Exam 2 - 3450

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TB10. A recent immigrant from Honduras comes to the clinic with a family member who has been a U.S. resident for 10 years. The family member says, "The immigration to America has been very difficult." Considering cultural background, which expression of stress by this patient would the nurse expect? a. Motor restlessness b. Somatic complaints c. Memory deficiencies d. Sensory perceptual alterations

B Honduras is in Central America. Many people from Central American cultures express distress in somatic terms. The other options are not specific to this patient's cultural background and are less likely to be observed in persons from Central America.

Ch 7: A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis. a. Imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements b. Chronic low self-esteem c. Risk for suicide d. Hopelessness

C Risk for suicide is the priority diagnosis when the patient has both suicidal ideation and a plan to carry out the suicidal intent. Imbalanced nutrition, hopelessness, and chronic low self-esteem may be applicable nursing diagnoses, but these problems do not affect patient safety as urgently as would a suicide attempt.

TB15. Two staff nurses applied for a charge nurse position. After the promotion was announced, the nurse who was not promoted said, "The nurse manager had a headache the day I was interviewed." Which defense mechanism is evident? a. Introjection b. Conversion c. Projection d. Splitting

TB15. Projection is the hallmark of blaming, scapegoating, prejudicial thinking, and stigmatizing others. Conversion involves the unconscious transformation of anxiety into a physical symptom. Introjection involves intense, unconscious identification with another person. Splitting is the inability to integrate the positive and negative qualities of oneself or others into a cohesive image.

TB21. An adolescent diagnosed with a CD stole and wrecked a neighbor's motorcycle. Afterward, the adolescent was confronted about the behavior but expressed no remorse. Which variation in the central nervous system best explains the adolescent's reaction? a. Serotonin dysregulation and increased testosterone activity impair one's capacity for remorse. b. Increased neuron destruction in the hippocampus results in decreased abilities to conform to social rules. c. Reduced gray matter in the cortex and dysfunction of the amygdala results in decreased feelings of empathy. d. Disturbances in the occipital lobe reduce sensations that help an individual clearly visualize the consequences of behavior.

TB21. Adolescents with CD have been found to have significantly reduced gray matter bilaterally in the anterior insulate cortex and the amygdala. This reduction may be related to aggressive behavior and deficits of empathy. The less gray matter in these regions of the brain, the less likely adolescents are to feel remorse for their actions or victims. People with intermittent explosive disorder may have differences in serotonin regulation in the brain and higher levels of testosterone. Neuron destruction in the hippocampus is associated with memory deficits. The occipital lobe is involved with visual stimuli but not the processing of emotions.

7. A nurse ID a nursing diagnosis of self-mutilation for a female diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. The patient has multiple self-inflicted cuts on her forearms and inner thighs. What is the most important patient outcome for this nursing diagnosis? a. ID triggers of self-mutilation b. demonstrate a decrease in frequency and intensity of cutting c. describe strategies to increase socialization on the unit d. describe two strategies to increase self-care

CR 10 - First responders and ED healthcare providers often use dark humor in an effort to: a. reduce stress & anxiety b. Relive the experience c. Rectify moral distress d. Alert others to the stress

CR 8 - Mary is a 39 y/o attending a psychiatric outpatient clinic. Mary believes that her husband, sister, and son cause her problems. Listening to Mary describe the problems the nurse displays therapeutic communication in which response? a. "I understand you are in a difficult position." b. "Thinking about being wronged repeatedly does more harm than good" c. "I feel bad about your situation, and I am so sorry it is happening to you and your family." d. "It must be so difficult to live with uncaring people"

CR 8 - The patient expresses sadness at "being all alone with no one to share my life with." Which response by the nurse demonstrates the existence of a therapeutic relationship? a. "loneliness can be very painful and difficult emotion" b. "Let's talk and see if you and I have any interested in common." c. "I use Facebook to find people who are my love of cooking." d. "Loneliness is managed by getting involved with people."

CR 8 - Which patient statement demonstrates a value held regarding children? a. "Nothing is more important to me than the safety of my children." b. "I believe my spouse wants to leave both me and our children" c. "I don't think my child's success depends on going to college." d. "I know my children will help me through my hard times"

Ch. 34: Match the group member's comment to the role it most closely represents. a. Playboy b. Energizer c. Organizer d. Follower "It doesn't really matter what we do. I'm just here because they make me attend."

Ch10. First responders and emergency department healthcare providers often use dark humor in an effort to: a. Reduce stress and anxiety b. Relive the experience c. Rectify moral distress d. Alert others to the stress

Ch15. In a parent teacher conference, the school nurse meets with the parents of a profoundly shy 8-year-old girl. The parents hold hands, speak softly, respond briefly, and have poor eye contact. The nurse recognizes that the child is most likely exposed to parental modeling and: a. The inherited shyness trait b. A lack of affection in the home c. Severe punishment by the parents d. Is afraid to say something foolish

Ch15. The activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) contributes to a slowing of neural activity. Which of the following drugs facilitates the action of GABA? a. Benzodiazepines b. Antihistamines c. Anticonvulsants d. Noradrenergic

Ch16. A pregnant woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of: a. Maternal stress b. Parental nurturing c. Appropriate stress responses in the brain d. Memories of the abuse

Ch16. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events? a. "I attend my therapy sessions regularly." b. "Those intrusive memories are hidden for a reason and should stay hidden." c. "Keeping busy is the key to getting mentally healthy." d. "I've agreed to move in with my parents so I'll get the support I need."

Ch17. Melanie is a 38-year-old female admitted to the hospital to rule out a neurological disorder. The testing was negative, yet she is reluctant to be discharged. Today she has added lower back pain and a stabbing sensation in her abdomen. The nurse suspects a factitious disorder in which Melanie may: a. Consciously be trying to maintain her role of a sick patient b. Not recognize her unmet needs to be cared for c. Protect her child from illness d. Recognize physical symptoms as a coping mechanism

TB17. A patient who experienced a myocardial infarction was transferred from critical care to a step-down unit. The patient then used the call bell every 15 minutes for minor requests and complaints. Staff nurses reported feeling inadequate and unable to satisfy the patient's needs. When the nurse manager intervenes directly with this patient, which comment is most therapeutic? a. "I'm wondering if you are feeling anxious about your illness and being left alone." b. "The staff are concerned that you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving." c. "Let's talk about why you use your call light so frequently. It is a problem." d. "You frustrate the staff by calling them so often. Why are you doing that?"

a This patient is experiencing anxiety associated with a serious medical condition. Verbalization is an effective outlet for anxiety. "I'm wondering if you are anxious ..." focuses on the emotions underlying the behavior rather than the behavior itself. This opening conveys the nurse's willingness to listen to the patient's feelings and an understanding of the commonly seen concern about not having a nurse always nearby as in the intensive care unit. The other options focus on the behavior or its impact on nursing and do not help the patient with her emotional needs.

Ch. 8: A nurse says, "I am the only one who truly understands this patient. Other staff members are too critical." The nurse's statement indicates a. boundary blurring. b. sexual harassment. c. positive regard. d. advocacy.

a When the role of the nurse and the role of the patient shift, boundary blurring may arise. In this situation the nurse is becoming overinvolved with the patient as a probable result of unrecognized countertransference. When boundary issues occur, the need for supervision exists. The situation does not describe sexual harassment. Data are not present to suggest positive regard or advocacy.

Ch15. Which patient has an increased risk for the development of anxiety and will require frequent assessment by the nurse? Select all that apply. a. Exacerbation of asthma signs and symptoms b. History of peanut and strawberry allergies c. History of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease d. Current treatment for unstable angina pectoris e. History of a traumatic brain injury

a,c,d,e

7. During an interview with a non-English-speaking middle-aged woman recently diagnosed with major depression, the patient's husband states, "She is happy now and doing very well." The patient, however, sits motionless, looking at the floor, and wringing her hands. A professional interpreter would provide better information due to the fact that a family member in the interpreter role may: select all that apply. a. be too close to accurately capture the meaning of the patient's mood b. censor the patient's thoughts or words c. avoid interpretation d. leave out unsavory details

7. Medical records are considered legal documents. Proper documentation needs to reflect patient condition along with changes. It should also be based on professional standards designated by the state board of nursing, regulatory agencies, and reimbursement requirements. Proper documentation can be enhanced by: a. only using objective data b. using the nursing process as a guide c. using language the specific patient can understand d. avoiding legal jargon

CR 10 - Hugo has a fraternal twin named Franco who is unaffected by mental illness even though they were raised in the same dysfunctional household. Franco asked the nurse, "Why Hugo and not me?" The nurse replies: a. "Your father was probably less abusive to you." b. "Hugo likely has a genetic vulnerability." c. "You probably ignored the situation." d. "Hugo responded to perceived threats by focusing on an internal world."

CR 10 - Hugo is 21 and diagnosed with schizophrenia. His history includes significant turmoil as child and adolescent. Hugo reports his father was abusive and routinely beat him, all of his siblings, and his mother. Hugo's early exposure to stress most likely: a. made him resilient to stressful situations b. Increased his future vulnerability to psychiatric disorders c. developed strong survival skills d. Shaped his nurturing nature.

CR 10 - What assessment question is focused on identifying a long-term consequence of chronic stress on physical health? a. "Do you have any problems with sleeping well?" b. "How many infections have you experienced in the past 6 months?" c. "How much moderate exercise do you engage in on a regular basis?" d. "What management techniques to you regularly use to manage your stress?"

CR 8 - Which patient outcome is directly associated with the goals of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship? a. Patient will be respectful of other patients on the unit. b. Patient will ID suicidal feelings to staff whenever they occur. c. Patient will engage in at least one social interaction with the unit population daily. d. Patient will consume a daily diet to meet both nutritional and hydration needs.

Ch. 34: Match the group member's comment to the role it most closely represents. a. Playboy b. Energizer c. Organizer d. Follower "We aren't getting much done; let's speed things up and make a decision."

Ch17. Conversion disorder is described as an absence of a neurological diagnosis that manifests in neurological symptoms. Channeling of emotions, conflicts, and stressors into physical symptoms is thought to be the cause in conversion disorder. Which statement is true? a. People with conversion disorder are extremely upset about often dramatic symptoms. b. Abnormal patterns of cerebral activation have been found in individuals with conversion disorder. c. An organic cause is usually found in most cases of conversion disorder. d. Symptoms can be turned off and on depending on the patient's choice.

Ch17. Lucas is a nurse on a medical floor caring for Kelly, a 48-year-old patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. He realizes that depression is a complicating factor in the patient's adjustment to her new diagnosis. What problem has the most potential to arise? a. Development of agoraphobia b. Treatment nonadherence c. Frequent hypoglycemic reactions d. Sleeping rather than checking blood sugar

Ch. 34: A group has two more sessions before it ends. One member was previously vocal and has shown much progress but has now grown silent. What explanation most likely underlies this behavior? The silent member a. has participated in the group and now has nothing more to offer. b. is having trouble dealing with feelings about termination of this group. c. wants to give quieter members a chance to talk in the remaining sessions. d. is engaging in attention-seeking behavior aimed at continuation of the group.

b A chief task during the termination phase of a group is to take what has been learned in group and transition to life without the group. The end of a group can be a significant loss for members, who may experience loss and grief and respond with sadness or anger. It is unlikely he would have nothing to say; at the very least, he could be responding to the comments of others even if not focusing on his own issues. He may wish to give quieter members a chance to talk, but again, this would not require or explain his complete silence. Some members, faced with only two remaining sessions, may be becoming more dominant under this pressure of time, but here too this is unlikely to lead a previously active participant to fall completely silent. The member is not attention-seeking.

Ch. 8: A nurse introduces the matter of a contract during the first session with a new patient because contracts a. specify what the nurse will do for the patient. b. spell out the participation and responsibilities of each party. c. indicate the feeling tone established between the participants. d. are binding and prevent either party from prematurely ending the relationship.

b A contract emphasizes that the nurse works with the patient rather than doing something for the patient. "Working with" is a process that suggests each party is expected to participate and share responsibility for outcomes. Contracts do not, however, stipulate roles or feeling tone, and premature termination is forbidden.

