment D. Chronic low self-esteem R/T major depressive disorder AEB self-hatred

ANS: C An actual nursing diagnosis must include related to (R/T) and as evidenced by (AEB) statements. A "risk for" diagnosis does not contain AEB because there is only a potential for the problem; it doesn't yet exist. The client's statement indicates that role performance is altered because fear of failure prevents seeking employment.

9. A nurse should assign which nursing diagnosis to a client needing assistance with assertiveness? A. Disturbed personal identity B. Disturbed thought processes C. Defensive coping D. Impaired verbal communication

ANS: C Defensive coping reflects a self-protective pattern that defends against underlying perceived threats to positive self-regard. Clients who are utilizing defensive coping lack assertiveness skills.

28. The nurse interviewed a client who was uncooperative, answered questions with minimal responses, and rarely made eye contact. Which is the most complete documentation of baseline data obtained during the interview? A. "Appears uncooperative. Exhibits characteristics of depression." B. "Maintains poor eye contact throughout interview process. Unable to answer interview questions due to depression." C. "States 'I don't need to be here' when discussing admission status. Maintains minimal eye contact and offers little data related to triggers for admission." D. "Unwilling to respond openly during interview."

ANS: C Documentation occurs in the implementation phase of the nursing process. All charting entries to the client's legal record should be objective and based on assessed data. Implications and generalizations should be avoided.

30. The following clients are seen in the emergency department. The psychiatric unit has one remaining bed. The triage nurse should expect which client to be admitted? A. The client who is experiencing tremors and has a need for medication adjustment B. The client who is experiencing anxiety and a sad mood after separation from spouse C. The client who is a single parent and hears voices stating, "Kill your infant son." D. The client who argued with her boyfriend and inflicted a superficial cut on her arm

ANS: C In the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse collects comprehensive health data that are pertinent to the client's health or situation. These data are prioritized to meet client needs, with an emphasis on safety.

12. During family counseling a child states, "I just want to surf like other kids. Mom says it's okay, but Dad says I'm too young." The mother allows surfing when the father is absent. In the structural model of family therapy, what family interactional pattern should the nurse recognize? A. Multigenerational transmission B. Disengagement C. Mother-child subsystem D. Emotional cutoff

ANS: C In this situation the mother and child have formed a subsystem in which they have aligned themselves against the father.

12. A father tells his 5-year-old, "Son, today instead of picking flowers in the outfield, let's try to catch a ball." The child subsequently pays attention and catches a ball. Which principle of building self-esteem has the father implemented? A. A sense of competence B. Unconditional love C. Realistic goals D. Reality orientation

ANS: C Low self-esteem can be the result of not being able to achieve established goals. The father has set for the child a realistic goal that the child accomplished. This should promote self-esteem.

17. A student nurse asks an instructor which resource is best to use when developing nursing outcomes for clients. Which reply by the instructor most accurately answers the student's question? A. "Use the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), as a reference for nursing outcomes." B. "Use the NANDA resource to identify appropriate outcomes." C. "Use the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), as a reference for nursing outcomes." D. "Copy your standard outcomes from a nursing care plan textbook."

ANS: C NOC is a comprehensive, standardized classification of client outcomes developed to evaluate the effects of nursing interventions. NANDA is a resource for identifying approved nursing diagnoses.

16. An adolescent, his mother, and his soon-to-be stepfather have been in counseling with the nurse. Which statement by the nurse fosters positive relationships within this new family structure? A. "Stepchildren should be consistently disciplined by only one parent." B. "It is most important to give your full attention to the child's adjustment since it is most difficult for them." C. "Keeping the lines of communication open between everyone in the family is important in establishing healthy relationships." D. "Children need to decide who will be their disciplinarian because this new situation will be stressful."

ANS: C Open lines of communication are needed for newly forming families to begin their relationship together and establish a new family structure.

13. A nursing instructor is teaching about self-concept. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction? A. Self-concept is the thinking component of the self. B. Self-concept is a system of learned beliefs about self. C. Self-concept is the degree of regard that individuals have for themselves. D. Self-concept is the attitudes and opinions held true about personal existence.

ANS: C Self-esteem, not self-concept, is the degree of regard that individuals have for themselves. This student statement indicates a need for further teaching.

5. In a family that is in the life cycle stage called "The Family with Adolescents," which changes must occur for the family to proceed developmentally? A. Making adjustments within the marital system to meet the responsibilities of parenthood B. Establishing a new identity as a couple by realigning relationships with extended family C. Redefining the level of dependence so that adolescents are provided with greater autonomy D. Reestablishing the bond of the dyadic marital relationship

ANS: C Stage IV of the family life cycle is described as "The Family with Adolescents." The task of this stage is to redefine the level of dependence so that adolescents are provided with greater autonomy while parents remain responsive to teenagers' dependency needs.

13. A client diagnosed with dependant personality disorder states, "Do you think I should move from my parent's house and get a job?" Which nursing response is most appropriate? A. "It would be best to do that in order to increase independence." B. "Why would you want to leave a secure home?" C. "Let's discuss and explore all of your options." D. "I'm afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents."

ANS: C The most appropriate response by the nurse is, "Let's discuss and explore all of your options." In this example, the nurse is encouraging the client to formulate ideas and decide independently the appropriate course of action.

21. 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.

14. 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.

