Unit III Mental Health Test Bank (All Answers)
20.15. When scheduling electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which client should the nurse prioritize? A. A client in bed in a fetal position who is experiencing active suicidal ideations B. A client with an irritable mood and exhibiting angry outbursts C. A client experiencing command hallucinations and delusions of reference D. A client experiencing manic episodes of bipolar disorder
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: A client who is experiencing suicidal ideations is in need of an immediate intervention to prevent self-harm and must be prioritized when the nurse schedules ECT.
20.9. A client scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at 9:00 a.m. is discovered eating breakfast at 8:00 a.m. On the basis of this observation, which is the most appropriate nursing action? A. The nurse notifies the clients physician of the situation and cancels the ECT. B. The nurse removes the breakfast tray and assists the client to the ECT procedure room. C. The nurse allows the client to finish breakfast and reschedules ECT for 10:00 a.m. D. The nurse increases the clients fluid intake to facilitate the digestive process.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: A client who is scheduled for ECT procedures is given nothing by mouth (NPO) for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours before treatment.
18.18. A nurse should recognize which intervention as most appropriate within a behavioral therapy program? A. A child is given a Popsicle for staying dry and clean. B. A child is put in time-out after soiling his or her undergarments. C. A child is allowed to remain in soiled undergarments. D. A child is taught the advantages of staying dry and clean.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: A stimulus that follows a behavior or response is called a reinforcing stimulus or reinforcer. The reward of a Popsicle is a reinforcer for the child staying dry and clean. This is an example of operant conditioning, a form of behavioral therapy.
19.15. A nursing instructor is teaching about dichotomous thinking. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. Dichotomous thinking is when an individual views situations as being good or bad or black or white. B. Dichotomous thinking is when an individual takes complete responsibility for situations without considering other circumstances. C. Dichotomous thinking is when an individual exaggerates the negative significance of an event. D. Dichotomous thinking is when an individual undervalues the positive significance of an event
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: An individual who is using dichotomous thinking views situations in terms of all or nothing, good or bad, or black or white.
19.19. Using a cognitive approach, a nurse would choose which intervention for assisting clients to manage their anger without the use of violence? A. Assist the client to identify thoughts that trigger anger and substitute reality-based thinking. B. Provide consequences, such as removal from group therapy, in response to angry outbursts. C. Administer antipsychotic medications and use limit-setting such as a room restriction. D. Administer anti-anxiety medication and encourage participation in a group on medication actions.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: By assisting the client to identify thoughts that trigger anger and encourage the substitution of more reality- based thinking, the nurse can help the client to alter dysfunctional beliefs that predispose the client to distort experiences.
19.17. Which client statement would exemplify the level of cognitive function that you would expect to see in mild anxiety? A. Right now I feel as sharp as a tack. B. Im having a tough time focusing. C. Sometimes I feel like Im having an out-of-body experience. D. All I seem to focus on is my anger.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Cognitive ability will be enhanced with mild anxiety. Mild anxiety prepares the individual for heightened responses to environmental stimuli.
20.4. A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention? A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course. B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course. C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course. D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: ECT is an intervention for major depression that often includes suicidal ideations as a symptom. Continued suicide assessment is needed because mood improvement due to ECT may cause the client to act on suicidal ideations.
19.7. An advanced practice nurse is counseling a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The nurse plans to use activity scheduling to address this clients concerns. What is the purpose of this nursing intervention? A. To identify important areas needing concentration during therapy B. To increase self-esteem and decrease feelings of helplessness C. To modify maladaptive behaviors by the use of role-play D. To divert away from intrusive thoughts and depressive ruminations
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: In activity scheduling, the client is asked to keep a daily log of activities and rate them for mastery and pleasure in order to identify recurring daily patterns that may need to be addressed in therapy.
19.3. A successful business executive continually thinks that job accomplishments are not adequate. A nurse recognizes that the clients thinking is reflective of which cognitive error? A. Minimization B. Dichotomous thinking C. Arbitrary inference D. Personalization
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Minimization is the cognitive error that undervalues positive events and experiences. The client cannot give credit for personal strengths.
20.2. Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy, in which position should a nurse place the client? A. On his or her side to prevent aspiration B. In semi-Fowlers position to promote oxygenation C. In Trendelenburgs position to promote blood flow to vital organs D. In prone position to prevent airway blockage
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: The nurse should place a client who has received electroconvulsive therapy on his or her side to prevent aspiration. After the treatment, most clients will awaken within 10 to 15 minutes and will be confused and disoriented. Some clients will sleep for 1 to 2 hours. All clients require close observation following treatment
14.15. One nurse confronts another and says, You are always so talkative in the meetings. I don't know why you cant 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: This response reflects the use of clouding/fogging. When clouding/fogging is used it concurs with the critics argument without becoming defensive and without agreeing to change.
19.11. A high school basketball player sustains a serious knee injury and states to the school nurse, I will never get to college if I don't receive a basketball scholarship. Which nursing reply would assist the student to see a broader range of possibilities? A. Let's look at the alternatives for funding your college education. B. I know you are feeling helpless now, but you are looking at this from only one perspective. C. Can your family afford knee surgery? D. You now need to prioritize your academics and not focus on basketball.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: When the nurse helps the student to see a broader range of possibilities, the nurse is using the cognitive technique of generating alternatives.