TB17. A child has a history of multiple hospitalizations for recurrent systemic infections. The child is not improving in the hospital, despite aggressive treatment. Factitious disorder imposed on another is suspected. Which nursing interventions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Increase private visiting time for the parents to improve bonding. b. Keep careful, detailed records of visitation and untoward events. c. Place mittens on the child to reduce access to ports and incisions. d. Encourage family members to visit in groups of two or three. e. Interact with the patient frequently during visiting hours.

b,d,e Factitious disorder imposed on another is a condition wherein a person intentionally causes or perpetuates the illness of a loved one (e.g., by periodically contaminating IV solutions with fecal material). When this disorder is suspected, the child's life could be at risk. Depending on the evidence supporting this suspicion, interventions could range from minimizing unsupervised visitation to blocking visitation altogether. Frequently checking on the child during visitation and minimizing unobserved access to the child (by encouraging small group visits) reduces the opportunity to take harmful action and increases the collection of data that can help determine whether this disorder is at the root of the child's illness. Detailed tracking of visitation and untoward events helps identify any patterns there might be between select visitors and the course of the child's illness. Increasing private visitation provides more opportunity for harm. Educating visitors about aseptic techniques would not be of help if the infections are intentional, and preventing inadvertent contamination by the child himself would not affect factitious disorder by proxy.

7. Which disadvantage is inherent to the problem-oriented charting system (SOAPIE)? a. does not support a universal organizational system b. commonly allows for the inclusion of subjective information c. documentation is not listed in chronological order d. does not support the nursing process as a format

7. Which intervention demonstrates a nurse's understanding of the initial action associated w/the assessment of a patient's spiritual beliefs? a. offering to pray with the patient b. providing a consult with the facility's chaplain c. asking the patient what role spirituality plays in his or her daily life d. arranging for care to be provided with respect to religious practices

CR 10 - The patient you are assigned unexpectedly suffers a cardiac arrest. During this emergency situation, your body will produce a large amount of: a. carbon dioxide. b. growth hormone c. epinephrine d. aldosterone

CR 10 - When considering stress, what is the primary goal of making daily entries into a personal journal? a. providing a distraction from the daily stress b. Expressing emotions to manage stress c. ID stress triggers d. focusing on one's stress

CR 10 - Your 39 y/o patient, Samantha, who was admitted with anxiety, asks you what the stress-relieving technique of mindfulness is. The best response is: a. Mindfulness is focusing on an object and repeating a word or phrase while deep breathing. b. Mindfulness is progressively tensing, then relaxing, body muscles. c. Mindfulness is focusing on the here and now, not the past or future, and paying attention to what is going on around you. d. Mindfulness is a memory system to assist you in short-term memory recall.

CR 8 - An RN is caring for an older male who reports depressive symptoms since his wife of 54 years died suddenly. He cries, maintains closed posture, and avoids eye contact. Which nursing action describes attending behavior? a. reminding the patient gently that he will "feel better over time" b. using a soft tone of voice for questioning c. sitting with the patient and taking cues for when to talk or when to remain silent. d. Offering meds and bereavement services

Ch16. During a routine health screening, a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness, a loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger at her dead husband. The nurse suggests bereavement counseling. The widow is most likely suffering from: a. Major depression b. Normal grieving c. Adjustment disorder d. Post-traumatic stress disorder

Ch16. Maggie, a child in protective custody, is found to have an imaginary friend, Holly. Her foster family shares this information with the nurse. The nurse teaches the family members about children who have suffered trauma and knows her teaching was effective when the foster mother states: a. "I understand that imaginary friends are abnormal." b. "I understand that imaginary friends are a maladaptive behavior." c. "I understand that imaginary friends are a coping mechanism." d. "I understand that we should tell the child that imaginary friends are unacceptable."

Ch16. Which goal should be addressed initially when providing care for 10-year-old Harper who is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? a. Harper will be able to identify feelings through the use of play therapy. b. Harper and her parents will have access to protective resources available through social services. c. Harper will demonstrate the effective use of relaxation techniques to restore a sense of control over disturbing thoughts. d. Harper and her parents will demonstrate an understanding of the personal human response to traumatic events.

Ch. 8: Which behavior shows that a nurse values autonomy? The nurse a. suggests one-on-one supervision for a patient who has suicidal thoughts. b. informs a patient that the spouse will not be in during visiting hours. c. discusses options and helps the patient weigh the consequences. d. sets limits on a patient's romantic overtures toward the nurse.

c A high level of valuing is acting on one's belief. Autonomy is supported when the nurse helps a patient weigh alternatives and their consequences before the patient makes a decision. Autonomy or self- determination is not the issue in any of the other behaviors.

7. A 13-year-old is undergoing a mental health assessment. The NP assures him that his medical records are protected and private. The nurse recognizes are protected and private. The nurse recognizes that this promise cannot be kept when the youth divulges: a. I lost my virginity last year b. I am angry w/my parents most of the time c. I have thoughts of being in love with boys d. My parents do not know that I hit my grandpa

7. Which standardized rating scale will the nurse specifically include in the assessment of a newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder? a. mini-mental state exam (MMSE) b. body attitude test c. global assessment of functioning scale (GAF) d. beck inventory

CR 8 - What is the greatest tigger for the development of a patient's nurse focused transference? a. The similarity between the nurse and someone the patient already dislikes. b. The nature of the patient's diagnosed mental illness. c. The history the patient has with their parents. d. The degree of authority the nurse has over the patient.

Ch. 34: Match the group member's comment to the role it most closely represents. a. Playboy b. Energizer c. Organizer d. Follower "Everyone has had good ideas so far; so, whatever you say is fine with me."

Ch10. Jackson has suffered from migraine headaches all of his life. Fatima, his nurse practitioner, suspects muscle tension as a trigger for his headaches. Fatima teaches him a technique that promotes relaxation by using: a. Biofeedback b. Guided imagery c. Deep breathing d. Progressive muscle relaxation

Ch. 9: A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self." a. "I've also had traumatic life experiences. Maybe it would help if I told you about them." b. "Why do you think you had so much difficulty adjusting to this change in your life?" c. "I hope you will feel better after getting accustomed to how this unit operates." d. "I'd like to sit with you for a while to help you get comfortable talking to me."

d "Offering self" is a technique that should be used in the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship. Sitting with the patient, an example of "offering self," helps to build trust and convey that the nurse cares about the patient. Two incorrect responses are ineffective and nontherapeutic. The other incorrect response is therapeutic but is an example of "offering hope."

TB26. A patient is seen in the clinic for superficial cuts on both wrists. Initially the patient paces and sobs but after a few minutes, the patient is calmer. The nurse attempts to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event by asking: a. "Tell me why you were crying." b. "How did your wrists get injured?" c. "How can I help you feel more comfortable?" d. "What was happening when you started feeling this way?"

d A clear definition of the immediate problem provides the best opportunity to find a solution. Asking about recent upsetting events facilitates assessment of the precipitating event. The patient is unlikely to be able to articulate what interventions will increase feelings of comfort. "Why" questions are nontherapeutic.

Ch. 7: A nurse assesses an older adult patient brought to the emergency department by a family member. The patient was wandering outside saying, "I can't find my way home." The patient is confused and unable to answer questions. Select the nurse's best action. a. Record the patient's answers to questions on the nursing assessment form. b. Ask an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview. c. Call for a mental health advocate to maintain the patient's rights. d. Obtain important information from the family member.

d When the patient (primary source) is unable to provide information, secondary sources should be used, in this case, the family member. Later, more data may be obtained from other information sources familiar with the patient. An advanced practice nurse is not needed for this assessment; it is within the scope of practice of the staff nurse. Calling a mental health advocate is unnecessary. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 8: A nurse caring for a withdrawn, suspicious patient recognizes development of feelings of anger toward the patient. The nurse should a. suppress the angry feelings. b. express the anger openly and directly with the patient. c. tell the nurse manager to assign the patient to another nurse. d. discuss the anger with a clinician during a supervisory session.

d the nurse is accountable for the relationship. Objectivity is threatened by strong positive or negative feelings toward a patient. Supervision is necessary to work through countertransference feelings

Ch17. What precipitating emotional factor has been associated with an increased incidence of cancers? Select all that apply. a. Anxiety b. Job-related stress c. Acute grief d. Feelings of hopelessness and despair from depression e. Prolonged, intense stress

d,e

CR 10 - Jackson has suffered from migraine HA all his life. Fatima, his NP, suspects muscle tension as a trigger for his HA. Fatima teaches him a technique that promotes relaxation by using: a. Biofeedback b. guided imagery c. Deep breathing d. Progressive muscle relaxation

Ch. 34: A leader plans to start a new self-esteem building group. Which intervention would be most helpful for assuring mutual respect within the group? a. Describe the importance of mutual respect in the first session and establish it as a group norm. b. Exclude potential members whose behavior suggests they are likely to be disrespectful of others. c. Give members a brochure describing the purpose, norms, and expectations of the group. d. Explain that mutual respect is expected and confront those who are not respectful.

A It is helpful to motivate members to behave respectfully by describing how mutual respect benefits all members and is necessary for the group to be fully therapeutic. Setting a tone and expectation of mutual respect from the outset is the most helpful intervention listed. Excluding members because of how they might behave could exclude members who would have been appropriate, depriving them of the potential benefits of the group. Conveying expectations by brochure is less effective than doing so orally, because it lacks the connection to each member a skilled leader can create to motivate members and impart the expectation of respect. Confronting inappropriate behavior is therapeutic but only addresses existing behavior rather than preventing all such undesired behavior.

Ch16. A young child is found wandering alone at a mall. A male store employee approaches and asks where her parents are. She responds, "I don't know. Maybe you will take me home with you?" This sort of response in children may be due to: a. A lack of bonding as an infant b. A healthy confidence in the child c. Adequate parental bonding d. Normal parenting

Ch21. The impulse control spectrum can begin in childhood and continue on into adulthood, often morphing into criminal behaviors. Working with patients diagnosed with these disorders, the best examples of expressed emotion by the nursing staff are: a. Low to prevent emotional reactions b. Matched to the patient's level of emotion c. Flat without evidence of any emotional output d. High expression to improve therapeutic patient emotions

Ch21. Tommy, a 12-year-old boy admitted to the pediatric psychiatric unit, has recently been diagnosed with conduct disorder. In the activity room, the games he wanted to play were already in use. He responded by threatening to throw furniture and to hurt his peers who had the game he wanted. Nancy, a registered nurse, recognizes that Tommy's therapy must include: a. Consistency in implementing the consequences of breaking rules b. Empathetic reasoning when Tommy acts out in the activity room c. Teaching Tommy the benefits of socializing d. Solitary time so that Tommy can think about his actions

Ch26. When responding to the patient in question 7, the intervention that takes priority is to: a. Reduce anxiety. b. Arrange shelter. c. Contact out-of-area family. d. Hospitalize and place the patient on suicide precautions.

Ch26. Which belief would be least helpful for a nurse working in crisis intervention? a. A person in crisis is incapable of responding to instruction. b. The crisis counseling relationship is one between partners. c. Crisis counseling helps the patient refocus to gain new perspectives on the situation. d. Anxiety-reduction techniques are used so the patient's inner resources can be accessed.

Ch26. Which patient statement indicates the helpfulness of the nurse-patient relationship? a. "I appreciate the time you spent with me. I have a better understanding of what I can do to manage my problem." b. "I really need to talk with you. You always give me good advice about how to address my anger issues." c. "If it wasn't for you and the hours we've spent talking, I don't think I would be on my way to getting my anxiety under control." d. "You always showed me sympathy when I was at my lowest point after the sexual assault. Knowing you had been there too was such a help."

Ch26. Which statement about crisis theory will provide a basis for nursing intervention? a. A crisis is an acute time-limited phenomenon experienced as an overwhelming emotional reaction to a problem perceived as unsolvable. b. A person in crisis has always had adjustment problems and has coped inadequately in the usual life situations. c. Crisis is precipitated by an event that enhances a person's self-concept and self-esteem. d. Nursing intervention in crisis situations rarely has the effect of stopping the crisis.