3. A home health nurse is visiting an Asian family. A married couple, their three children, and the maternal grandparents all live in the home. How should the nurse interpret the presence of the grandparents in the home? A. The parents have diffuse boundaries and have allowed the grandparental subsystem to be present. B. The grandparental subsystem is not successfully managing separation from the parental subsystem. C. Extended family living arrangements are common in some cultures. D. The nuclear family living arrangement is the preferred environment for childrearing.

ANS: C The Asian culture highly respects the elderly. Having the grandparents living in the home is not uncommon in this culture.

9. Which tool would be appropriate for a nurse to use when assessing mental acuity prior to and immediately following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? A. CIWA scale B. GGT C. MMSE D. CAPS scale

ANS: C The MMSE, or mini mental status exam, would be the appropriate tool to use to assess the mental acuity of a client prior to and immediately following ECT. The CIWA scale, or clinical institute withdrawal assessment scale, would be used to assess withdrawal from substances such as alcohol. The CAPS refers to the clinician-administered PTSD scale and would be used to assess signs and symptoms of PTSD. The GGT test is used to assess gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, which may be an indication of alcoholism.

8. A 30-year-old client diagnosed with depression has been exclusively cared for and financially subsidized by his mother since age 17. According to Erikson's theory, the nurse recognizes that the client has been unsuccessful in meeting which developmental task? A. Trust B. Initiative C. Intimacy D. Ego integrity

ANS: C The client's relationship with his mother has contributed to failing completion of the developmental task of intimacy in Erikson's stage of intimacy versus isolation (20 to 30 years). This has resulted in behaviors such as withdrawal, social isolation, aloneness, and the inability to form lasting relationships, leading to his diagnosis of depression.

9. An instructor is correcting a nursing student's clinical worksheet. Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback? A. "Why did you use the client's name on your clinical worksheet?" B. "You were very careless to refer to your client by name on your clinical worksheet." C. "Surely you didn't do this deliberately, but you breeched confidentiality by using the client's name." D. "It is disappointing that after being told, you're still using client names on your worksheet."

ANS: C The instructor's statement, "Surely you didn't do this deliberately, but you breeched confidentiality by using the client's name." is an example of effective feedback. Feedback is a method of communication to help others consider a modification of behavior. Feedback should be descriptive, specific, and directed toward a behavior that the person has the capacity to modify and should impart information rather than offer advice or criticize the individual.

12. A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit implements care by scheduling client activities, interacting with clients, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. These actions reflect which role of the nurse? A. Health teacher B. Case manager C. Milieu manager D. Psychotherapist

ANS: C The milieu manager implements care by scheduling client activities, interacting with clients, and maintaining a safe therapeutic environment. Health teaching involves promoting health and a safe environment. Case management is utilized to organize client care so that outcomes are achieved. Psychotherapy involves conducting individual, couples, group, and family counseling.

3. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol." Nurse: "Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?" A. Reflecting B. Making observations C. Formulating a plan of action D. Giving recognition

ANS: C The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action to help the client explore alternatives to drinking alcohol. The use of this technique, rather than direct confrontation regarding the client's poor coping choice, may serve to prevent anger or anxiety from escalating.

3. During a therapeutic group, which nursing action demonstrates a laissez-faire leadership style? A. The nurse mandates that all group members reveal an embarrassing personal situation. B. The nurse asks for a show of hands to determine group topic preference. C. The nurse sits silently as the group members stray from the assigned topic. D. The nurse shuffles through papers to determine the facility policy on length of group.

ANS: C The nurse leader who sits silently and allows group members to stray from the assigned topic is demonstrating a laissez-faire leadership style. This style allows group members to do as they please with no direction from the leader. Group members often become frustrated and confused in reaction to a laissez-faire leadership style.

11. A nurse believes that the members of a parenting group are in the initial, or orientation, phase of group development. Which group behaviors would support this assumption? A. The group members manage conflict within the group. B. The group members use denial as part of the grief response. C. The group members compliment the leader and compete for the role of recorder. D. The group members initially trust one another and the leader.

ANS: C The nurse should anticipate that members in the initial, or orientation, phase of group development often compliment the leader and compete for the role of recorder. Members in this phase have not yet established trust and have a fear of not being accepted. Power struggles may occur as members compete for their position in the group.

1. Which data-gathering technique is employed during the assessment phase of the nursing process? A. Asking the client to rate mood after administering an antidepressant B. Asking the client to verbalize understanding of previously explained unit rules C. Asking the client to describe any thoughts of self-harm D. Asking the client if the group on assertiveness skills was helpful

ANS: C The nurse should ask the client to describe any thoughts of self-harm during the assessment phase of the nursing process. Assessment involves collecting and analyzing data about the client that may include the following dimensions: physical, psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, cognitive, developmental, economic, lifestyle, and functional abilities. The other three options are employed during the evaluation phase of the nursing process.

10. What is being assessed when a nurse asks a client to identify name, date, residential address, and situation? A. Mood B. Perception C. Orientation D. Affect

ANS: C The nurse should ask the client to identify name, date, residential address, and situation to assess the client's orientation. Assessment of the client's orientation to reality is part of a mental status evaluation.