19.9. A nursing student evaluates her group project partner as irresponsible because of minimal participation in planning. When told of this situation, the nursing instructor plans to use the cognitive technique of examining the evidence. Which response exemplifies this technique? A. Let's look at the potential reasons why your partner has not participated. B. How would you define irresponsibility? C. Has it occurred to you that your partner may be working on the project at home? D. Are you telling me that you feel totally responsible for this project?
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: When using the technique of examining the evidence, the student and nurse review automatic thoughts and study the evidence to support or counter the belief.
20.17. A nurse should recognize that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) would potentially improve the symptoms of clients with which of the following diagnoses? Select all that apply. A. Major depressive disorder B. Bipolar I disorder: manic episode C. Schizoaffective disorder D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder E. Body dysmorphic disorder
ANSWER: A, B, C RATIONALE: ECT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of severe depression, acute mania, and acute schizophrenia, particularly if it is accompanied by catatonic or affective (depression or mania) symptomatology. ECT has also been tried with other disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders, but little evidence exists to support its efficacy in the treatment of these conditions.
19.24. A nurse practitioner uses cognitive therapy with depressed clients. The nurse asks clients to keep a daily record of dysfunctional thoughts. Which of the following are appropriate nursing replies to a client questioning the purpose of this exercise? Select all that apply. A. The purpose of this exercise is to identify automatic thoughts. B. The purpose of this exercise is to identify rational alternatives. C. The purpose of this exercise is to modify cognitive errors. D. The purpose of this exercise is to eliminate irrational beliefs. E. The purpose of this exercise is to monitor thoughts related to self-esteem.
ANSWER: A, B, C RATIONALE: In a daily record of dysfunctional thoughts, clients (1) identify automatic thoughts and (2) generate a more rational response. In this way, the tool serves to help them (3) modify or make changes in their thinking. A daily record of dysfunctional thoughts does not eliminate the occurrence of irrational beliefs or monitor thoughts solely related to self-esteem.
19.25. Which of the following client statements would indicate that teaching about benzodiazepines has been successful? Select all that apply. A. I cant drink alcohol when taking lorazepam (Ativan). B. If I abruptly stop taking buspirone (BuSpar), I may have a seizure. C. Valium can make me drowsy, so I shouldn't drive for awhile. D. My new diet cannot include aged cheese or pickled herring. E. When the fluoxetine (Prozac) begins working, I can stop the alprazolam (Xanax).
ANSWER: A, C RATIONALE: When a nurse teaches about medications, he or she is using a cognitive approach. A core concept of cognitive theory relates to the mental process of thinking and reasoning.
20.12. A nursing student is observing an electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. The student notices a blood pressure cuff on the clients lower leg. The student questions the instructor about the cuff placement. Which is the most accurate instructor reply? A. The cuff has to be placed on the leg because both arms are used for intravenous fluids. B. The cuff functions to prevent succinylcholine from reaching the foot. C. The cuff position gives a more accurate blood pressure reading during the treatment. D. The cuff is placed on the leg so that arms can easily be restrained during seizure.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: A blood pressure cuff is placed on the lower leg and inflated above systolic pressure before injection of succinylcholine. This is to ensure that seizure activity can be observed and timed in this one limb that is unaffected by the paralytic agent.
19.14. The director of nursing (DON) sets up a meeting with the newly appointed nurse manager, who, to this point, has done an excellent job. The nurse manager anticipates job termination. What is the best description of the cognitive error being employed by the nurse manager? A. Thinking from an all-or-nothing perspective B. Always thinking the worst will occur without considering positive outcomes C. Viewing only selected negative evidence while editing out positive aspects D. Undervaluing the positive significance of an event
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Catastrophic thinking involves always thinking that the worst will occur without considering the possibility of more likely positive outcomes. The nurse manager has quickly jumped to the conclusion that the meeting will result in job termination.
20.3. A nursing instructor is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. During ECT a state of euphoria is induced. B. ECT induces a grand mal seizure. C. During ECT a state of catatonia is induced. D. ECT induces a petit mal seizure.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application of electrical current to the brain for the purpose of decreasing depression.
18.19. An adolescent client was recently admitted to the psychiatric unit because of impulsivity and acting-out behavior at school. The nurse should initially implement which nursing action? A. Redirect the client to activities to decrease stress. B. Explain the unit rules and consequences of breaking the rules. C. Place the client on close observation to insure a trusting relationship. D. Administer an anti-anxiety medication.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: It is important for the nurse to initially explain the unit rules and consequences of breaking the rules. It is imperative that consequences of rule infractions are explained early in treatment to avoid misunderstanding and manipulation.
18.14. A nursing instructor is teaching about the behavior technique of modeling. When asked to give an example of this behavioral intervention, which student statement meets the learning objective? A. A child is first rewarded for using a spoon to eat and then rewarded for using a fork, and finally rewarded for cutting food with a knife. B. An adolescent imitates Dad by using and caring for tools appropriately. C. A client and therapist agree to conditions of therapy, stating explicitly in writing the behavior change that is desired. D. A mother tells her child that television can be watched only after homework is completed.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Modeling refers to the learning of new behaviors by imitating the behavior of others.