Ch34. Group members are having difficulty deciding what topic to cover in today's session. Which nurse leader response reflects autocratic leadership? a. "We are talking about fear of rejection today." b. "Let's go around the room and make suggestions for today's topic." c. "I will let you come to a conclusion together about what to talk about." d. "I'll work with you to find a suitable topic for today."

Ch34. What group would benefit most from a laissez-faire leader? a. Art group b. Grief group c. Social skills group d. Anger management group

Ch9. Carolina is surprised when her patient does not show for a regularly scheduled appointment. When contacted, the patient states, "I don't need to come see you anymore. I have found a therapy app on my phone that I love." How should Carolina respond to this news? a. "That sounds exciting, would you be willing to visit and show me the app?" b. "At this time, there is no real evidence that the app can replace our therapy." c. "I am not sure that is a good idea right now, we are so close to progress." d. "Why would you think that is a better option than meeting with me?"

Ch9. What principle about nurse-patient communication should guide a nurse's fear about "saying the wrong thing" to a patient? a. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation. b. The patient is more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say and so is not likely to be offended. c. Considering the patient's history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm. d. Most people with a mentally illness have by necessity developed a high tolerance of forgiveness.

Ch9. When should a nurse be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient? a. Change of shift report b. Admission interviews c. One-to-one conversations with patients d. Conversations with patient families

Ch. 8: A patient says, "Please don't share information about me with the other people." How should the nurse respond? a. "I will not share information with your family or friends without your permission, but I will share information about you with other staff." b. "A therapeutic relationship is just between the nurse and the patient. It is up to you to tell others what you want them to know." c. "It depends on what you choose to tell me. I will be glad to disclose at the end of each session what I will report to others." d. "I cannot tell anyone about you. It will be as though I am talking about my own problems, and we can help each other by keeping it between us."

a A patient has the right to know with whom the nurse will share information and that confidentiality will be protected. Although the relationship is primarily between the nurse and patient, other staff needs to know pertinent data. The other incorrect responses promote incomplete disclosure on the part of the patient, require daily renegotiation of an issue that should be resolved as the nurse-patient contract is established, and suggest mutual problem solving. The relationship must be patient centered. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 8: A community mental health nurse has worked with a patient for 3 years but is moving out of the city and terminates the relationship. When a novice nurse begins work with this patient, what is the starting point for the relationship? a. Begin at the orientation phase. b. Resume the working relationship. c. Initially establish a social relationship. d. Return to the emotional catharsis phase.

a After termination of a long-term relationship, the patient and new nurse usually have to begin at ground zero, the orientation phase, to build a new relationship. If termination is successfully completed, the orientation phase sometimes progresses quickly to the working phase. Other times, even after successful termination, the orientation phase may be prolonged.

TB15. Two staff nurses applied for promotion to nurse manager. The nurse not promoted initially had feelings of loss but then became supportive of the new manager by helping make the transition smooth and encouraging others. Which term best describes the nurse's response? a. Altruism b. Suppression c. Intellectualization d. Reaction formation

a Altruism is the mechanism by which an individual deals with emotional conflict by meeting the needs of others and receiving gratification vicariously or from the responses of others. The nurse's reaction is conscious rather than unconscious. There is no evidence of suppression. Intellectualization is a process in which events are analyzed based on remote, cold facts and without passion, rather than incorporating feeling and emotion into the processing. Reaction formation is when unacceptable feelings or behaviors are controlled and kept out of awareness by developing the opposite behavior or emotion.

Ch. 34: A patient in a support group says, "I'm tired of being sick. Everyone always helps me, but I will be glad when I can help someone else." This statement reflects a. altruism. b. universality. c. cohesiveness. d. corrective recapitulation.

a Altruism refers to the experience of being helpful or useful to others, a condition that the patient anticipates will happen. The other options are also therapeutic factors identified by Yalom.

TB26. Emergency response workers arrive in a community after a large-scale natural disaster. What is the workers' first action? a. Report to the incident command system (ICS) center. b. Determine whether the community is safe. c. Establish teams of workers with varied skills. d. Evaluate actions completed by local law enforcement.

a An ICS provides a common organizational structure facilitating an immediate response. It establishes a clear chain of command that supports the coordination of personnel and equipment at an event site. The incorrect responses describe actions that may or may not be taken by the ICS.

Ch. 34: A therapy group adds new members as others leave. What type of group is evident? a. Open b. Closed c. Homogeneous d. Heterogeneous

a An open group is a group that adds members throughout the life of the group as other members leave and as more persons who would benefit from the group become available. A closed group does not add new members; the membership is established at the beginning and, except for the occasional losses as some members leave, does not change thereafter. A homogeneous group includes members who are similar, and a heterogeneous group includes dissimilar members; not enough data are provided here to determine which applies in this case.

Ch. 8: A patient says, "I've done a lot of cheating and manipulating in my relationships." Select a nonjudgmental response by the nurse. a. "How do you feel about that?" b. "I am glad that you realize this." c. "That's not a good way to behave." d. "Have you outgrown that type of behavior?"

a Asking a patient to reflect on feelings about his or her actions does not imply any judgment about those actions, and it encourages the patient to explore feelings and values. The remaining options offer negative judgments.

TB16. The nurse who is counseling a patient with dissociative identity disorder should understand that the assessment of highest priority is a. risk for self-harm. b. cognitive function. c. memory impairment. d. condition of self-esteem.

a Assessments that relate to patient safety take priority. Patients with dissociative disorders may be at risk for suicide or self-mutilation, so the nurse must be alert for indicators of risk for self-injury. The other options are important assessments but rank below safety. Treatment motivation, while an important consideration, is not necessarily a part of the nursing assessment.

TB10. A nurse leads a psychoeducational group for patients experiencing depression. The nurse plans to implement an exercise regime for each patient. The rationale to use when presenting this plan to the treatment team is that exercise a. has an antidepressant effect comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. b. prevents damage from overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. c. detoxifies the body by removing metabolic wastes and other toxins. d. improves mood stability for patients with bipolar disorders.

a Beta-Endorphins produced during exercise result in improvement in mood and lowered anxiety. The other options are not accurate.

TB17. Which comment by a patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction indicates use of maladaptive, ineffective coping strategies? a. "My employer should have paid for a health club membership for me." b. "My family will see me through this. It won't be easy, but I will never be alone." c. "My heart attack was no fun, but it showed me up the importance of a good diet and more exercise." d. "I accept that I have heart disease. Now I need to decide if I will be able to continue my work daily."

a Blaming someone else and rationalizing one's failure to exercise are not adaptive coping strategies. Seeing the glass as half full, using social and religious supports, and confronting one's situation are seen as more effective strategies. The distracters demonstrate effective coping associated with a serious medical condition.

TB26. The principle most useful to a nurse planning crisis intervention for any patient is that the patient a. is experiencing a state of disequilibrium. b. is experiencing a type of mental illness. c. poses a threat of violence to others. d. has high potential for self-injury.

a Disequilibrium is the only answer universally true for all patients in crisis. A crisis represents a struggle for equilibrium when problems seem unsolvable. Crisis does not reflect mental illness. Potential for self- violence or other-directed violence may or may not be a factor in crisis.

Ch. 8: Which statement shows a nurse has empathy for a patient who made a suicide attempt? a. "You must have been very upset when you tried to hurt yourself." b. "It makes me sad to see you going through such a difficult experience." c. "If you tell me what is troubling you, I can help you solve your problems." d. "Suicide is a drastic solution to a problem that may not be such a serious matter."

a Empathy permits the nurse to see an event from the patient's perspective, understand the patient's feelings, and communicate this to the patient. The incorrect responses are nurse-centered (focusing on the nurse's feelings rather than the patient's), belittling, and sympathetic.

Ch. 9: While talking with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder, a nurse notices the patient is unable to maintain eye contact. The patient's chin lowers to the chest. The patient looks at the floor. Which aspect of communication has the nurse assessed? a. Nonverbal communication b. A message filter c. A cultural barrier d. Social skills

a Eye contact and body movements are considered nonverbal communication. There are insufficient data to determine the level of the patient's social skills or an existing cultural barrier.

TB21. An adolescent was arrested for prostitution and assault on a parent. The adolescent says, "I hate my parents. They focus all attention on my brother, who's perfect in their eyes." Which type of therapy might promote the greatest change in the adolescent's behavior? a. Family therapy b. Bibliotherapy c. Play therapy d. Art therapy

a Family therapy focuses on problematic family relationships and interactions. The patient has identified problems within the family. Play therapy is more appropriate for younger patients. Art therapy and bibliotherapy would not focus specifically on the identified problem.

Ch. 9: A patient is having difficulty making a decision. The nurse has mixed feelings about whether to provide advice. Which principle usually applies? Giving advice a. is rarely helpful. b. fosters independence. c. lifts the burden of personal decision making. d. helps the patient develop feelings of personal adequacy.

a Giving advice fosters dependence on the nurse and interferes with a patient's right to make personal decisions. It robs the patient of the opportunity to weigh alternatives and develop problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it may contribute to a patient's feelings of personal inadequacy. Giving advice also keeps the nurse in control and feeling powerful.

Ch. 7: A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority? a. Implement suicide precautions. b. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently. c. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths. d. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.

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

TB21. Parents of an adolescent diagnosed with a CD say, "We don't know how to respond when our child breaks the rules in our house. Is there any treatment that might help us?" Which therapy is likely to be helpful for these parents? a. Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) b. Behavior modification therapy c. Multi-systemic therapy (MST) d. Pharmacotherapy

a In PCIT, the therapist sits behind one-way mirrors and coaches parents through an ear audio device while they interact with their children. The therapist can suggest strategies that reinforce positive behavior in the adolescent. The goal is to improve parenting strategies and thereby reduce problematic behavior. Behavior modification therapy may help the adolescent, but the parents are seeking help for themselves. MST is much broader and does not target the parents' need.

TB16. Relaxation techniques help patients who have experienced major traumas because they a. engage the parasympathetic nervous system. b. increase sympathetic stimulation. c. increase the metabolic rate. d. release hormones.

a In response to trauma, the sympathetic arousal symptoms of rapid heart rate and rapid respiration prepare the person for flight or fight responses. Afterward, the dorsal vagal response damps down the sympathetic nervous system. This is a parasympathetic response with the heart rate and respiration slowing down and decreasing the blood pressure. Relaxation techniques promote activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

TB15. A patient in the emergency department shows disorganized behavior and incoherence after a friend suggested a homosexual encounter. In which room should the nurse place the patient? a. An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs b. A small, empty storage room with no windows or furniture c. A room with an examining table, instrument cabinets, desk, and chair d. The nurse's office, furnished with chairs, files, magazines, and bookcases

a Individuals experiencing severe to panic-level anxiety require a safe environment that is quiet, nonstimulating, structured, and simple. A room with a desk and two chairs provides simplicity, few objects with which the patient could cause self-harm, and a small floor space in which the patient can move about. A small, empty storage room without windows or furniture would feel like a jail cell. The nurse's office or a room with an examining table and instrument cabinets may be over-stimulating and unsafe.

Ch. 9: During a one-on-one interaction with the nurse, a patient frequently looks nervously at the door. Select the best comment by the nurse regarding this nonverbal communication. a. "I notice you keep looking toward the door." b. "This is our time together. No one is going to interrupt us." c. "It looks as if you are eager to end our discussion for today." d. "If you are uncomfortable in this room, we can move someplace else."

a Making observations and encouraging the patient to describe perceptions are useful therapeutic communication techniques for this situation. The other responses are assumptions made by the nurse.

TB21. An adolescent diagnosed with CD has aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms. The treatment team believes this adolescent may benefit from medication. The nurse anticipates the health care provider will prescribe which type of medication? a. Second-generation antipsychotic b. Antianxiety medication c. Calcium channel blocker d. b-blocker

a Medications for CD are directed at problematic behaviors such as aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms. Second-generation antipsychotics are likely to be prescribed. b-blocking medications may help to calm individuals with intermittent explosive disorder by slowing the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers reduce blood pressure but are not used for persons with impulse control problems. An antianxiety medication will not assist with impulse control.