1. A fatherless, 11-year-old African American girl lives with her grandmother after the death of her mother. Her older stepbrother is very involved in her life. How should the community health nurse view this family constellation, and why? A. Abnormal; the grandmother should be concerned with issues other than childrearing. B. Abnormal; a two-parent household is the most advantageous arrangement for parenting. C. Normal; cultural variations exist in the family life cycle. D. Normal; because of their wisdom, older adults make better parenting figures.

ANS: C The nurse should be aware that cultural differences and specific events may lead to variety in family constellations. This is normal.

9. A client has undergone psychological testing. With which member of the interdisciplinary team should a nurse collaborate to review these results? A. The psychiatrist B. The psychiatric social worker C. The clinical psychologist D. The clinical nurse specialist

ANS: C The nurse should consult with the clinical psychologist to review psychological testing results for the client. Clinical psychologists can administer, interpret, and evaluate psychological tests to assist in the diagnostic process.

10. What is the best nursing rationale for holding a debriefing session with clients and staff after clients have witnessed a peer being "taken down" after a violent outburst? A. To reinforce unit rules with the client population B. To create protocols for the future release of tensions associated with anger C. To process feelings and concerns related to the witnessed intervention D. To discuss the client problems that led to inappropriate expressions of anger

ANS: C The nurse should determine that the purpose for holding a debriefing session with clients and staff after clients have witnessed a peer being "taken down" after a violent outburst is to process feelings and concerns related to the witnessed intervention.

20. A nursing instructor is teaching about psychodrama, a specialized type of therapeutic group. Which student statement indicates that further teaching is necessary? A. "Psychodrama provides a safe setting in which to discuss painful issues." B. "In psychodrama, the client is the protagonist." C. "In psychodrama, the client observes actor interactions from the audience." D. "Psychodrama facilitates resolution of interpersonal conflicts."

ANS: C The nurse should educate the student that in psychodrama the client plays the role of himself or herself in a life-situation scenario and is called the protagonist. During psychodrama, the client does not observe interactions from the audience. Other group members perform the role of the audience and discuss the situation they have observed, offer feedback, and express their feelings. Leaders of psychodrama must have specialized training to become a psychodramatist.

8. 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.

16. When planning group therapy, a nurse should identify which configuration as most optimal for a therapeutic group? A. Open-ended membership; circle of chairs; group size of 5 to 10 members B. Open-ended membership; chairs around a table; group size of 10 to 15 members C. Closed membership; circle of chairs; group size of 5 to 10 members D. Closed membership; chairs around a table; group size of 10 to 15 members

ANS: C The nurse should identify that the most optimal conditions for a therapeutic group are when the membership is closed and the group size is between 5 and 10 members who are arranged in a circle of chairs. The focus of therapeutic groups is on relationships within the group and the interactions among group members.

5. Which statement regarding nursing interventions should a nurse identify as accurate? A. Nursing interventions are independent from the treatment team's goals. B. Nursing interventions are directed solely by written physician orders. C. Nursing interventions occur independently but in concert with overall treatment team goals. D. Nursing interventions are standardized by policies and procedures.

ANS: C The nurse should understand that nursing interventions occur independently but in concert with overall treatment goals. Nursing interventions should be developed and implemented in collaboration with other health-care professionals involved in the client's care.

6. 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.

1. An angry client on an inpatient unit approaches a nurse, stating, "Someone took my lunch! People need to respect others, and you need to do something about this now!" The nurse's response should be guided by which basic assumption of milieu therapy? A. Conflict should be avoided at all costs on inpatient psychiatric units. B. Conflict should be resolved by the nursing staff. C. Every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. D. Conflict resolution should be addressed only during group therapy.

ANS: C The nurse's response should be guided by the basic assumption that every interaction is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. The nurse can utilize milieu therapy to effect behavioral change and improve psychological health and functioning.

4. The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client. Which nursing statement is an example of offering a "general lead"? A. "Do you know why you are here?" B. "Are you feeling depressed or anxious?" C. "Yes, I see. Go on." D. "Can you chronologically order the events that led to your admission?"

ANS: C The nurse's statement, "Yes, I see. Go on." is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of a general lead. Offering a general lead encourages the client to continue sharing information.

15. A client has a nursing diagnosis of Insomnia R/T paranoid thinking AEB midnight awakenings, difficulty falling asleep, and daytime napping. Which is a correctly written and appropriate outcome for this client's problem? A. The client will avoid daytime napping and attend all groups. B. The client will exercise, as needed, before bedtime. C. The client will sleep 7 uninterrupted hours by day four of hospitalization. D. The client's sleep habits will improve during hospitalization.

ANS: C The outcome "The client will sleep 7 uninterrupted hours by day four of hospitalization" is accurately written and an appropriate outcome to address the client problem of insomnia. Outcomes should be measurable, realistic, client-focused goals that include a time frame. Appropriate nursing interventions are guided by client outcomes.

4. A high school student has learned that she cannot graduate. Her boyfriend will be attending a college out of state that she planned to also attend. She is admitted to a psychiatric unit after overdosing on Tylenol. Which is the correctly written priority nursing diagnosis for this client? A. Ineffective coping R/T situational crisis AEB powerlessness B. Anxiety R/T fear of failure C. Risk for self-directed violence R/T hopelessness D. Risk for low self-esteem R/T loss events AEB suicidal ideations

ANS: C The priority nursing diagnosis for this client is "Risk for self-directed violence R/T hopelessness." Nurses should prioritize diagnoses and outcomes on the basis of potential safety risk to the client and/or others. Nursing diagnoses should be correctly written to include evidence if actual and no evidence if the diagnosis is determined to be potential.