20.13. A client states, My doctor has told me I am a candidate for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Where will the treatment take place, and how much time would this entail? Which is the most accurate nursing reply? A. Clients typically receive ECT in their hospital room, daily for 1 month. B. Clients typically undergo 6 to 12 ECT procedures, three times a week in an outpatient setting. C. Clients typically receive an unlimited number of treatments, in the hospital procedure room. D. Clients typically receive two to three treatments, in either an outpatient or inpatient setting.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Most clients require an average of 6 to 12 ECT procedures, but some may require up to 20 procedures. Treatments are usually administered every other day, three times per week. Treatments are performed on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the need for client monitoring.
18.20. According to behavioral theory, the treatment of phobic symptoms should involve which action? A. The manipulation of the environment B. The use of desensitization C. The use of family therapy D. The uncovering of past events
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Systematic desensitization is a technique for assisting individuals to overcome their fear of a phobic stimulus. It is systematic in that there is a hierarchy of anxiety-producing events through which the individual progresses during therapy.
20.14. A client is scheduled for an initial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. Which information should a nurse include when teaching about the potential side effects of this procedure? A. You may experience transient tangential thinking. B. You may experience some memory deficit surrounding the ECT. C. You may experience avolution for the remainder of the day. D. You may experience a higher risk for subsequent seizures.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: The most common side effect of ECT is temporary amnesia following the ECT procedure.
19.23. A nursing instructor is lecturing about cognitive therapy. Which of the following are objectives when implementing this therapy? Select all that apply. A. To modify automatic thoughts to promote minimization of negative cognitions B. To apply a variety of methods to create change in an individuals thinking C. To apply cognitive principles in order to change an individuals basic schema D. To modify belief systems in an effort to bring about emotional change E. To modify belief systems in an effort to bring about behavioral change
ANSWER: B, D, E RATIONALE: In cognitive therapy, the therapists objective is to use a variety of methods to create change in a clients thinking and belief system, in an effort to bring about lasting emotional and behavioral change.
20.16. A client with cognitive deficits is extremely suicidal. The client has not responded to antidepressants and the treatment team is considering electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). What client information would impact the feasibility of this treatment option? A. Because the client is extremely suicidal, ECT is an appropriate option. B. Because antidepressant medications have been ineffective, ECT is a good alternative. C. Because informed consent is required for ECT, cognitive deficits could preclude this option. D. Because of the clients cognitive deficits, a signed consent is waived.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: A client who is experiencing cognitive deficits cannot give informed consent, which is required prior to ECT. A court proceeding could determine the clients level of competency and, if necessary, the judge would appoint a guardian.
20.10. A client who is learning about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) asks a nurse, Isn't this treatment dangerous? Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. No, this treatment is side-effect free. B. There can be temporary paralysis, but full functioning returns within 3 hours of treatment. C. There are some risks, but a thorough examination will determine your candidacy for ECT. D. Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can occur but are rare.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Clients are given medical clearance for ECT. This decreases the risk of injury from the treatment.
18.13. During hospitalization, an attention-seeking client has repeatedly cut herself. After threatening to cut herself again, the nurse states, Here are some Band-Aids so you wont bleed on the sheets. Which is the underlying reason for this nurses response? A. The nurse is using an aversive stimulus in response to the clients manipulative cutting behavior. B. The nurse is using negative reinforcement in response to the clients behavior. C. The nurse is minimizing reinforcement of the clients manipulative behavior with the goal of extinction. D. The nurse lacks empathy for the clients recurring self-injurious behavior.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Extinction is the gradual decrease in frequency or disappearance of a response when a positive reinforcement is withheld. The nurse is withholding attention to the client who is exhibiting manipulative, attention-seeking behavior. The lack of positive response (attention) should cause extinction of the undesired behavior.
19.4. A nursing student states, The instructor gave me a failing grade on my research paper. I know its because the instructor doesn't like me. Which cognitive error does a nurse recognize in this students statement? A. Dichotomous thinking B. Catastrophic thinking C. Magnification D. Overgeneralization
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: In magnification, negative events are exaggerated. It is irrational to assume that there is a relationship between failing a paper and being personally disliked by the instructor.
20.8. A nursing instructor is teaching about the medications given prior to and during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred? A. Atropine (Atro-Pen) is administered to paralyze skeletal muscles during ECT. B. Succinylcholine chloride (Anectine) decreases secretions to prevent aspiration. C. Thiopental sodium (Pentothal) is a short-acting anesthesia to render the client unconscious. D. Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is given to prevent severe muscle contractions during seizure.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: In order to render a client unconscious during the ECT procedure, an anesthesiologist administers intravenously a short-acting anesthetic such as thiopental sodium (Pentothal).
19.12. A labor and delivery nurse listens to a new mother relate thoughts regarding her healthy, 8-pound baby girl. Which statement by the mother indicates to the nurse the use of the cognitive error, selective abstraction? A. My baby is refusing to nurse, and I know it's because she hates me. B. My baby needs to be under the bilirubin lights, but I resent her time away from me. C. My baby is wonderful, but Im depressed because I wanted twins. D. My baby has an elevated bilirubin, and I know it will get worse and she will die.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: In selective abstraction the individual focuses attention on evidence that is viewed as a failure (not having twins) rather than any successes (a healthy baby) that have occurred.