TB21. Which assessment findings support a diagnosis of ODD? a. Negative, hostile, and spiteful toward parents. Blames others for misbehavior. b. Exhibits involuntary facial twitching and blinking; makes barking sounds. c. Violates others' rights; cruelty toward people or animals; steals; truancy. d. Displays poor academic performance and reports frequent nightmares.

a ODD is a repeated and persistent pattern of having an angry and irritable mood in conjunction with demonstrating defiant and vindictive behavior. The distracters identify findings associated with CD, anxiety disorder, and Tourette's syndrome.

TB10. A patient who had been experiencing significant stress learned to use progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises. When the patient returns to the clinic 2 weeks later, which finding most clearly shows the patient is coping more effectively with stress? a. The patient's systolic blood pressure has changed from the 140s to the 120s mm Hg. b. The patient reports, "I feel better, and that things are not bothering me as much." c. The patient reports, "I spend more time napping or sitting quietly at home." d. The patient's weight decreased by 3 pounds.

a Objective measures tend to be the most reliable means of gauging progress. In this case, the patient's elevated blood pressure, an indication of the body's physiological response to stress, has diminished. The patient's report regarding activity level is subjective; sitting quietly could reflect depression rather than improvement. Appetite, mood, and energy levels are also subjective reports that do not necessarily reflect physiological changes from stress and may not reflect improved coping with stress. The patient's weight change could be a positive or negative indicator; the blood pressure change is the best answer.

TB17. A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with conversion (functional neurological) disorder. Which comment is most likely from this patient? a. "Since my father died, I've been short of breath and had sharp pains that go down my left arm, but I think it's just indigestion." b. "I have daily problems with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. My skin is very dry, and I think I'm getting seriously dehydrated." c. "Sexual intercourse is painful. I pretend as if I'm asleep so I can avoid it. I think it's starting to cause problems with my marriage." d. "I get choked very easily and have trouble swallowing when I eat. I think I might have cancer of the esophagus."

a Patients with conversion (functional neurological) disorder demonstrate a lack of concern regarding the seriousness of symptoms. This lack of concern is termed la belle indifférence. There is also a specific, identifiable cause for the development of the symptoms; in this instance, the death of a parent would precipitate stress. The distracters relate to sexual dysfunction and illness anxiety disorder.

Ch. 34: A nurse leads a psychoeducational group for patients in the community diagnosed with schizophrenia. A realistic outcome for group members is that they will a. discuss ways to manage their illness. b. develop a high level of trust and cohesiveness. c. understand unconscious motivation for behavior. d. demonstrate insight about development of their illness.

a Patients with schizophrenia almost universally have problems associated with everyday living in the community, so discussing ways to manage the illness would be an important aspect of psychoeducation. Discussing concerns about daily life would be a goal to which each could relate. Developing trust and cohesion is desirable but is not the priority outcome of a psychoeducational group. Understanding unconscious motivation would not be addressed. Insight would be difficult for a patient with residual schizophrenia because of the tendency toward concrete thinking.

TB15. An individual experiences sexual dysfunction and blames it on a partner by calling the person unattractive and unromantic. Which defense mechanism is evident? a. Rationalization b. Compensation c. Introjection d. Regression

a Rationalization involves unconsciously making excuses for one's behavior, inadequacies, or feelings. Regression involves the unconscious use of a behavior from an earlier stage of emotional development. Compensation involves making up for deficits in one area by excelling in another area. Introjection is an unconscious, intense identification with another person.

TB15. A person speaking about a rival for a significant other's affection says in an emotional, syrupy voice, "What a lovely person. That's someone I simply adore." The individual is demonstrating a. reaction formation. b. repression. c. projection. d. denial.

a Reaction formation is an unconscious mechanism that keeps unacceptable feelings out of awareness by using the opposite behavior. Instead of expressing hatred for the other person, the individual gives praise. Denial operates unconsciously to allow an anxiety-producing idea, feeling, or situation to be ignored. Projection involves unconsciously disowning an unacceptable idea, feeling, or behavior by attributing it to another. Repression involves unconsciously placing an idea, feeling, or event out of awareness.

TB15. A nurse assesses an individual who commonly experiences anxiety. Which comment by this person indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder? a. "I check where my car keys are eight times." b. "My legs often feel weak and spastic." c. "I'm embarrassed to go out in public." d. "I keep reliving a car accident."

a Recurring doubt (obsessive thinking) and the need to check (compulsive behavior) suggest obsessive- compulsive disorder. The repetitive behavior is designed to decrease anxiety but fails and must be repeated. Stating "My legs feel weak most of the time" is more in keeping with a somatic disorder. Being embarrassed to go out in public is associated with an avoidant personality disorder. Reliving a traumatic event is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Ch. 9: Which technique will best communicate to a patient that the nurse is interested in listening? a. Restating a feeling or thought the patient has expressed. b. Asking a direct question, such as "Did you feel angry?" c. Making a judgment about the patient's problem. d. Saying, "I understand what you're saying."

a Restating allows the patient to validate the nurse's understanding of what has been communicated. Restating is an active listening technique. Judgments should be suspended in a nurse-patient relationship. Close-ended questions such as "Did you feel angry?" ask for specific information rather than showing understanding. When the nurse simply states that he or she understands the patient's words, the patient has no way of measuring the understanding.

TB15. A patient fearfully runs from chair to chair crying, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient does not follow the staff's directions or respond to verbal interventions. The initial nursing intervention of highest priority is to a. provide for the patient's safety. b. encourage clarification of feelings. c. respect the patient's personal space. d. offer an outlet for the patient's energy.

a Safety is of highest priority because the patient experiencing panic is at high risk for self-injury related to increased non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts. Offering an outlet for the patient's energy can occur when the current panic level subsides. Respecting the patient's personal space is a lower priority than safety. Clarification of feelings cannot take place until the level of anxiety is lowered.

TB17. Which assessment question could a nurse ask to help identify secondary gains associated with a somatic symptom disorder? a. "What are you unable to do now but were previously able to do?" b. "How many doctors have you seen in the last year?" c. "Who do you talk to when you're upset?" d. "Did you experience abuse as a child?"

a Secondary gains should be assessed. Secondary gains reinforce maladaptive behavior. The patient's dependency needs may be evident through losses of abilities. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. There may be a history of abuse or doctor shopping, but the question does not assess the associated gains.

TB26. While conducting the initial interview with a patient in crisis, the nurse should a. speak in short, concise sentences. b. convey a sense of urgency to the patient. c. be forthright about time limits of the interview. d. let the patient know the nurse controls the interview.

a Severe anxiety narrows perceptions and concentration. By speaking in short concise sentences, the nurse enables the patient to grasp what is being said. Conveying urgency will increase the patient's anxiety. Letting the patient know who controls the interview or stating that time is limited is nontherapeutic.

TB16. A soldier in a combat zone tells the nurse, "I saw a child get blown up over a year ago, and I still keep seeing bits of flesh everywhere. I see something red, and the visions race back to my mind." Which phenomenon associated with PTSD is the soldier describing? a. Reexperiencing b. Hyperarousal c. Avoidance d. Psychosis

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

TB26. A victim of intimate partner violence comes to the crisis center seeking help. Crisis intervention strategies the nurse applies will focus on a. supporting emotional security and reestablishing equilibrium. b. long-term resolution of issues precipitating the crisis. c. promoting growth of the individual. d. providing legal assistance.

a Strategies of crisis intervention address the immediate cause of the crisis and restoration of emotional security and equilibrium. The goal is to return the individual to the precrisis level of function. Crisis intervention is, by definition, short term. The correct response is the most global answer. Promoting growth is a focus of long-term therapy. Providing legal assistance might or might not be applicable.

Ch. 34: Three members of a therapy group share covert glances as other members of the group describe problems. When one makes a statement that subtly criticizes another speaker, the others nod in agreement. Which group dynamic should the leader suspect? a. Some members are acting as a subgroup instead of as members of the main group. b. Some of the members have become bored and are disregarding others. c. Three members are showing their frustration with slower members. d. The leadership of the group has been ineffective.

a Subgroups, small groups isolated within a larger group and functioning separately from it, sometimes form within therapy groups. When this occurs, subgroup members are cohesive with other subgroup members but not with the members of the larger group. Members of the subgroup may be bored or frustrated or expressing passive aggression, but the primary dynamic is the splitting off from the main group.

TB15. A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless." Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to assist the student? a. Explain that the symptoms result from mild anxiety and discuss the helpful aspects. b. Advise the student to discuss this experience with a health care provider. c. Encourage the student to begin antioxidant vitamin supplements. d. Listen attentively, using silence in a therapeutic way.

a Teaching about symptoms of anxiety, their relation to precipitating stressors, and, in this case, the positive effects of anxiety will serve to reassure the patient. Advising the patient to discuss the experience with a health care provider implies that the patient has a serious problem. Listening without comment will do no harm but deprives the patient of health teaching. Antioxidant vitamin supplements are not useful in this scenario.

TB21. A 16-year-old diagnosed with a conduct disorder (CD) has been in a residential program for 3 months. Which outcome should occur before discharge? a. The adolescent and parents create and agree to a behavioral contract with rules, rewards, and consequences. b. The adolescent identifies friends in the home community who are a positive influence. c. Temporary placement is arranged with a foster family until the parents complete a parenting skills class. d. The adolescent experiences no anger and frustration for 1 week.

a The adolescent and the parents must agree on a behavioral contract that clearly outlines rules, expected behaviors, and consequences for misbehavior. It must also include rewards for following the rules. The adolescent will continue to experience anger and frustration. The adolescent and parents must continue with family therapy to work on boundary and communication issues. It is not necessary to separate the adolescent from the family to work on these issues. Separation is detrimental to the healing process. While it is helpful for the adolescent to identify peers who are a positive influence, it is more important for behavior to be managed for an adolescent diagnosed with a CD.

TB26. An adult has cared for a debilitated parent for 10 years. The health care provider recently recommended transfer of the parent to a skilled nursing facility. The adult says, "I've always been able to care for my parents. Nursing home placement goes against everything I believe." Successful resolution of this adult's crisis will most closely relate to a. resolving the feelings associated with the threat to the person's self-concept. b. ability of the person to identify situational supports in the community. c. reliance on assistance from role models within the person's culture. d. mobilization of automatic relief behaviors by the person.

a The adult's crisis clearly relates to a loss of (or threatened change in) self-concept. Her capacity to care for her parents, regardless of the parent's condition, has been challenged. Crisis resolution will involve coming to terms with the feelings associated with this loss. Identifying situational supports is relevant, but less so than coming to terms with the threat to self-concept. Reliance on lessons from role models can be helpful but not the primary factor associated with resolution in this case. Automatic relief behaviors include withdrawal or flight and will not be helpful. Automatic relief behaviors are part of the third phase of crisis.

TB26. During the initial interview at the crisis center, a patient says, "I've been served with divorce papers. I'm so upset and anxious that I can't think clearly." Which comment should the nurse use to assess personal coping skills? a. "In the past, how have you handled difficult or stressful situations?" b. "What would you like us to do to help you feel more relaxed?" c. "Tell me more about how it feels to be anxious and upset." d. "Can you describe your role in the marital relationship?"

a The correct answer is the only option that assesses coping skills. The incorrect options are concerned with self-esteem, ask the patient to decide on treatment at a time when he or she "cannot think clearly," and seek to explore issues tangential to the crisis.