19. A client's younger daughter is ignoring curfew. The client states, "I'm afraid she will get pregnant." The nurse responds, "Hang in there. Don't you think she has a lot to learn about life?" This is an example of which communication block? A. Requesting an explanation B. Belittling the client C. Making stereotyped comments D. Probing

ANS: C This is an example of the nontherapeutic communication block of making stereotyped comments. Clichés and trite expressions are meaningless in a therapeutic nurse-client relationship

22. The nurse asks a newly admitted client, "What can we do to help you?" What is the purpose of this therapeutic communication technique? A. To reframe the client's thoughts about mental health treatment B. To put the client at ease C. To explore a subject, idea, experience, or relationship D. To communicate that the nurse is listening to the conversation

ANS: C This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. The purpose of using exploring is to delve further into the subject, idea, experience, or relationship. This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.

20. Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition? A. "You did not attend group today. Can we talk about that?" B. "I'll sit with you until it is time for your family session." C. "I notice you are wearing a new dress and you have washed your hair." D. "I'm happy that you are now taking your medications. They will really help."

ANS: C This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of giving recognition. Giving recognition acknowledges and indicates awareness. This technique is more appropriate than complimenting the client which reflects the nurse's judgment.

20. A nurse has identified the following nursing diagnosis: "ineffective communication R/T lack of assertiveness skills AEB inability to state needs." Which statement encourages the client to acknowledge the priority of this problem? A. "Are you having thoughts of harming yourself or others?" B. "With whom are you least assertive?" C. "On a scale of 1 to 10, rank the importance of being assertive." D. "When are you available to attend the assertiveness training class?"

ANS: C This nursing statement encourages the client to objectively evaluate the priority of being assertive. It is important in patient-centered care for the client to prioritize his or her goals for treatment.

28. A client on an inpatient psychiatric unit tells the nurse, "I should have died, because I am totally worthless." In order to encourage the client to continue talking about feelings, which should be the nursing initial response? A. "How would your family feel if you died?" B. "You feel worthless now, but that can change with time." C. "You've been feeling sad and alone for some time now?" D. "It is great that you have come in for help."

ANS: C This nursing statement is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of reflection. When reflection is used, questions and feelings are referred back to the client so that they may be recognized and accepted.

7. While trying to control aggressive behavior, a client asks an assertiveness training nurse to give an example of an "I statement." Which of the following statements is the best example of this assertive communication technique? A. "I would like to know why you came home late without calling me." B. "I hate it when you think you can just come home late without calling anyone to let them know where you are." C. "I feel angry when you come home late without calling." D. "I think you don't care about me, because if you did, you'd call me if you were planning on coming home late."

ANS: C This response clearly states feelings about a situation without blaming another.

17. The dean of nursing criticizes a faculty member about views on academic freedom. The faculty member states, "Are you upset because I believe in academic freedom or because you don't?" The faculty member is using which technique to promote assertive behavior? A. Standing up for one's basic human rights B. Delaying assertively C. Inquiring assertively D. Responding assertively with irony

ANS: C This response reflects the use of inquiring assertively. Inquiring assertively is an attempt to seek additional information about critical statements.

18. A client is angry because her husband has forgotten their anniversary. The following week, the client is still unwilling to discuss this with her husband because she is afraid she will lose control. How should the nurse interpret this client's means of coping with anger? A. Coping by attacking B. Coping by surrendering C. Coping by avoiding D. Coping by belittling

ANS: C When coping by avoidance, differences are never acknowledged openly. The individual who disagrees avoids discussing it for fear that the other person will withdraw love or approval or become angry in response to the disagreement. Avoidance also occurs when an individual fears loss of control of his or her temper.

14. When interviewing a client, which nonverbal behavior should a nurse employ? A. Maintaining indirect eye contact with the client B. Providing space by leaning back away from the client C. Sitting squarely, facing the client D. Maintaining open posture with arms and legs crossed

ANS: C When interviewing a client, the nurse should employ the nonverbal behavior of sitting squarely, facing the client. Facilitative skills for active listening can be identified by the acronym SOLER. SOLER includes sitting squarely facing the client (S), open posture when interacting with a client (O), leaning forward toward the client (L), establishing eye contact (E), and relaxing (R).

17. 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.

10. A home health nurse visits an 18-year-old client who lives with his mother. The client has been assessed as having low self-esteem. The nurse refers the client for individual counseling. During the next home visit, which assessed client behavior clearly indicates treatment success? A. The client wants to buy a dog but has not yet asked his mother's permission. B. The client asks his mother for permission to buy a dog. C. The client tells his mother he plans to buy a dog. D. The client buys a dog and hides it in the garage.

ANS: C When the client tells his mother he plans to buy a dog, he is making decisions and taking on responsibilities. This indicates an increase in self-confidence and therefore self-esteem.

5. The nurse is working with a 15-year-old client suffering from low self-esteem. According to Erikson's psychosocial developmental theory, which factor has most probably influenced this client's self-esteem? A. Regret over life choices B. Lack of personal concern for others C. Inconsistent, overly harsh, or absent parental discipline D. Parental labeling of the child as "good" regardless of their behavior.