18.5. A client reports, My friend panicked at the site of spiders. Her therapist used gradual exposure to spiders that initially made her increasingly more anxious. Which technique was the friends therapist most likely using? A. Extinction B. Covert sensitization C. Systematic desensitization D. Reciprocal inhibition
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Systematic desensitization is a treatment for phobias in which a phobic individual is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of the phobic stimulus while practicing relaxation techniques. Eventually, the phobic stimulus causes little or no anxiety.
20.5. After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client states, I cant even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT. Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. After you begin the course of treatments, you must complete all of them. B. You'll need to talk with your doctor about what you're thinking. C. It is within your right to discontinue the treatments, but let's talk about your concerns. D. Memory loss is a rare side effect of the treatment. I don't think it should be a concern.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The client has the right to terminate treatment. This nursing reply acknowledges this right but focuses on the clients concerns so that the nurse can provide needed information.
20.1. A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive therapy. What is the nurses rationale for this procedure? A. To prevent increased intracranial pressure resulting from anoxia B. To prevent hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea due to electrical stimulation C. To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles D. To prevent blocked airway resulting from seizure activity
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The nurse administers 100% oxygen during and after electroconvulsive therapy to prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles. Electroconvulsive therapy is the induction of a grand mal seizure through the application of electrical current to the brain.
19.20. A client recovering from alcohol toxicity is using minimization. Which statement reflects this cognitive distortion? A. I cant give up alcohol right now because I just gave up smoking. B. I just read that red wine has health benefits. C. I may have a minor problem, but I can handle it. D. I don't drink as much as my wife, and nobody thinks she has a problem.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The statement I may have a minor problem, but I can handle it is an example of the use of the cognitive distortion of minimization. Minimization is the undervaluing of the positive significance of an event.
19.8. When a clients husband comes home late from work, the wife immediately fears infidelity. The advanced practice nurse therapist encourages the wife to consider other explanations for her husbands tardiness. What technique is the nurse using? A. Examination of the evidence B. Decatastrophizing C. Generating alternatives D. Reattribution
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Using the technique of generating alternatives will assist the client to recognize a wider range of possible explanations for her husbands behavior.
20.11. A client experienced bradycardia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A nurse assigns a nursing diagnosis of decreased cardiac output R/T vagal stimulation occurring during ECT. Which outcome would the nurse expect the client to achieve? A. The client will verbalize an understanding of the need for moving slowly after treatment. B. The client will maintain an oxygen saturation level of 88% 1 hour after treatment. C. The client will continue adequate tissue perfusion 1 hour after treatment. D. The client will verbalize an understanding of common side effects of ECT.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Vagal stimulation induced by ECT may cause a client to experience bradycardia. Adequate tissue perfusion would be a realistic expectation when normal cardiac output is restored.
18.10. A client is in therapy with a nurse practitioner for the treatment of arachnophobia. The nurse practitioner decides to use the technique of flooding. Which intervention best exemplifies this technique? A. Giving rewards for demonstrating a decrease in fear of spiders B. Encouraging the client to sit through the movie Spiderman C. Accompanying the client to a 1-hour visit to the local zoos spider room D. Offering a computer program that progressively presents anxiety-producing spider scenarios
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Visiting the spider room would flood the client with the phobic stimuli of real spiders. This would continue until the stimulus no longer creates anxiety.
19.2. A psychiatric nurse is counseling a client who has thought patterns consisting of rapid responses to a situation without rational analysis. What assessment data will the nurse document on this client? A. Thought patterns are triggered by specific stressful stimuli. B. Thought patterns contain the clients fundamental beliefs and assumptions. C. Thought patterns are flexible and based on personal experience. D. Thought patterns include a predominance of automatic thoughts.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: According to Beck, automatic thoughts consist of rapid responses to a situation without rational analysis. These thoughts are often negative and based on erroneous logic.
18.16. When asked to identify principles that define the term maladaptive behavior, which nursing student statement indicates that further teaching is needed? A. Behavior is maladaptive when it is age inappropriate. B. Behavior is maladaptive when it interferes with adaptive functioning. C. Behavior is maladaptive when it is identified as inappropriate in the context of ones culture. D. Behavior is maladaptive when it results in change within an otherwise stable subsystem.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Behaviors that result in change within a subsystem, even when it is stable, could be either adaptive or maladaptive behaviors. This statement, therefore, is incorrect.
19.6. A welder has been selected as employee of the year. The welder wants to ask for a promotion but is hampered by poor self-esteem. The employee health nurse provides assistance. Which technique should the nurse use to help the employee request the promotion? A. Socratic questioning B. Activity scheduling C. Distraction D. Cognitive rehearsal
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Cognitive rehearsal allows the employee to uncover potential automatic thoughts in advance of his or her meeting to request a promotion. This allows the employee to develop strategies to modify any dysfunctional thinking.