Ch. 34: A patient has talked constantly throughout the group therapy session, often repeating the same comments. Other members were initially attentive then became bored, inattentive, and finally sullen. Which comment by the nurse leader would be most effective? a. Say to everyone, "Most of you have become quiet. I wonder if it might be related to concerns you may have about how the group is progressing today." b. Say to everyone, "One person has done most of the talking. I think it would be helpful for everyone to say how that has affected your experience of the group." c. Say to everyone, "I noticed that as our group progressed, most members became quiet, then disinterested, and now seem almost angry. What is going on?" d. Say to the talkative patient, "You have been doing most of the talking, and others have not had a chance to speak as a result. Could you please yield to others now?"

a The most effective action the nurse leader can take will be the one that encourages the group to solve its own problem. Pointing out changes in the group and asking members to respond to them lays the foundation for a discussion of group dynamics. Asking members to respond to the talkative patient puts that patient in an awkward position, likely increasing her anxiety. As anxiety increases, monopolizing behavior tends to increase as well, so this response would be self-defeating. Asking members what is going on is a broader opening and might lead to responses unrelated to the issue that bears addressing; narrowing the focus to the group process more directly addresses what is occurring in the group. Focusing on the talkative patient would be less effective and involves the leader addressing the issue instead of members first attempting to do so themselves (giving them a chance to practice skills such as assertive communication).

Ch. 9: When a female Mexican American patient and a female nurse sit together, the patient often holds the nurse's hand. The patient also links arms with the nurse when they walk. The nurse is uncomfortable with this behavior. Which analysis is most accurate? a. The patient is accustomed to touch during conversation, as are members of many Hispanic subcultures. b. The patient understands that touch makes the nurse uncomfortable and controls the relationship based on that factor. c. The patient is afraid of being alone. When touching the nurse, the patient is reassured and comforted. d. The patient is trying to manipulate the nurse using nonverbal techniques.

a The most likely answer is that the patient's behavior is culturally influenced. Hispanic women frequently touch women they consider to be their friends. Although the other options are possible, they are less likely.

TB16. A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure and called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, "He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention." Select the nurse's best intervention. a. Say to the wife, "I understand you are feeling upset. I will stay with you until your family comes." b. Say to the wife, "Your husband's heart was so severely damaged that it could no longer pump." c. Say to the wife, "I will call the health care provider to discuss this matter with you." d. Hold the wife's hand in silence until the family arrives.

a The nurse builds trust and shows compassion in the face of adjustment disorders. Therapeutic responses provide comfort. The nurse should show patience and tact while offering sympathy and warmth. The distracters are defensive, evasive, or placating.

Ch. 8: As a nurse discharges a patient, the patient gives the nurse a card of appreciation made in an arts and crafts group. What is the nurse's best action? a. Recognize the effectiveness of the relationship and patient's thoughtfulness. Accept the card. b. Inform the patient that accepting gifts violates policies of the facility. Decline the card. c. Acknowledge the patient's transition through the termination phase but decline the card. d. Accept the card and invite the patient to return to participate in other arts and crafts groups.

a The nurse must consider the meaning, timing, and value of the gift. In this instance, the nurse should accept the patient's expression of gratitude. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 9: A patient with acute depression states, "God is punishing me for my past sins." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response? a. "You sound very upset about this." b. "God always forgives us for our sins." c. "Why do you think you are being punished?" d. "If you feel this way, you should talk to your minister."

a The nurse reflects the patient's comment, a therapeutic technique to encourage sharing for perceptions and feelings. The incorrect responses reflect probing, closed-ended comments, and giving advice, all of which are nontherapeutic.

Ch. 8: At what point in the nurse-patient relationship should a nurse plan to first address termination? a. During the orientation phase b. At the end of the working phase c. Near the beginning of the termination phase d. When the patient initially brings up the topic

a The patient has a right to know the conditions of the nurse-patient relationship. If the relationship is to be time-limited, the patient should be informed of the number of sessions. If it is open-ended, the termination date will not be known at the outset, and the patient should know that the issue will be negotiated at a later date. The nurse is responsible for bringing up the topic of termination early in the relationship, usually during the orientation phase.

TB16. Which scenario demonstrates a dissociative fugue? a. After being caught in an extramarital affair, a man disappeared but then reappeared months later with no memory of what occurred while he was missing. b. A man is extremely anxious about his problems and sometimes experiences dazed periods of several minutes passing without conscious awareness of them. c. A woman finds unfamiliar clothes in her closet, is recognized when she goes to new restaurants, and complains of "blackouts" despite not drinking. d. A woman reports that when she feels tired or stressed, it seems like her body is not real and is somehow growing smaller.

a The patient in a dissociative fugue state relocates and lacks recall of his life before the fugue began. Often fugue states follow traumatic experiences and sometimes involve assuming a new identity. Such persons at some point find themselves in their new surroundings, unable to recall who they are or how they got there. A feeling of detachment from one's body or from the external reality is an indication of depersonalization disorder. Losing track of several minutes when highly anxious is not an indication of a dissociative disorder and is common in states of elevated anxiety. Finding evidence of having bought clothes or gone to restaurants without any explanation for these is suggestive of dissociative identity disorder, particularly when periods are "lost" to the patient (blackouts).

TB16. Which assessment finding best supports dissociative fugue? The patient states a. "I cannot recall why I'm living in this town." b. "I feel as if I'm living in a fuzzy dream state." c. "I feel like different parts of my body are at war." d. "I feel very anxious and worried about my problems."

a The patient in a fugue state frequently relocates and assumes a new identity while not recalling previous identity or places previously inhabited. The distracters are more consistent with depersonalization disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or dissociative identity disorder.

Ch. 7: When a nurse assesses an older adult patient, answers seem vague or unrelated to the questions. The patient also leans forward and frowns, listening intently to the nurse. An appropriate question for the nurse to ask would be a. "Are you having difficulty hearing when I speak?" b. "How can I make this assessment interview easier for you?" c. "I notice you are frowning. Are you feeling annoyed with me?" d. "You're having trouble focusing on what I'm saying. What is distracting you?"

a The patient's behaviors may indicate difficulty hearing. Identifying any physical need, the patient may have at the onset of the interview and making accommodations are important considerations. By asking if the patient is annoyed, the nurse is jumping to conclusions. Asking how to make the interview easier for the patient may not elicit a concrete answer. Asking about distractions is a way of asking about auditory hallucinations, which is not appropriate because the nurse has observed that the patient seems to be listening intently.

Ch. 34: During group therapy, one patient says to another, "When I first started in this group, you were unable to make a decision, but now you can. You've made so much progress that I am beginning to think maybe I can conquer my fears too." Which therapeutic factor is evident by this statement? a. Hope b. Altruism c. Catharsis d. Cohesiveness

a The patient's profession that he may be able to learn to cope more effectively reflects hope. Groups can instill hope in individuals who are demoralized or pessimistic. Altruism refers to doing good for others, which can result in positive feelings about oneself. Catharsis refers to venting of strong emotions. Cohesion refers to coming together and developing a connection with other group members.

TB16. After major reconstructive surgery, a patient's wounds dehisced. Extensive wound care was required for 6 months, causing the patient to miss work and social activities. Which physiological response would be expected for this patient? a. Vital signs return to normal. b. Release of endogenous opioids would cease. c. Pulse and blood pressure readings are elevated. d. Psychomotor abilities of the right brain become limited.

a The scenario presents chronic and potentially debilitating stress. The helpless and out of control feelings produce pathophysiological changes. Unmyelinated ventral vagus responses initially result in rapid heart rate and respiration. After many hours, days, or months the body cannot sustain this state, so the dorsal vagal response dampens the sympathetic nervous system. This parasympathetic response results in the heart rate and respiration slowing down and a decrease in blood pressure. Individuals with dissociative disorders have altered communication between higher and lower brain structures due to the massive release of endogenous opioids at the time of severe threat.

Ch. 8: A nurse explains to the family of a mentally ill patient how a nurse-patient relationship differs from social relationships. Which is the best explanation? a. "The focus is on the patient. Problems are discussed by the nurse and patient, but solutions are implemented by the patient." b. "The focus shifts from nurse to patient as the relationship develops. Advice is given by both, and solutions are implemented." c. "The focus of the relationship is socialization. Mutual needs are met, and feelings are shared openly." d. "The focus is creation of a partnership in which each member is concerned with growth and satisfaction of the other."

a Only the correct response describes elements of a therapeutic relationship. The remaining responses describe events that occur in social or intimate relationships.

Ch. 8: A nurse ends a relationship with a patient. Which actions by the nurse should be included in the termination phase? (Select all that apply.) a. Focus dialogues with the patient on problems that may occur in the future. b. Help the patient express feelings about the relationship with the nurse. c. Help the patient prioritize and modify socially unacceptable behaviors. d. Reinforce expectations regarding the parameters of the relationship. e. Help the patient to identify strengths, limitations, and problems.

a, b The correct actions are part of the termination phase. The other actions would be used in the working and orientation phases.

Ch. 9: Which benefits are most associated with use of telehealth technologies? (Select all that apply.) a. Cost savings for patients b. Maximize care management c. Access to services for patients in rural areas d. Prompt reimbursement by third-party payers e. Rapid development of trusting relationships with patients

a, b, c Telehealth has shown that it can maximize health and improve disease management skills and confidence with the disease process. Many rural parents have felt disconnected from services; telehealth technologies can solve those problems. Although telehealth's improved health outcomes regularly show cost savings for payers, one significant barrier is the current lack of reimbursement for remote patient monitoring by third-party payers. Telehealth technologies have not shown rapid development of trusting relationships.

7. Amadi is a 40-yold African national being treated in a psychiatric outpatient setting due to a court order. Amadi's medical record is limited in scope, so where can Renata, his registered nurse, obtain more data on Amadi's condition within legal parameters? Select all that apply a. emergency department records b. police records r/t the offense resulting in the court order for treatment c. calling his family in Africa for details about Amadi's mental health d. past medical records in the current facility

a, b, d

7. What nursing interventions best demonstrate an understanding of the QSEN competencies? select all that apply a. asking the patient what he or she expects from the treatment he or she is receiving b. seeking recertification for CPR c. accessing the internet to monitor social media r/t opinions on healthcare d. consulting with a dietician to discuss a patient's cultural food preferences and restrictions e. reviewing the literature regarding the best way to monitor the patient for a fluid imbalance

a, b, d, e

Ch. 7: A nurse performing an assessment interview for a patient with a substance use disorder decides to use a standardized rating scale. Which scales are appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Addiction Severity Index (ASI) b. Brief Drug Abuse Screen Test (B-DAST) c. Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) d. Cognitive Capacity Screening Examination (CCSE) e. Recovery Attitude and Treatment Evaluator (RAATE)

a, b, e Standardized scales are useful for obtaining data about substance use disorders. The ASI, B-DAST, and RAATE are scales related to substance abuse. AIMS assesses involuntary movements associated with antipsychotic medications. The CCSE assesses cognitive function.

Ch. 9: A nurse interacts with patients diagnosed with various mental illnesses. Which statements reflect use of therapeutic communication? (Select all that apply.) a. "Tell me more about that situation." b. "Let's talk about something else." c. "I notice you are pacing a lot." d. "I'll stay with you a while." e. "Why did you do that?"

a, c, d The correct responses demonstrate use of the therapeutic techniques making an observation and showing empathy. The incorrect responses demonstrate changing the subject and probing, which are nontherapeutic techniques.

7. What is the purpose of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)? select all that apply a. ensuring that an individual's health information is protected b. providing third-party players with access to patient's medical records c. facilitating the mvmt of a patient's medical information to the interested parties d. guaranteeing that all those in need of healthcare coverage have options to obtain it e. allowing healthcare providers to obtain personal health to provide high-quality healthcare

a, e

Ch. 8: A novice psychiatric nurse has a parent diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This nurse angrily recalls feelings of embarrassment about the parent's behavior in the community. Select the best ways for this nurse to cope with these feelings. (Select all that apply.) a. Seek ways to use the understanding gained from childhood to help patients cope with their own illnesses. b. Recognize that these feelings are unhealthy. The nurse should try to suppress them when working with patients. c. Recognize that psychiatric nursing is not an appropriate career choice. Explore other nursing specialties. d. The nurse should begin new patient relationships by saying, "My own parent had mental illness, so I accept it without stigma." e. Recognize that the feelings may add sensitivity to the nurse's practice, but supervision is important.

a, e The nurse needs support to explore these feelings. An experienced psychiatric nurse is a resource that may be helpful. The knowledge and experience gained from the nurse's relationship with a mentally ill parent may contribute sensitivity to compassionate practice. Self-disclosure and suppression are not adaptive coping strategies. The nurse should not give up on this area of practice without first seeking ways to cope with the memories.