ANS: C When there is inconsistent, overly harsh, or absent discipline in the home, it is difficult for a teenager to develop the independent sense of self needed to achieve a positive self-esteem.

7. A 30-year-old client seeking therapy states, "My mom cries when she is not included in all my social activities and thinks of my friends as her own." How would the nurse describe the boundaries between this family's parent and child subsystems? A. The boundaries are rigid. B. The boundaries are restructured. C. The boundaries are enmeshed. D. The boundaries are disengaged.

ANS: C With enmeshed boundaries, family members lack individuation and experience exaggerated connectedness. The client's mother is trying to prevent independence by generating feelings of guilt.

9. Prayer group members at a local Baptist church are meeting with a poor, homeless family they are supporting. Which member statement is an example of Yalom's curative group factor of altruism? A. "I'll give you the name of a friend that rents inexpensive rooms." B. "The last time we helped a family, they got back on their feet and prospered." C. "I can give you all of my baby clothes for your little one." D. "I can appreciate your situation. I had to declare bankruptcy last year."

ANS: C Yalom's curative group factor of altruism occurs when group members provide assistance and support to each other, creating a positive self-image and promoting self-growth. Individuals increase self-esteem through mutual caring and concern.

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.

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 I." 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, date, and 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.

Which situation reflects 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.

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.

22. A client who has slept 6 hours the previous night reports this to the assigned psychiatric nurse. What should be the initial nursing action to address this situation? A. Provide warm milk and a backrub. B. Give a sleep medication. C. Hold a relaxation group before bedtime. D. Review the client's normal sleep pattern.

ANS: D In the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse collects comprehensive health data that are pertinent to the client's health or situation. In this situation the nurse must initially determine the client's normal sleep patterns in order to evaluate if a true problem exists.

32. Which of the following are characteristics of accurately developed client outcomes? Select all that apply. A. Client outcomes are formulated by nurses independent from other team members. B. Client outcomes are not restricted by time frames. C. Client outcomes are specific and measurable. D. Client outcomes are realistically based on client capability. E. Client outcomes are formally approved by the psychiatrist.

ANS: C, D The nurse should identify that client outcomes should be specific, measurable, and realistically based on client capability. Outcomes should be derived from the diagnosis and should include a time estimate for attainment. Outcomes are most effective when formulated cooperatively by the interdisciplinary team members, client, and significant others.

7. A nurse charts "Verbalizes understanding of the side effects of Prozac." This is an example of which category of focused charting? A. Data B. Problem C. Action D. Response

ANS: D "Verbalizes understanding of the side effects of Prozac" is an example of the response category of focused charting. The response is a description of the client's reaction to any part of medical or nursing care.

14. A couple has been married for 20 years. They argue constantly, belittle feelings, and continuously contradict each other. During a therapy session, the nurse documents "Marital schism." What does the nurse mean by this documentation? A. The couple has a compatible marriage relationship. B. The husband has a dominant relationship over the wife. C. The couple has an enmeshed relationship. D. The couple has an incompatible marriage relationship.

ANS: D A marital schism is a state of chronic disequilibrium and discord. This describes this couple's marriage.

15. 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.

13. Which is the most appropriate nursing reply when a client asks what the goal and benefit are of assertive skills training? A. "It protects the client from others who express aggressive feelings." B. "It gives reliable, expert information so that clients may correct faulty behaviors." C. "It clarifies misperceptions that have caused clients to distort reality." D. "It improves communication skills in order to improve interpersonal relationships."

ANS: D Assertiveness training helps to develop satisfying interpersonal relationships by teaching people how to communicate in a manner to meet their own needs while respecting the rights and needs of others.

8. A nurse enters an inpatient room and finds the family disagreeing about the client's living arrangements after discharge. Which information should the nurse provide when teaching techniques to resolve family conflicts? A. All family members should use past incidents to make their point. B. One family member should act as a gatekeeper in order to avoid family confrontation. C. One family member should act as a compromiser to preserve harmony in the family system. D. All family members should respect differing opinions and use compromise and negotiation.

ANS: D Functional families allow and respect differences among members. They learn to handle differences and conflict through negotiation and compromise.

11. During family counseling a husband states, "Every time my wife and I discuss child discipline, we get into shouting matches." The nurse instructs the couple to shout at each other for 2 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 30 minutes. What intervention is the nurse using? A. Reframing B. Restructuring the family C. Expressive psychotherapy D. Paradoxical intervention

ANS: D In a paradoxical intervention, the therapist requests the family to continue the maladaptive behavior. This removes control over the behavior from the family to the therapist. Clients are made more aware of the defeating behavior and this can lead to behavioral change.

23. An instructor overhears a student say, "That family seems to disagree more than agree. The family seems to be dysfunctional." To further assess the family's situation, which would be an appropriate instructor reply? A. "Families who disagree can be a challenge to the treatment team." B. "You seem very critical of the family. Do you believe that you are unable to help them?" C. "Let's bring the family in for an educational session to improve their communication." D. "What appears to trigger family disagreements?"

ANS: D In the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse collects comprehensive health data that are pertinent to the client's health or situation. In this situation, prior to intervening with this family, the nurse needs further information about the cause of family conflicts.