19.5. An advanced practice nurse recommends that a client participate in cognitive therapy. The client asks, Whats cognitive therapy and how can it help me? Which is the nurses most appropriate reply? A. It is a system of techniques in which you use positive thinking to improve your mood. B. It is a long-term interpersonal approach that emphasizes the role of early childhood experiences. C. It is an interpersonal treatment approach that specifically targets magical thinking. D. It is a type of psychotherapy that focuses treatment on the modification of distorted thinking and maladaptive behaviors.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Cognitive therapy is meant to be a time-limited intervention in which the therapist works in collaboration with the client to modify thinking to eliminate cognitive errors that reinforce emotional disturbances.
19.13. A client admitted to a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder tells the nurse, I failed my battalion by giving the wrong order. Fortunately, no one was injured. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse assign to this client? A. Chronic low self-esteem B. Risk for self-directed violence C. Powerlessness D. Situational low self-esteem
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Emotional responses are largely dependent on cognitive appraisals of the significance of environmental cues. The nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem is used for individuals who have a negative perception of self-worth in response to a current situation. This clients cognitive appraisal of the situation has led to the diagnosis of major depressive disorder and low self-esteem.
20.7. A nurse administers ordered preoperative glycopyrrolate (Robinul) 30 minutes prior to a clients electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. What is the rationale for administering this medication? A. Robinul decreases anxiety during the ECT procedure. B. Robinul induces an unconscious state to prevent pain during the ECT procedure. C. Robinul prevents severe muscle contractions during the ECT procedure. D. Robinul decreases secretions to prevent aspiration during the ECT procedure.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is the standard preoperative medication given prior to ECT procedures to decrease secretions and prevent aspiration.
18.17. Which assumption is most reflective of a behavioral theory model? A. Mental illness is characterized by structural and biochemical alterations. B. Thought processes influence behaviors. C. All personality development has a social context. D. There is a basic relationship between stimulus and response.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: That there is a basic relationship between stimulus and response is an assumption of a behavioral theory model. The connection between a stimulus and a response is strengthened or weakened by the consequences of the response.
19.21. A client is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Using a cognitive strategy, the nurse would encourage the client to do which of these? A. Try singing Happy Birthday until the voices are gone. B. Document what the voices are saying, to note cause and effect. C. Try listening to music using headphones for distraction. D. Remind yourself that the voices are symptoms of your disease.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The focus of cognitive therapy is on the modification of distorted cognitions and maladaptive behaviors.
18.11. During a smoking cessation group, the community health nurse explains that in their effort to quit smoking, a reciprocal inhibition approach will be used. The nurse should give the group which example of this technique? A. Before you can smoke, you must first take a half-hour walk. B. When you have the urge to smoke, imagine being short of breath. C. You'll receive $1 for each cigarette not smoked and forfeit $2 for each cigarette smoked. D. When you have the urge to smoke, hold your breath and then rhythmically breathe.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: These breathing exercises cannot be done while the client smokes. Therefore, they decrease or eliminate the undesired behavior (smoking) that is incompatible with the desired behavior (smoking cessation). This is an example of the behavior therapy of reciprocal inhibition.
19.16. A client states, I keep having horrible nightmares about the car accident that killed my daughter. I shouldn't have taken her with me to the store. Using a cognitive approach, which nursing reply would be most therapeutic? A. Are other issues from your past affecting your ability to move on? B. Describe your current feelings about your loss. C. Let's talk about something that will help you move on. D. Can anyone predict when a car accident will happen?
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: When the nurse attempts to encourage the client to reframe thoughts, the nurse is using a cognitive approach.
18.12. A mother states, You are old enough to clean your own bedroom. Later inspection finds the floor clear, but with everything stacked in a chair. The mother praises the child for clearing the floor. This is consistent with which technique of behavior modification? A. Shaping B. Extinction C. Stimulus generalization D. Reciprocal inhibition
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: In shaping, behavior is molded in a desired direction by reinforcing each small step toward the desired behavior. The child is praised for clearing the floor, the first step toward cleaning the room.
15.14. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
14.21. Which of the following are behavioral components of assertive communication? A. Listening B. You statements C. Closed posture D. Continuous direct eye contact
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: One part of assertiveness communication and behavior is to listen and take time to understand what is being said before giving a response.
11.6. A clinic nurse is caring for a 40-year-old client who lives with his parents. The clients mother continues to do the clients 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Taking over occurs when a family member fails to allow another member to develop a sense of responsibility and self-worth. By doing the clients laundry and managing finances, the mother is fostering the clients dependence.
11.10. 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
20.19. During a course of 12 electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, an anxious client diagnosed with major depression refuses to bathe or attend group therapy. He reports some memory problems and says he has trouble figuring out what time of day it is. At this time, which of the following nursing diagnoses should be assigned to this client? Select all that apply. A. Anxiety R/T post-ECT confusion and memory loss B. Risk for injury R/T post-ECT confusion and memory loss C. Risk for activity intolerance R/T post-ECT confusion and memory loss D. Altered sensory perception R/T post-ECT confusion and memory loss E. Social isolation R/T post-ECT confusion and memory loss
ANSWER: A, B, C, E RATIONALE: Because of the post-ECT thought alterations of confusion and memory loss, the client is anxious, is accident prone, and has socially isolated self. Altered sensory perception is related to psychotic thoughts of a sensory nature such as hallucinations, and because this client is diagnosed with major depression, not schizophrenia, altered sensory perception would not be anticipated.