Ch34. Group dynamics can vary widely and at times members are capable of disrupting the group process. Which of the following participant traits may indicate a need for additional support for a new nurse facilitator? Select all that apply. a. A member with paranoid delusions b. A quietly tearful participant expressing suicidal thoughts c. An angry woman who raises her voice d. A calm but ineffective communicator

a,b

TB17. Which assessment findings suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder, imposed on self-type? (Select all that apply.) a. History of multiple hospitalizations without findings of physical illness b. History of multiple medical procedures or exploratory surgeries c. Going from one doctor to another seeking the desired response d. Claims illness to obtain financial benefit or other incentive e. Difficulty describing symptoms

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

Ch21. What assessment data would support a diagnosis of conduct disorder? Select all that apply. a. Evidence of social isolation b. Arrested twice for disorderly conduct c. Expresses difficulty in keeping employment d. Demonstrates objective signs of phobia e. Exhibits signs of chronic self-mutilation

a,b,c

TB10. Which changes reflect short-term physiological responses to stress? (Select all that apply.) a. Muscular tension, blood pressure, and triglycerides increase. b. Epinephrine is released, increasing heart and respiratory rates. c. Corticosteroid release increases stamina and impedes digestion. d. Cortisol is released, increasing glucogenesis and reducing fluid loss. e. Immune system functioning decreases, and risk of cancer increases. f. Risk of depression, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease increases.

a,b,c,d The correct answers are all short-term physiological responses to stress. Increased risk of immune system dysfunction, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, and autoimmune disease are all long-term (chronic) effects of stress.

TB10. An individual says to the nurse, "I feel so stressed out lately. I think the stress is affecting my body also." Which somatic complaints are most likely to accompany this feeling? (Select all that apply.) a. Headache b. Neck pain c. Insomnia d. Anorexia e. Myopia

a,b,c,d When individuals feel "stressed-out," they often have accompanying somatic complaints, especially associated with sleep, eating, and headache or back pain. Changes in vision, such as myopia, would not be expected.

CR 10 - Which nursing assessments are directed at monitoring a patient's fight-or-flight response? Select all that apply a. blood pressure b. heart rate c. respiratory rate d. abdominal pain e. dilated pupils

a,b,c,e

Ch10. Which nursing assessments are directed at monitoring a patient's fight-or-flight response? Select all that apply. a. Blood pressure b. Heart rate c. Respiratory rate d. Abdominal pain e. Dilated pupils

a,b,c,e

Ch21. When discussing oppositional defiant disorder with a group of parents, what information should the nurse include about the disorder? Select all that apply a. Classic symptoms include anger, irritation, and defiant behavior. b. Children generally outgrow the behaviors without formal treatment. c. Severity is considered mild when symptoms are present in only one setting. d. Disorder is diagnosed equally in both males and females. e. Argumentative and defiant are terms often used to describe the patient.

a,b,c,e

TB10. Which comments by a nurse are likely to help a patient cope by addressing the mediators of the stress response? (Select all that apply.) a. "A divorce, while stressful, can be the beginning of a new, better phase of life." b. "You mentioned your spirituality. Are there aspects of your faith that could be helpful to you at this time?" c. "Journaling often promotes awareness of how experiences have affected people." d. "It seems to me you are overreacting to this change in your life." e. "There is a support group for newly divorced persons in your neighborhood."

a,b,c,e Stress mediators are factors that can help persons cope by influencing how they perceive and respond to stressors; they include personality, social support, perceptions, and culture. Suggesting that a divorce may have positive as well as negative aspects helps the patient to alter perceptions of the stressor. Journaling increases self-awareness regarding how life experiences may have shaped how we perceive and respond to stress (or how our personality affects how we respond to stressors). A loan could help the patient by reducing the financial pressures. Participation in support groups is an excellent way to expand one's support network relative to specific issues. Many persons derive comfort and support from participation in faith-based interventions. The incorrect response demonstrates judging, which is non therapeutic communication by the nurse and would not facilitate coping.

TB16. A 10-year-old child was placed in a foster home after being removed from parental contact because of abuse. The child has apprehension, tremulousness, and impaired concentration. The foster parent also reports the child has an upset stomach, urinates frequently, and does not understand what has happened. What helpful measures should the nurse suggest to the foster parents? The nurse should recommend (Select all that apply) a. conveying empathy and acknowledging the child's distress. b. explaining and reinforcing reality to avoid distortions. c. using a calm manner and low, comforting voice. d. avoiding repetition in what is said to the child. e. staying with the child until the anxiety decreases. f. minimizing opportunities for exercise and play.

a,b,c,e The child's symptoms and behavior suggest that he is exhibiting PTSD. Interventions appropriate for this level of anxiety include using a calm, reassuring tone, acknowledging the child's distress, repeating content as needed when there is impaired cognitive processing and memory, providing opportunities for comforting and normalizing play and physical activities, correcting any distortion of reality, and staying with the child to increase his sense of security.

TB16. The nurse interviewing a patient with suspected PTSD should be alert to findings indicating the patient (Select all that apply) a. avoids people and places that arouse painful memories. b. experiences flashbacks or re-experiences the trauma. c. experiences symptoms suggestive of a heart attack. d. feels compelled to repeat selected ritualistic behaviors. e. demonstrates hypervigilance or distrusts others. f. feels detached, estranged, or empty inside.

a,b,c,e,f These assessment findings are consistent with the symptoms of PTSD. Ritualistic behaviors are expected in obsessive compulsive disorder.

Ch21. What is a common behavior observed in a patient diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder? Select all that apply. a. Short attention span b. Threatens suicide c. Often purges after eating d. Uses alcohol to excess e. States, "Everyone is out to get me."

a,b,d

TB16. A young adult says, "I was sexually abused by my older brother. During those assaults, I went somewhere else in my mind. I don't remember the details. Now, I often feel numb or unreal in romantic relationships, so I just avoid them." Which disorders should the nurse suspect based on this history? (Select all that apply.) a. Acute stress disorder b. Depersonalization disorder c. Generalized anxiety disorder d. PTSD e. Reactive attachment disorder f. Disinhibited social engagement disorder

a,b,d Acute stress disorder, depersonalization disorder, and PTSD can involve dissociative elements, such as numbing, feeling unreal, and being amnesic for traumatic events. All three disorders are also responses to acute stress or trauma, which has occurred here. The distracters are disorders not evident in this patient's presentation. Generalized anxiety disorder involves extensive worrying that is disproportionate to the stressors or foci of the worrying. Reactive attachment disorder and disinhibited social engagement disorder are problems of childhood.

Ch34. What advantages does group therapy have over those of individual therapy? Select all that apply. a. Groups are less expensive than one-to-one therapy. b. Groups provide an opportunity to learn from others. c. Groups are homogeneous in composition. d. Feedback is available from the group leader and group members. e. Interpersonal skills can be practiced in a safe environment.

a,b,d,e

Ch34. Which outcome would be appropriate for a group session on medication education? Select all that apply. a. Patient will identify three side effects of prescribed medication. b. Patient will verbalize the purpose of taking the medication. c. Patient will acknowledge and accept the financial cost of prescribed medications. d. Patient will correctly identify time of day and dose for each prescribed medication. e. Patient will list two dangerous drug-drug and drug-food interactions for prescribed medications.

a,b,d,e

Ch9. During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the nurse be monitoring? Select all that apply. a. Auditory b. Visual c. Written d. Tactile e. Olfactory

a,b,d,e

Ch26. Which statement concerning a crisis experience is true and should be used as a guideline for crisis management care? Select all that apply. a. A crisis is self-limiting and usually resolves within 4 to 6 weeks. b. The earlier interventions are implemented, the better the expected prognosis. c. The nurse should maintain a nondirective role. d. The patient in crisis is assumed to be mentally unhealthy and in an extreme state of disequilibrium. e. The goal of crisis management is to return the patient to at least the precrisis level of functioning.

a,b,e

TB15. A child was placed in a foster home after being removed from abusive parents. The child is apprehensive and overreacts to environmental stimuli. The foster parents ask the nurse how to help the child. Which interventions should the nurse suggest? (Select all that apply.) a. Use a calm manner and low voice. b. Maintain simplicity in the environment. c. Avoid repetition in what is said to the child. d. Minimize opportunities for exercise and play. e. Explain and reinforce reality to avoid distortions.

a,b,e The child has moderate anxiety. A calm manner will calm the child. A simple, structured, predictable environment is desirable to decrease anxiety provoking and reduce stimuli. Calm, simple explanations that reinforce reality validate the environment. Repetition is often needed when the individual is unable to concentrate because of elevated levels of anxiety. Opportunities for play and exercise should be provided as avenues to reduce anxiety. Physical movement helps channel and lower anxiety. Play helps by allowing the child to act out concerns.

TB17. A nurse assesses a patient suspected of having somatic symptom disorder. Which assessment findings regarding this patient support the suspected diagnosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Female b. Reports frequent syncope c. Rates pain as "1" on a scale of "10" d. First diagnosed with psoriasis at age 12 e. Reports insomnia often results from back pain

a,b,e There is no chronic disease to explain the symptoms for patients with somatic symptom disorder. Patients report multiple symptoms; gastrointestinal and pseudoneurological symptoms are common. This disorder is more common in women than in men. Patients with conversion disorder would have a tendency to underrate pain.

TB15. A nurse plans health teaching for a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder who begins a new prescription for lorazepam. What information should be included? (Select all that apply.) a. Caution in use of machinery b. Foods allowed on a tyramine-free diet c. The importance of caffeine restriction d. Avoidance of alcohol and other sedatives e. Take the medication on an empty stomach

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

TB17. A nurse's neighbor says, "I saw a news story about a man without any known illness who died suddenly after his ex-wife committed suicide. Was that a coincidence, or can emotional shock be fatal?" The nurse should respond by noting that some serious medical conditions may be complicated by emotional stress, including (Select all that apply) a. cancer. b. hip fractures. c. hypertension. d. immune disorders. e. cardiovascular disease.

a,c,d,e A number of diseases can be worsened or brought to awareness by intense emotional stress. Immune disorders can be complicated associated with detrimental effects of stress on the immune system. Others can be brought about indirectly, such as cardiovascular disease due to acute or chronic hypertension. Hip fractures are not in this group.

TB15. The nurse assesses an adult who is socially withdrawn and hoards. Which nursing diagnoses most likely apply to this individual? (Select all that apply.) a. Ineffective home maintenance b. Situational low self-esteem c. Chronic low self-esteem d. Disturbed body image e. Risk for injury

a,c,e Shame regarding the appearance of one's home is associated with hoarding. The behavior is usually associated with chronic low self-esteem. Hoarding results in problems of home maintenance, which may precipitate injury. The self-concept may be affected, but not body image.

TB26. A nurse driving home after work comes upon a serious automobile accident. The driver gets out of the car with no apparent physical injuries. Which assessment findings would the nurse expect from the driver immediately after this event? (Select all that apply.) a. Difficulty using a cell phone b. Long-term memory losses c. Fecal incontinence d. Rapid speech e. Trembling

a,d,e Immediate responses to crisis commonly include shock, numbness, denial, confusion, disorganization, difficulty with decision making, and physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tremors, profuse sweating, and dizziness associated with anxiety. Incontinence and long-term memory losses would not be expected.

TB21. A nurse on an adolescent psychiatric unit assesses a newly admitted 14-year-old. An impulse control disorder is suspected. Which aspects of the patient's history support the suspected diagnosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Family history of mental illness b. Allergies to multiple antibiotics c. Long history of severe facial acne d. Father with history of alcohol abuse e. History of an abusive relationship with one parent

a,d,e Parents who are abusive, rejecting, or overly controlling cause a child to suffer detrimental effects. Other stressors associated with impulse control disorders can include major disruptions such as placement in foster care, severe marital discord, or a separation of parents. Substance abuse by a parent is common. Acne and allergies are not aspects of the history that relate to the behavior.