26. During an intake interview, which question would assist the nurse in gathering data about the client's judgment? A. "What brought you to the hospital? Do you know what day and season it is now?" B. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your stress level?" C. "What does the phrase 'a rolling stone gathers no moss' mean to you?" D. "If you found a stamped, addressed envelope in the street, what would you do?"

ANS: D In the assessment phase of the nursing process, the nurse collects comprehensive health data that are pertinent to the client's health or situation. The nurse presents a situation that requires the client to make a judgment call and can assess appropriate judgment on the basis of the client's action choice.

24. Which nursing response would be appropriately used in the evaluation phase of the nursing process? A. "If I were in your situation, I would not repeat a behavior that has caused problems." B. "What do you think needs changing, and what do you want to do differently?" C. "What exactly will it take to carry out your plan, and what else do you need to do?" D. "It sounds like you're saying this new approach is working for you."

ANS: D In the evaluation phase of the nursing process, the nurse and the client evaluate progress toward attainment of the expected outcomes.

22. 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.

2. A client on an inpatient unit angrily states to a nurse, "Peter is not cleaning up after himself in the community bathroom. You need to address this problem." Which is the appropriate nursing response? A. "I'll talk to Peter and present your concerns." B. "Why are you overreacting to this issue?" C. "You should bring this to the attention of your treatment team." D. "I can see that you are angry. Let's discuss ways to approach Peter with your concerns."

ANS: D The most appropriate nursing response involves restating the client's feeling and developing a plan with the client to solve the problem. According to Skinner, every interaction in the therapeutic milieu is an opportunity for therapeutic intervention to improve communication and relationship-development skills.

22. A client is experiencing high stress. The client states, "My boss treats me like a doormat and thinks nothing of demanding frequent overtime." Which nursing intervention would be appropriate? A. To incorporate the family support system into the client's plan of care B. To teach thought-reframing techniques C. To encourage the client to seek other employment D. To teach the client how to use "I" statements

ANS: D The ability to use "I" statements is essential in assertive communication. The situation presented indicates that the client needs assertiveness training.

11. A 40-year-old client lives with her parents. She has a high school diploma and works at a low-paying job. Her parents give her a weekly allowance to supplement her income. How should the nurse classify their client-parent boundaries? A. As loose B. As rigid C. As flexible D. As enmeshed

ANS: D The client and her parents are overly dependent. The parents control too many aspects of the client's life. Their boundaries are blurred so that it is hard for the client to differentiate her wants and needs from those of her parents. The client-parent boundaries are enmeshed.

4. A depressed 21-year-old client has lived with his mother ever since the death of his father 3 years ago. After the client received a college acceptance, the mother repeatedly states, "That's wonderful. I'll be fine all alone." How would the nurse interpret the mother's statements? A. The mother is withholding supportive messages. B. The mother is expressing denigrating remarks. C. The mother is communicating indirectly. D. The mother is using double-bind communication.

ANS: D The client's mother says she is fine with him going away to college but then tries to make him feel guilty about her being left alone. The client is in a no-win situation because his mother has given a mixed message—a double-bind communication.

10. In the role of milieu manager, which activity should the nurse prioritize? A. Setting the schedule for the daily unit activities B. Evaluating clients for medication effectiveness C. Conducting therapeutic group sessions D. Searching newly admitted clients for hazardous objects

ANS: D The milieu manager should search newly admitted clients for hazardous objects. Safety of the client and others is the priority. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that the client's safety and physiological needs are met within the milieu.

6. An involuntarily committed client, when offered a dinner tray, pushes it off the bedside table onto the floor. Which intervention should a nurse prioritize to address this behavior? A. Initiate forced medication protocol. B. Help the client to explore the source of anger. C. Ignore the act to avoid reinforcing the behavior. D. With staff support and a show of solidarity, set firm limits on the behavior.

ANS: D The most appropriate nursing intervention is to set firm limits on the behavior. Pushing food onto the floor does not warrant forced medication because the behavior is not a direct safety concern. Exploring the source of anger may be appropriate after the client has gained emotional control. Ignoring the act may further upset the client and does not reinforce appropriate behavior.

16. A newly admitted client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) washes hands continually. This behavior prevents unit activity attendance. Which nursing statement best addresses this situation? A. "Everyone diagnosed with OCD needs to control their ritualistic behaviors." B. "It is important for you to discontinue these ritualistic behaviors." C. "Why are you asking for help if you won't participate in unit therapy?" D. "Let's figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands."

ANS: D The most appropriate statement by the nurse is, "Let's figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands." This statement reflects the therapeutic communication technique of formulating a plan of action. The nurse attempts to work with the client to develop a plan without damaging the therapeutic relationship or increasing the client's anxiety.

13. Which group leader activity should a nurse identify as being most important in the final, or termination, phase of group development? A. The group leader establishes the rules that will govern the group after discharge. B. The group leader encourages members to rely on each other for problem solving. C. The group leader presents and discusses the concept of group termination. D. The group leader helps the members to process feelings of loss.

ANS: D The most effective intervention in the final, or termination, phase of group development would be for the group leader to help the members to process feelings of loss. The leader should encourage the members to review the goals and discuss outcomes, reminisce about what has occurred, and encourage members to provide feedback to each other about progress.