15.15. 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
ANSWER: A, B, C, E RATIONALE: 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.
19.1. A nursing instructor is teaching about the didactic aspects of cognitive therapy. Which student statement indicates a deficit in meeting the learning objectives of this content? A. The therapist provides information about the process of cognitive therapy. B. The therapist uses guided imagery in an effort to elicit automatic thoughts. C. The therapist provides information about how cognitive therapy works. D. The therapist uses reading assignments to reinforce learning.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Cognitive therapy prepares the client to become his or her own cognitive therapist. The didactic portion of the therapy provides educational material to reinforce learning about the therapy and how it affects psychiatric disorders.
18.9. Parents of a 3-year-old have noticed an improvement in behavior because of using a time out behavioral approach. What aspect of time out therapy may be responsible for this child's improved behavior? A. Negative reinforcement discourages maladaptive behavior. B. Positive reinforcement is removed. C. Covert sensitization is being applied. D. Reciprocal inhibition is eliminated.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: In a time out, the positive reinforcement of attention is removed from the child during inappropriate behavior.
19.10. A nursing assistant has failed a prerequisite course toward admission to nursing school and states, I will always be only a nursing assistant and never an RN. Her nursing advisor understands this is an example of which automatic thought? A. Arbitrary inference B. Overgeneralization C. Dichotomous thinking D. Personalization
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Overgeneralization occurs when sweeping conclusions are made on the basis of one incident. Because the student failed a prerequisite nursing course, the student overgeneralizes that the goal of being an RN will never be attained.
18.15. A mother tells her teenager that in order for college tuition to be paid, the teenager must quit smoking. They develop a written agreement stipulating time frames and consequences. This is an example of which technique of behavior modification? A. Shaping B. Modeling C. Contracting D. Premack principle
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Contracting occurs when the mother and teenager together develop a written agreement related to desired behavior (smoking cessation) and positive reinforcement (paid college tuition).
19.22. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder states, Get out of here. No one cares about me or my situation! Which nursing reply is an example of a cognitive intervention? A. You have an anti-anxiety medication ordered. It may make you feel better. B. It sounds like you are feeling really frustrated. C. Can you further explain your thinking about your situation? D. No one cares about you?
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: When a nurse asks for an explanation about a clients thinking, the nurse is using a cognitive approach to assessment. The focus of cognitive interventions is on the modification of distorted cognitions and maladaptive behaviors.
19.18. When using a cognitive approach, a nurse would include which point in teaching a client about panic disorder? A. You might want to stay in the house when you notice the symptoms beginning. B. Medications such as lorazepam (Ativan) should be taken when symptoms start. C. Remind yourself that symptoms of a panic attack are time limited and will end. D. Keep a journal in order to note feelings surrounding the panic attacks.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: When a nurse reminds a client that symptoms of a panic attack are time limited and will end, the nurse is using the cognitive approach of presenting rational thinking.
11.18. 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 clients means of coping with anger? A. Coping by attacking B. Coping by surrendering C. Coping by avoiding D. Coping by belittling
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
14.8. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: This response is passive-aggressive. The colleague is expressing anger indirectly by being late or absent from the meetings.
20.6. Immediately after an initial electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure, a client states, Im not hungry and just want to stay in bed and sleep. On the basis of this information, which is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A. Allow the client to remain in bed. B. Encourage the client to join the milieu to promote socialization. C. Obtain a physicians order for parenteral nutrition. D. Involve the client in physical activities to stimulate circulation.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Immediately after electroconvulsive therapy a nurse should monitor pulse, respirations, and blood pressure every 15 minutes for the first hour, during which time the client should remain in bed.
15.7. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
20.20. Which of the following conditions would place a client at risk for injury during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select all that apply. A. Severe osteoporosis B. Acute and chronic pulmonary disorders C. Hypothyroidism D. Recent cardiovascular accident E. Prostatic hypertrophy
ANSWER: A, B, D RATIONALE: Severe osteoporosis, acute and chronic pulmonary disorders, and a recent history of cardiovascular accident (CVA) can render clients at high risk for injury during electroconvulsive therapy.
20.18. Which assessment results should a nurse evaluate and report in the process of clearing a client for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select all that apply. A. Electrocardiographic records B. Pulmonary function study results C. Electroencephalogram analysis D. Complete blood count values E. Urinalysis results
ANSWER: A, B, D, E RATIONALE: A nurse should evaluate electrocardiographic records, pulmonary function study results, complete blood count, and urinalysis results and report any abnormalities to the clients physician. The client must be medically cleared prior to ECT.
14.9. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
14.2. 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 Bs clothes and accidentally spills bleach in the water.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
14.10. 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 nurses action is promoting which assertive technique? A. Defusing B. Clouding or fogging C. Responding as a broken record D. Shifting from content to process
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
15.9. A 40-year-old female client has never experienced an intimate relationship. A nursing student tells an instructor that this client remains in Eriksons developmental stage of intimacy versus isolation. What is the instructors most appropriate reply? A. Eriksons 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. Eriksons 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. Eriksons 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. Eriksons 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Eriksons stages of development are assessed by chronological age, not task achievement. This client is in Eriksons 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.