TB17. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "Why has God chosen me to be sick all the time and unable to provide for my family? The burden on my family is worse than the pain I bear." Which nursing diagnoses apply to this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Spiritual distress b. Decisional conflict c. Adult failure to thrive d. Impaired social interaction e. Ineffective role performance

a,e The patient's verbalization is consistent with spiritual distress. The patient's description of being unable to provide for and burdening the family indicates ineffective role performance. No data support diagnoses of adult failure to thrive, impaired social interaction, or decisional conflict.

CR 8 - Which statement made by either the nurse or the patient demonstrates an ineffective patient-nurse relationship? a. "I've given a lot of thought about what triggers me to be so angry" b. "Why do you think it's acceptable for you to be so disrespectful to staff?" c. "will your spouse be available to attend tomorrow's family group session?" d. "I wanted you to know that the medication seems to be helping me fell less anxious."

Ch10. Hugo has a fraternal twin named Franco who is unaffected by mental illness even though they were raised in the same dysfunctional household. Franco asks the nurse, "Why Hugo and not me?" The nurse replies: a. "Your father was probably less abusive to you." b. "Hugo likely has a genetic vulnerability." c. "You probably ignored the situation." d. "Hugo responded to perceived threats by focusing on an internal world."

Ch10. Hugo is 21 and diagnosed with schizophrenia. His history includes significant turmoil as child and adolescent. Hugo reports his father was abusive and routinely beat him, all of his siblings, and his mother. Hugo's early exposure to stress most likely: a. Made him resilient to stressful situations b. Increased his future vulnerability to psychiatric disorders c. Developed strong survival skills d. Shaped his nurturing nature

Ch10. What assessment question is focused on identifying a long-term consequence of chronic stress on physical health? a. "Do you have any problems with sleeping well?" b. "How many infections have you experienced in the past 6 months?" c. "How much moderate exercise do you engage in on a regular basis?" d. "What management techniques to you regularly use to manage your stress?"

Ch15. Samantha is a new patient to the mental health clinic and is seeking assistance for what she describes as "severe anxiety." In addition to daily self-medicating with alcohol, Samantha describes long-term use of herbal kava. The nurse knows that kava is associated with inhibiting P450 and orders which of the following tests? a. Electrocardiogram b. Liver enzymes c. Glomerular filtration rate d. Complete blood count

Ch15. Which medication should the nurse be prepared to educate patients on when they are prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for panic attacks? a. Alprazolam (Xanax) b. Fluoxetine (Prozac) c. Clonazepam (Klonopin) d. Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Ch16. The care plan of a male patient diagnosed with a dissociative disorder includes the nursing diagnosis ineffective coping. Which behavior demonstrated by the patient supports this nursing diagnosis? a. Has no memory of the physical abuse he endured. b. Using both alcohol and marijuana. c. Often reports being unaware of surroundings. d. Reports feelings of "not really being here."

Ch17. The care plan of a patient diagnosed with a somatic disorder includes the nursing diagnosis ineffective coping. Which patient behavior demonstrates a successful outcome for that nursing diagnosis? a. Showers and dresses in clean clothes daily b. Calls a friend to talk when feeling lonely c. Spends more time talking about pain in her abdomen d. Maintains focus and concentration

Ch21. Some cultures have lower rates of diagnosed conduct disorders than observed in Western societies. The lower rate of incidence may be contributed to: a. Strict parenting with corporal punishment b. Cultural expression of anger as normal behavior c. Parents' limited tolerance for externalizing behavior d. Widespread acceptance of conduct disorders

Ch21. Which event experienced in the patient's childhood increases the risk of the development of behaviors associated with intermittent explosive disorder? a. Orphaned at age 4 b. Physically abused from ages 3 to 10 c. Born with a chronic congenital disorder d. One parent was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Ch21. Which statement made by a 9-year-old child after hitting a classmate is a typical comment associated with childhood conduct disorder? a. "I'm sorry, I won't hit him again." b. "He deserved it for being a sissy." c. "I didn't think I hit him very hard." d. "He hit me first. You just didn't see it."

Ch26. Lilly, a single mother of four, comes to the crisis center 24 hours after a fire in which all the houses within a one-block area were wiped out. All of Lilly's household goods and clothing were lost. Lilly has no other family in the area. Her efforts to mobilize assistance have been disorganized, and she is still without shelter. She is distraught and confused. You assess the situation as: a. A maturational crisis. b. An adventitious crisis. c. A crisis of confidence. d. An existential crisis.

Ch34. The nurse is caring for four patients. Which patients would not be appropriate to consider for inpatient group therapy? (Select all that apply.) The patient who: a. Has limited financial and social resources b. Is experiencing acute mania c. Has few friends on the unit d. Is preparing for discharge tomorrow e. Does not speak up often, yet listens to others

Ch34. The nurse tells group members that they will be working on expressing conflicts during the current group session. Which phase of group development is represented? a. Planning (formation) phase b. Orientation phase c. Working phase d. Termination phase

Ch9. Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of nonverbal communication? a. "The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication is often different." b. "When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response." c. "If a patient is slumped in the chair, I can be sure he's angry or depressed." d. "It's easier to understand verbal communication that nonverbal communication."

Ch9. Which student behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication? a. Offering your opinion when asked to convey support. b. Summarizing the essence of the patient's comments in your own words. c. Interrupting periods of silence before they become awkward for the patient. d. Telling the patient he did well when you approve of his statements or actions.

Ch9. You have been working closely with a patient for the past month. Today he tells you he is looking forward to meeting with his new psychiatrist but frowns and avoids eye contact while reporting this to you. Which of the following responses would most likely be therapeutic? a. "A new psychiatrist is a chance to start fresh; I'm sure it will go well for you." b. "You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy." c. "I notice that you frowned and avoided eye contact just now. Don't you feel well?" d. "I get the impression you don't really want to see your psychiatrist—can you tell me why?"

TB26. A patient comes to the crisis clinic after an unexpected job termination. The patient paces, sobs, cringes when approached, and responds to questions with only shrugs or monosyllables. Choose the nurse's best initial comment to this patient. a. "Everything is going to be all right. You are here at the clinic and the staff will keep you safe." b. "I see you are feeling upset. I'm going to stay and talk with you to help you feel better." c. "You need to try to stop crying and pacing so we can talk about your problems." d. "Let's set some guidelines and goals for your visit here."

b A crisis exists for this patient. The two primary thrusts of crisis intervention are to provide for the safety of the individual and use anxiety-reduction techniques to facilitate use of inner resources. The nurse offers therapeutic presence, which provides caring, ongoing observation relative to the patient's safety, and interpersonal reassurance.

TB15. A patient fearfully runs from chair to chair crying, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient does not follow the staff's directions or respond to verbal interventions. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority? a. Fear b. Risk for injury c. Self-care deficit d. Disturbed thought processes

b A patient experiencing panic-level anxiety is at high risk for injury related to increased non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts. Data are not present to support a nursing diagnosis of self-care deficit or disturbed thought processes. The patient may have fear, but the risk for injury has a higher priority.

TB15. A nurse wants to teach alternative coping strategies to a patient experiencing severe anxiety. Which action should the nurse perform first? a. Verify the patient's learning style. b. Lower the patient's current anxiety. c. Create outcomes and a teaching plan. d. Assess how the patient uses defense mechanisms.

b A patient experiencing severe anxiety has a markedly narrowed perceptual field and difficulty attending to events in the environment. A patient experiencing severe anxiety will not learn readily. Determining preferred modes of learning, devising outcomes, and constructing teaching plans are relevant to the task but are not the priority measure. The nurse has already assessed the patient's anxiety level. Use of defense mechanisms does not apply.

TB16. After the sudden death of his wife, a man says, "I can't live without her ... she was my whole life." Select the nurse's most therapeutic reply. a. "Each day will get a little better." b. "Her death is a terrible loss for you." c. "It's important to recognize that she is no longer suffering." d. "Your friends will help you cope with this change in your life."

b Adjustment disorders may be associated with grief. A statement that validates a bereaved person's loss is more helpful than false reassurances and clichés. It signifies understanding.

Ch. 34: Which type of group is a staff nurse with 2 months' psychiatric experience best qualified to conduct? a. Psychodynamic/psychoanalytic group b. Medication education group c. Existential/Gestalt group d. Family therapy group

b All nurses receive information about patient teaching strategies and basic information about psychotropic medications, making a medication education group a logical group for a beginner to conduct. The other groups would need a leader with more education and experience.

TB15. A patient is experiencing moderate anxiety. The nurse encourages the patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention? a. Offering hope allays and defuses the patient's anxiety. b. Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving begin. c. Anxiety is reduced by focusing on and validating what is occurring in the environment. d. Encouraging patients to explore alternatives increases the sense of control and lessens anxiety.

b All principles listed are valid, but the only rationale directly related to the intervention of assisting the patient to talk about feelings and concerns is the one that states that concerns spoken aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving begin.

Ch. 34: During a support group, a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "Sometimes I feel sad that I will never have a good job like my brother. Then I dwell on it and maybe I should not." Select the nurse leader's best comment to facilitate discussion of this issue. a. "It is often better to focus on our successes rather than our failures." b. "How have others in the group handled painful feelings like these?" c. "Grieving for what is lost is a normal part of having a mental disorder." d. "I wonder if you might also experience feelings of anger and helplessness."

b Asking others to share their experiences will facilitate discussion of an issue. Giving information may serve to close discussion of the issue because it sounds final. Suggesting a focus on the positives implies a discussion of the issue is not appropriate. Suggesting other possible feelings is inappropriate at this point, considering the patient has identified feelings of sadness and seems to have a desire to explore this feeling. Focusing on other feelings will derail discussion of the patient's grief for his perceived lost potential.

Ch. 7: A nurse asks a patient, "If you had fever and vomiting for 3 days, what would you do?" Which aspect of the mental status examination is the nurse assessing? a. Behavior b. Cognition c. Affect and mood d. Perceptual disturbances

b Assessing cognition involves determining a patient's judgment and decision making. In this case, the nurse would expect a response of "Call my doctor" if the patient's cognition and judgment are intact. If the patient responds, "I would stop eating" or "I would just wait and see what happened," the nurse would conclude that judgment is impaired. The other options refer to other aspects of the examination.

Ch. 7: Before assessing a new patient, a nurse is told by another health care worker, "I know that patient. No matter how hard we work, there isn't much improvement by the time of discharge." The nurse's responsibility is to a. document the other worker's assessment of the patient. b. assess the patient based on data collected from all sources. c. validate the worker's impression by contacting the patient's significant other. d. discuss the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview.

b Assessment should include data obtained from both the primary and reliable secondary sources. The nurse, bearing in mind the possible effects of counter-transference, should evaluate biased assessments by others as objectively as possible.

TB15. A patient performs ritualistic hand washing. Which action should the nurse implement to help the patient develop more effective coping? a. Allow the patient to set a hand-washing schedule. b. Encourage the patient to participate in social activities. c. Encourage the patient to discuss hand-washing routines. d. Focus on the patient's symptoms rather than on the patient.

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

TB15. A woman is 5'7", 160 lbs. and wears a size 8 shoe. She says, "My feet are huge. I've asked three orthopedists to surgically reduce my feet." This person tries to buy shoes to make her feet look smaller and, in social settings, conceals both feet under a table or chair. Which health problem is likely? a. Social anxiety disorder b. Body dysmorphic disorder c. Separation anxiety disorder d. Obsessive-compulsive disorder due to a medical condition

b Body dysmorphic disorder refers to a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance in a normal- appearing person. The patient's feet are proportional to the rest of the body. In obsessive-compulsive or related disorder due to a medical condition, the individual's symptoms of obsessions and compulsions are a direct physiological result of a medical condition. Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is characterized by severe anxiety or fear provoked by exposure to a social or a performance situation that will be evaluated negatively by others. People with separation anxiety disorder exhibit developmentally inappropriate levels of concern over being away from a significant other.