12. A client who frequently exhibits angry outbursts is diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which appropriate feedback should a nurse provide when this client experiences an angry outburst? A. "Why do you continue to alienate your peers by your angry outbursts?" B. "You accomplish nothing when you lose your temper like that." C. "Showing your anger in that manner is very childish and insensitive." D. "During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, left, and slammed the door."

ANS: D The nurse is providing appropriate feedback when stating, "During group, you raised your voice, yelled at a peer, left, and slammed the door." Giving appropriate feedback involves helping the client consider a modification of behavior. Feedback should give information to the client about how he or she is perceived by others. Feedback should not be evaluative in nature or be used to give advice.

1. Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in this nurse-client interaction? Client: "When I get angry, I get into a fistfight with my wife or I take it out on the kids." Nurse: "I notice that you are smiling as you talk about this physical violence." A. Encouraging comparison B. Exploring C. Formulating a plan of action D. Making observations

ANS: D The nurse is using the therapeutic communication technique of making observations when noting that the client smiles when talking about physical violence. The technique of making observations encourages the client to compare personal perceptions with those of the nurse.

7. A college student who was nearly raped while jogging completes a series of appointments with a rape crisis nurse. At the final session, which client statement most clearly suggests that the goals of crisis intervention have been met? A. "You've really been helpful. Can I count on you for continued support?" B. "I don't work out anymore." C. "I'm really glad I didn't go home. It would have been hard to come back." D. "I carry mace when I jog. It makes me feel safe and secure."

ANS: D The nurse should evaluate that the client who has developed adaptive coping strategies has achieved the goals of crisis intervention.

3. A client comes to a psychiatric clinic, experiencing sudden extreme fatigue and decreased sleep and appetite. The client works 12 hours a day and rates anxiety as 8/10 on a numeric scale. What correctly written long-term outcome is realistic in addressing this client's crisis? A. The client will change his or her type A personality traits to more adaptive ones by week 1. B. The client will list five positive self-attributes. C. The client will examine how childhood events led to an overachieving orientation. D. The client will return to previous adaptive levels of functioning by week 6.

ANS: D The nurse should identify that a realistic long-term outcome for this client would be to return to previous adaptive levels of functioning. The nurse should work with the client to develop attainable outcomes that reflect the immediacy of the situation. To be correctly written, an outcome must be client-centered, specific, measurable, realistic, and contain a time frame.

6. A nurse working on an inpatient psychiatric unit is assigned to conduct a 45-minute education group. What should the nurse identify as an appropriate group topic? A. Dream analysis B. Creative cooking C. Paint by number D. Stress management

ANS: D The nurse should identify that teaching clients about stress management is an appropriate education group topic. Nurses should be able to perform the role of client teacher in the psychiatric area. Nurses need to be able to assess a client's learning readiness. Other topics for education groups include medical diagnoses, side effects of medications, and the importance of medication compliance.

12. 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.

3. 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.

1. A mother is concerned about her ability to perform in her new role. She is quite anxious and refuses to leave the postpartum unit. To offer effective client care, a nurse should recognize which information about this type of crisis? A. This type of crisis is precipitated by unexpected external stressors. B. This type of crisis is precipitated by preexisting psychopathology. C. This type of crisis is precipitated by an acute response to an external situational stressor. D. This type of crisis is precipitated by normal life-cycle transitions that overwhelm the client.

ANS: D The nurse should understand that this type of crisis is precipitated by normal life-cycle transitions that overwhelm the client. Reassurance and guidance should be provided as needed, and the client should be referred to services that can provide assistance.

10. 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.

5. A nurse states to a client, "Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep." This is an example of which communication technique? A. The therapeutic technique of "giving advice" B. The therapeutic technique of "defending" C. The nontherapeutic technique of "presenting reality" D. The nontherapeutic technique of "giving false reassurance"

ANS: D The nurse's statement, "Things will look better tomorrow after a good night's sleep." is an example of the nontherapeutic technique of giving false reassurance. Giving false reassurance indicates to the client that there is no cause for anxiety, thereby devaluing the client's feelings.

17. During the sixth week of a 10-week parenting skills group, a nurse observes as several members get into a heated dispute about spanking. As a group, they decide to create a pros-and-cons poster on the use of physical discipline. At this time, what is the role of the group leader? A. To referee the debate B. To adamantly oppose physical discipline measures C. To redirect the group to a less controversial topic D. To encourage the group to solve the problem collectively

ANS: D The role of the group leader is to encourage the group to solve the problem collectively. A democratic leadership style supports members in their participation and problem-solving. Members are encouraged to cooperatively solve issues that relate to the group.

6. A single, pregnant teenager in a parenting class discloses her ambivalence toward the pregnancy and the subsequent guilt that these thoughts generate. A mother of three admits to having felt that way herself. Which of Yalom's curative group factors does this illustrate? A. Imparting of information B. Instillation of hope C. Altruism D. Universality

ANS: D The scenario is an example of the curative group factor of universality. Universality occurs when individuals realize that they are not alone in the problems, thoughts, and feelings they are experiencing. This realization reduces anxiety by the support and understanding of others.

4. In what way should a nurse expect a school-aged child to gain positive self-esteem, according to Erikson's psychosocial developmental stages? A. Through basic need fulfillment and environmental predictability B. Through exploration and experimentation, resulting in self-confidence in ability to perform C. Through positive reinforcement of creativity and recognition of performance D. Through receiving recognition when learning, competing, and performing successfully

ANS: D The school-aged child develops self-confidence by learning, competing, and performing successfully and receiving recognition from significant others, peers, and acquaintances.