14.6. 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 ones behavior is attributed to another. D. When I statements are used, eye contact is promoted.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: I statements clearly state ones feelings and needs without blaming or demeaning others.
18.3. A third-grader feigns illness in order to avoid doing homework. The teacher recommends an educational program that uses a token economy. How should a school nurse explain a token economy to this child's parent? A. Your child will receive green tokens for completing homework that can be cashed in for desired rewards. B. Your child will receive red tokens when homework is incomplete and this will result in school suspension. C. Your child will receive a time out for each homework assignment not completed. D. Your child, with your assistance, will envision receiving rewards for completed homework.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: In a token economy, tokens are a form of contingency contracting in that tokens immediately reinforce appropriate behavior (completed homework) and are exchanged later for a desired reward.
15.3. 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 individuals control. C. Self-esteem is established in childhood and remains relatively fixed throughout life. D. Genetics are the single largest contributor to an individuals self-esteem.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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 persons life span.
10.18. 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
12.3. 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
10.10. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
10.4. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
10.2. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
11.2. In defiance of parental wishes, a Japanese teenager succumbs to peer pressure and gets a tattoo. According to Bowens family systems theory, how should the community health nurse interpret the teenagers 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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.
11.15. 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
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: 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 parents interpersonal conflicts by her own dysfunctional behavior.
10.8. During a group discussion, members freely interact with each other. Which member statement is an example of Yaloms 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.
ANSWER: A RATIONALE: Yaloms 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.
12.5. 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.
ANSWER: 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.
15.16. 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
ANSWER: A, B, C RATIONALE: The mastectomy is likely to disturb the clients 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.
14.23. 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
ANSWER: A, B, C RATIONALE: 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.
10.21. 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.
ANSWER: A, B, D RATIONALE: 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.
14.1. 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Assertiveness training assists people to maintain their own self-respect and meet their needs while respecting the rights of others.
11.17. 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
15.2. A client shows a nurse a piece of artwork that took 3 days to create. How will this achievement improve the clients 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Creating the artwork provides expression of feelings and a sense of competence and pride. This will most likely have a positive effect on the clients self-esteem.
11.13. 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 husbands 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
15.6. On the basis of Eriksons 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Making meaningful contributions to others is a way to meet the developmental task of the generativity versus stagnation (30 to 65 years) stage of Eriksons developmental theory. This action would promote a 40-year-old clients self-esteem.
18.2. An adolescent comes from a dysfunctional family where physical and verbal abuse prevails. At school this adolescent bullies and fights with classmates. According to principles of behavior therapy, what is the probable source of this behavior? A. Shaping B. Modeling C. Premack principle D. Reciprocal inhibition
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Modeling is the learning of new behaviors by imitating the behaviors of others. This adolescent, witnessing physical and verbal abuse in the home, models this behavior in school.
18.4. A client is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The nurse counselor recommends intervention with the behavioral technique of reciprocal inhibition. The client asks, Whats that? Which is the most appropriate nursing reply? A. At the beginning of this intervention, a contract will be drawn up explicitly stating the behavior change agreed upon. B. By introducing an adaptive behavior that is mutually exclusive to your maladaptive behavior, we will expect subsequent behavior to improve. C. Through a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps, we will gradually increase your tolerance to anxiety. D. In one intense session, you will be exposed to a maximum level of anxiety that you will learn to tolerate.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: Reciprocal inhibition decreases or eliminates an undesired behavior by introducing a more adaptive behavior that is incompatible with the undesired behavior.
12.4. 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
10.12. During a group session, which client statement demonstrates that the group has progressed to the middle, or working, phase of group development? A. Its 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
10.1. 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
10.5. 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
10.15. 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
12.7. What is the best rationale for including the clients 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: The nurse should include the clients 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.
14.4. 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: This response is assertive. The client is openly expressing feelings and attempting to correct a stressful situation.
14.11. 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.
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: This response is passive-aggressive. The staff nurses anger is expressed indirectly.
14.16. 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 ones own statements
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
10.7. 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 Yaloms curative group factors does this illustrate? A. Imparting of information B. Instillation of hope C. Catharsis D. Universality
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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.
11.9. 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
ANSWER: B RATIONALE: 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 couples marital problems.
10.22. 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
ANSWER: B, C, D RATIONALE: 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.
12.11. 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
ANSWER: B, C, D, E RATIONALE: 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.
12.12. 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.
ANSWER: B, E RATIONALE: 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.
12.8. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
10.19. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
15.1. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: A sense of having some power and control over ones life enhances self-esteem.
11.12. During family counseling a child states, I just want to surf like other kids. Mom says its 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. Motherchild subsystem D. Emotional cutoff
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: In this situation the mother and child have formed a subsystem in which they have aligned themselves against the father.
15.12. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
11.16. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Open lines of communication are needed for newly forming families to begin their relationship together and establish a new family structure.
14.19. 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 ones basic rights C. Responding as a broken record D. Defusing
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Responding as a broken record is an assertive behavior technique that consists of persistently repeating in a calm voice what is wanted.
15.13. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Self-esteem, not self-concept, is the degree of regard that individuals have for themselves. This student statement indicates a need for further teaching.
11.5. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
11.3. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The Asian culture highly respects the elderly. Having the grandparents living in the home is not uncommon in this culture.
15.8. A 30-year-old client diagnosed with depression has been exclusively cared for and financially subsidized by his mother since age 17. According to Eriksons theory, the nurse recognizes that the client has been unsuccessful in meeting which developmental task? A. Trust B. Initiative C. Intimacy D. Ego integrity
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The clients relationship with his mother has contributed to failing completion of the developmental task of intimacy in Eriksons 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.
10.3. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
10.11. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
11.1. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The nurse should be aware that cultural differences and specific events may lead to variety in family constellations. This is normal.
12.9. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
10.20. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
10.16. 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
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
12.1. 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 nurses 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: The nurses 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.
14.20. 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?
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
14.7. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: This response clearly states feelings about a situation without blaming another.
14.17. 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 ones basic human rights B. Delaying assertively C. Inquiring assertively D. Responding assertively with irony
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: This response reflects the use of inquiring assertively. Inquiring assertively is an attempt to seek additional information about critical statements.
15.10. 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 mothers 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
15.5. The nurse is working with a 15-year-old client suffering from low self-esteem. According to Eriksons psychosocial developmental theory, which factor has most probably influenced this clients 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: 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.
11.7. 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: With enmeshed boundaries, family members lack individuation and experience exaggerated connectedness. The clients mother is trying to prevent independence by generating feelings of guilt.
10.9. 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 Yaloms curative group factor of altruism? A. Ill 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.
ANSWER: C RATIONALE: Yaloms 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.
11.14. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: A marital schism is a state of chronic disequilibrium and discord. This describes this couples marriage.
18.8. Parents decide to try the nurse practitioners suggestion of time out when their child misbehaves. What teaching should the nurse practitioner provide the parents? A. Correct your child's behavior by spanking for a specified time period. B. Ignore the child's negative behavior. C. Add positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior. D. Temporarily move your child to an area where behavior is not being reinforced.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: A time out is an aversive stimulus or punishment during which the client is removed from the environment where the unacceptable behavior is occurring. Usually during a time out, the person is temporarily isolated so there is no reinforcing attention. This discourages a reoccurrence of the undesired behavior.
4.13. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
11.8. A nurse enters an inpatient room and finds the family disagreeing about the clients 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Functional families allow and respect differences among members. They learn to handle differences and conflict through negotiation and compromise.
11.11. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
18.1. A kindergarten rule states that if unacceptable behavior occurs, a child's personalized fish will be moved to the sea grass. Children who behave keep their fish out of the sea grass. The school nurse should identify this intervention as based on which principle of behavior therapy? A. Classical conditioning B. Conditioned response C. Positive reinforcement D. Negative reinforcement
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: Negative reinforcement is increasing the probability that behavior (appropriate classroom behavior) will recur by removal of an undesirable reinforcing stimulus (personalized fish in sea grass).
14.22. 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 clients 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The ability to use I statements is essential in assertive communication. The situation presented indicates that the client needs assertiveness training.
15.11. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The client and her parents are overly dependent. The parents control too many aspects of the clients 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.
11.4. 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 mothers 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The clients 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.
12.10. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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 clients safety and physiological needs are met within the milieu.
12.2. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The most appropriate nursing response involves restating the clients 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.
10.13. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
12.6. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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 clients learning readiness. Other topics for education groups include medical diagnoses, side effects of medications, and the importance of medication compliance.
10.17. 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
10.6. 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 Yaloms curative group factors does this illustrate? A. Imparting of information B. Instillation of hope C. Altruism D. Universality
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
15.4. In what way should a nurse expect a school-aged child to gain positive self-esteem, according to Eriksons 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: The school-aged child develops self-confidence by learning, competing, and performing successfully and receiving recognition from significant others, peers, and acquaintances.
10.14. 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 AAs 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
14.5. 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. Theres 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: These techniques promote assertive behaviors and would help diminish aggressive responses.
18.7. A child always chooses to ask mother over father when seeking special privileges. The father is more apt to disagree than agree with the child's requests, whereas the mother usually consents. The child's choice is the result of which component of operant conditioning? A. Conditioned stimuli B. Unconditioned stimuli C. Aversive stimuli D. Discriminative stimuli
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: This child is able to discriminate between stimuli. This child can predict with assurance that asking mother (not father) will result in a desired response.
14.12. Which best describes a nurses 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
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: This is an assertive response. There is clear expression of needs and feelings.
14.14. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: 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.
14.3. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: This response is passive-aggressive. The clients anger is expressed indirectly by spitting in the soup when the peer is not looking.
14.18. 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.
ANSWER: D RATIONALE: This response reflects the use of standing up for ones basic human rights.
18.6. A 2-year-old engages in frequent temper tantrums that usually result in the parents giving in to demands. During family therapy, how should a nurse counsel the parents? A. You are shaping your child's behavior. B. Your child has modeled your behavior. C. You are positively reinforcing your child's behavior. D. You are negatively reinforcing your child's behavior.
ANSWERS: C