4. Which expected client outcome should a nurse identify as being correctly formulated? A. Client will feel happier by discharge. B. Client will demonstrate two relaxation techniques. C. Client will verbalize triggers to anger by end of session. D. Client will initiate interaction with one peer during free time within 2 days.

ANS: D The statement "Client will initiate interaction with one peer during free time within 2 days" is an example of a correctly formulated expected outcome. Outcomes should be measurable, realistic, client-focused goals that include a time frame. Appropriate nursing interventions are guided by client outcomes.

14. A nursing instructor is teaching students about self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. "There is little research to support AA's effectiveness." B. "Self-help groups used to be the treatment of choice, but their popularity is waning." C. "These groups have no external regulation, so clients need to be cautious." D. "Members themselves run the group, with leadership usually rotating among the members."

ANS: D The student indicates an understanding of self-help groups when stating, "Members themselves run the group, with leadership usually rotating among the members." Nurses may or may not be involved in self-help groups. These groups allow members to talk about feelings and reduce feelings of isolation, while receiving support from others undergoing similar experiences.

5. During an assertiveness training group, a client admits to aggressive behaviors. The client asks for suggestions for how to become more assertive and less aggressive. Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. "Several techniques, including meditation and progressive muscle relaxation, appear helpful." B. "There's not much that can be done about aggressive behavior because of biological responses." C. "Certain types of medications have been proven effective in promoting assertive communication." D. "There are several techniques, including 'I statements,' role playing, and thought stopping, that can help promote assertive behaviors and decrease aggressive behaviors."

ANS: D These techniques promote assertive behaviors and would help diminish aggressive responses.

12. Which best describes a nurse's use of assertive behavior? A. When a nurse attempts to please others and apologizes for awkwardness in a new role B. When a nurse becomes defensive and angry when peers offer suggestions for improvement C. When a nurse has problems making decisions and has a tendency to procrastinate D. When a nurse is open and direct when asked by the nurse manager to complete assignments

ANS: D This is an assertive response. There is clear expression of needs and feelings.

30. A client states, "You won't believe what my husband said to me during visiting hours. He has no right treating me that way." Which nursing response would best assess the situation that occurred? A. "Does your husband treat you like this very often?" B. "What do you think is your role in this relationship?" C. "Why do you think he behaved like that?" D. "Describe what happened during your time with your husband."

ANS: D This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of exploring. The purpose of using exploring is to delve further into the subject, idea, experience, or relationship. This technique is especially helpful with clients who tend to remain on a superficial level of communication.

25. Which nursing statement is a good example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing? A. "Describe one of the best things that happened to you this week." B. "I'm having a difficult time understanding what you mean." C. "Your counseling session is in 30 minutes. I'll stay with you until then." D. "You mentioned your relationship with your father. Let's discuss that further."

ANS: D This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of focusing. Focusing takes notice of a single idea or even a single word and works especially well with a client who is moving rapidly from one thought to another.

18. A client tells the nurse, "I feel bad because my mother does not want me to return home after I leave the hospital." Which nursing response is therapeutic? A. "It's quite common for clients to feel that way after a lengthy hospitalization." B. "Why don't you talk to your mother? You may find out she doesn't feel that way." C. "Your mother seems like an understanding person. I'll help you approach her." D. "You feel that your mother does not want you to come back home?"

ANS: D This is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of restatement. Restatement is the repeating of the main idea that the client has verbalized. This lets the client know whether or not an expressed statement has been understood and gives him or her the chance to continue, or clarify if necessary.

14. An instructor is teaching about assertive rights. Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction? A. "The right to be treated with respect is an assertive right." B. "The right to say "no" without feeling guilty is an assertive right." C. "The right to change your mind is an assertive right." D. "The right to always put oneself first is an assertive right."

ANS: D This is not an assertive right. An assertive right is "to consider others as well as yourself." This student statement indicates a need for further instruction.

3. A client on an inpatient unit is angry with a peer. During lunch, when the peer is not looking, the client spits into his soup. How would the nurse document this interaction? A. "Client is displaying assertive behaviors." B. "Client is displaying aggressive behaviors." C. "Client is displaying passive behaviors." D. "Client is displaying passive-aggressive behaviors."

ANS: D This response is passive-aggressive. The client's anger is expressed indirectly by spitting in the soup when the peer is not looking.

8. After vying for a nurse management position, nurse "A" is chosen over nurse "B." When nurse manager "A" calls for staff meetings, nurse "B" is chronically late or absent. Nurse "B" is exhibiting which type of behavior? A. Passive B. Assertive C. Aggressive D. Passive-aggressive

ANS: D This response is passive-aggressive. The colleague is expressing anger indirectly by being late or absent from the meetings.

18. An aggressive nurse manager tells a staff nurse she has no business rallying staff to change the schedule. What would be an example of a technique that the staff nurse could use to stand up for her basic human rights? A. "What is the real reason that you don't want the schedule changed?" B. "Sounds to me like you're threatened by this change." C. "Are you upset because you don't want to redo the schedule?" D. "I have the right to express my opinion about the schedule."

ANS: D This response reflects the use of standing up for one's basic human rights.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.