Ch. 8: A nurse assesses a confused older adult. The nurse experiences sadness and reflects, "This patient is like one of my grandparents ... so helpless." Which response is the nurse demonstrating? a. Transference b. Countertransference c. Catastrophic reaction d. Defensive coping reaction

b Countertransference is the nurse's transference or response to a patient that is based on the nurse's unconscious needs, conflicts, problems, or view of the world. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 8: An advanced practice nurse observes a novice nurse expressing irritability regarding a patient with a long history of alcoholism and suspects the new nurse is experiencing countertransference. Which comment by the new nurse confirms this suspicion? a. "This patient continues to deny problems resulting from drinking." b. "My parents were alcoholics and often neglected our family." c. "The patient cannot identify any goals for improvement." d. "The patient said I have many traits like her mother."

b Countertransference occurs when the nurse unconsciously and inappropriately displaces onto the patient feelings and behaviors related to significant figures in the nurse's past. In this instance, the new nurse's irritability stems from relationships with parents. The distracters indicate transference or accurate analysis of the patient's behavior.

Tb16. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) says to the nurse, "That patient with amnesia looks fine, but when I talk to her, she seems vague. What should I be doing for her?" Select the nurse's best reply. a. "Spend as much time with her as you can and ask questions about her life." b. "Use short, simple sentences and keep the environment calm and protective." c. "Provide more information about her past to reduce the mysteries that are causing anxiety." d. "Structure her time with activities to keep her busy, stimulated, and regaining concentration."

b Disruptions in ability to perform activities of daily living, confusion, and anxiety are often apparent in patients with amnesia. Offering simple directions to promote activities of daily living and reduce confusion helps increase feelings of safety and security. A calm, secure, predictable, protective environment is also helpful when a person is dealing with a great deal of uncertainty. Recollection of memories should proceed at its own pace, and the patient should only gradually be given information about her past. Asking questions that require recall that the patient does not possess will only add frustration. Quiet, undemanding activities should be provided as the patient tolerates them and should be balanced with rest periods; the patient's time should not be loaded with demanding or stimulating activities.

Ch. 7: A patient presents to the emergency department with mixed psychiatric symptoms. The admission nurse suspects the symptoms may be the result of a medical problem. Lab results show elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. What is the nurse's next best action? a. Report the findings to the health care provider. b. Assess the patient for a history of renal problems. c. Assess the patient's family history for cardiac problems. d. Arrange for the patient's hospitalization on the psychiatric unit.

b Elevated BUN and creatinine suggest renal problems. Renal dysfunction can often imitate psychiatric disorders. The nurse should further assess the patient's history for renal problems and then share the findings with the health care provider.

TB10. Which scenario best demonstrates an example of eustress? An individual a. loses a beloved family pet. b. prepares to take a vacation to a tropical island with a group of close friends. c. receives a bank notice that there were insufficient funds in his/her account for a recent rent payment. d. receives notification that his/her current employer is experiencing financial problems and some workers will be terminated.

b Eustress is beneficial stress; it motivates people to develop skills they need to solve problems and meet personal goals. Positive life experiences produce eustress. Going on a tropical vacation is an exciting, relaxing experience and is an example of eustress. Losing the family pet, worrying about employment security, and having financial problems are examples of distress, a negative experience that drains energy and can lead to significant emotional problems. See related audience response question.

TB10. A patient tells the nurse, "I will never be happy until I'm as successful as my older sister." The nurse asks the patient to reassess this statement and reframe it. Which reframed statement by the patient is most likely to promote coping? a. "People should treat me as well as they treat my sister." b. "I can find contentment in succeeding at my own job level." c. "I won't be happy until I make as much money as my sister." d. "Being as smart or clever as my sister isn't really important."

b Finding contentment within one's own work, even when it does not involve success as others might define it, is likely to lead to a reduced sense of distress about achievement level. It speaks to finding satisfaction and happiness without measuring the self against another person. Focusing on salary is simply a more specific way of being as successful as the sister, which would not promote coping. Expecting others to treat her as they do her sister is beyond her control. Dismissing the sister's cleverness as unimportant indicates that the patient continues to feel inferior to the sibling.

TB21. A 15-year-old was placed in a residential program after truancy, running away, and an arrest for theft. At the program, the adolescent refused to join in planned activities and pushed a staff member, causing a fall. Which approach by nursing staff will be most therapeutic? a. Planned ignoring b. Establish firm limits c. Neutrally permit refusals d. Coaxing to gain compliance

b Firm limits are necessary to ensure physical safety and emotional security. Limit setting will also protect other patients from the teen's thoughtless or aggressive behavior. Permitting refusals to participate in the treatment plan, ignoring, coaxing, and bargaining are strategies that do not help the patient learn to abide by rules or structure.

TB16. A soldier returned home from active duty in a combat zone and was diagnosed with PTSD. The soldier says, "If there's a loud noise at night, I get under my bed because I think we're getting bombed." What type of experience has the soldier described? a. Illusion b. Flashback c. Nightmare d. Auditory hallucination

b Flashbacks are dissociative reactions in which an individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event were recurring. Illusions are misinterpretations of stimuli, and although the experience is similar, it is better termed a flashback because of the diagnosis of PTSD. Auditory hallucinations have no external stimuli. Nightmares commonly accompany PTSD, but this experience was stimulated by an actual environmental sound.

Ch. 8: A nurse wants to demonstrate genuineness with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse should a. restate what the patient says. b. use congruent communication strategies. c. use self-revelation in patient interactions. d. consistently interpret the patient's behaviors.

b Genuineness is a desirable characteristic involving awareness of one's own feelings as they arise and the ability to communicate them when appropriate. The incorrect options are undesirable in a therapeutic relationship.

TB15. A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate? a. Reassure the patient that all nurses are skilled in providing postoperative care. b. Present the information again in a calm manner using simple language. c. Tell the patient that staff is prepared to promote recovery. d. Encourage the patient to express feelings to family.

b Giving information in a calm, simple manner will help the patient grasp the important facts. Introducing extraneous topics as described in the distracters will further scatter the patient's attention.

Ch. 9: A black patient says to a white nurse, "There's no sense talking about how I feel. You wouldn't understand because you live in a white world." The nurse's best action would be to a. explain, "Yes, I do understand. Everyone goes through the same experiences." b. say, "Please give an example of something you think I wouldn't understand." c. reassure the patient that nurses interact with people from all cultures. d. change the subject to one that is less emotionally disturbing.

b Having the patient speak in specifics rather than globally will help the nurse understand the patient's perspective. This approach will help the nurse engage the patient. Reassurance and changing the subject are not therapeutic techniques.

TB16. A patient diagnosed with depersonalization disorder tells the nurse, "It's starting again. I feel as though I'm going to float away." Which intervention would be most appropriate at this point? a. Notify the health care provider of this change in the patient's behavior. b. Engage the patient in a physical activity such as exercise. c. Isolate the patient until the sensation has diminished. d. Administer a prn dose of antianxiety medication.

b Helping the patient apply a grounding technique, such as exercise, assists the patient to interrupt the dissociative process. Medication can help reduce anxiety but does not directly interrupt the dissociative process. Isolation would allow the sensation to overpower the patient. It is not necessary to notify the health care provider.

TB26. A patient comes to the crisis center saying, "I'm in a terrible situation. I don't know what to do." The triage nurse can initially assume that the patient is a. suicidal. b. anxious and fearful. c. misperceiving reality. d. potentially homicidal.

b Individuals in crisis are universally anxious. They are often frightened and may be mildly confused. Perceptions are often narrowed with anxiety.

TB15. The nurse assesses a patient who complains of loneliness and episodes of anxiety. Which statement by the patient is mostly likely if this patient also has agoraphobia? a. "I'm sure I will get over not wanting to leave home soon. It takes time." b. "Being afraid to go out seems ridiculous, but I can't go out the door." c. "My family says they like it now that I stay home most of the time." d. "When I have a good incentive to go out, I can do it."

b Individuals who are agoraphobic generally acknowledge that the behavior is not constructive and that they do not really like it. The symptom is ego dystonic. However, patients will state they are unable to change the behavior. Agoraphobics are not optimistic about change. Most families are dissatisfied when family members refuse to leave the house.

Ch. 9: A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic? a. "Let's talk about something other than the CIA." b. "It sounds like you're concerned about your privacy." c. "The CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities." d. "You have lost touch with reality, which is a symptom of your illness."

b It is important not to challenge the patient's beliefs, even if they are unrealistic. Challenging undermines the patient's trust in the nurse. The nurse should try to understand the underlying feelings or thoughts the patient's message conveys. The correct response uses the therapeutic technique of reflection. The other comments are nontherapeutic. Asking to talk about something other than the concern at hand is changing the subject. Saying that the CIA is prohibited from operating in health care facilities gives false reassurance. Stating that the patient has lost touch with reality is truthful, but uncompassionate.

TB15. A patient experiences a sudden episode of severe anxiety. Of these medications in the patient's medical record, which is most appropriate to give as a prn anxiolytic? a. buspirone b. lorazepam c. amitriptyline d. desipramine

b Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety. It may be given as a prn medication. Buspirone is long acting and is not useful as a prn drug. Amitriptyline and desipramine are tricyclic antidepressants and considered second- or third-line agents.

TB10. A patient experiencing significant stress associated with a disturbing new medical diagnosis asks the nurse, "Do you think saying a prayer would help?" Select the nurse's best answer. a. "It could be that prayer is your only hope." b. "You may find prayer gives comfort and lowers your stress." c. "I can help you feel calmer by teaching you meditation exercises." d. "We do not have evidence that prayer helps, but it wouldn't hurt."

b Many patients find that spiritual measures, including prayer, are helpful in mediating stress. Studies have shown that spiritual practices can enhance the sense of well-being. When a patient suggests a viable means of reducing stress, it should be supported by the nurse. Indicating that prayer is the patient's only hope is pessimistic and would cause further distress. Suggesting meditation or other alternatives to prayer implies that the nurse does not think prayer would be effective.

TB15. A patient with an abdominal mass is scheduled for a biopsy. The patient has difficulty understanding the nurse's comments and asks, "What do you mean? What are they going to do?" Assessment findings include tremulous voice, respirations 28, and pulse 110. What is the patient's level of anxiety? a. Mild b. Moderate c. Severe d. Panic

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

TB21. A child known as the neighborhood bully says, "Nobody can tell me what to do." After receiving a poor grade on a science project, this child secretly loaded a virus on the teacher's computer. These behaviors support a diagnosis of a. CD. b. ODD. c. intermittent explosive disorder. d. ADHD.

b ODD is a repeated and persistent pattern of having an angry and irritable mood in conjunction with demonstrating defiant and vindictive behavior. Loading a virus is a vindictive behavior in retribution for a poor grade. Persons with CD are aggressive against people and animals; destroy property; are deceitful; violate rules; and have impaired social, academic, or occupational functioning. There is no evidence of explosiveness or distractibility.

TB26. A nurse assesses a patient in crisis. Select the most appropriate question for the nurse to ask to assess this patient's situational support. a. "Has anything upsetting occurred in the past few days?" b. "Who can be helpful to you during this time?" c. "How does this problem affect your life?" d. "What led you to seek help at this time?"

b Only the answer focuses on situational support. The incorrect options focus on the patient's perception of the precipitating event.

TB17. Which assessment data would help the health care team distinguish symptoms of conversion (functional neurological) disorder from symptoms of illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)? a. Voluntary control of symptoms b. Patient's style of presentation c. Results of diagnostic testing d. The role of secondary gains

b Patients with illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) tend to be more anxious about their concerns and display more obsessive attention to detail, whereas the patients with conversion (functional neurological) disorder often exhibit less concern with the symptom they are presenting than would be expected. Neither disorder involves voluntary control of the symptoms. Results of diagnostic testing for both would be negative (i.e., no physiological basis would be found for the symptoms). Secondary gains can occur in both disorders but are not necessary to either. See relationship to audience response question.

TB17. A patient reports fears of having cervical cancer and says to the nurse, "I've had Pap smears by six different doctors. The results were normal, but I'm sure that's because of errors in the laboratory." Which disorder would the nurse suspect? a. Conversion (functional neurological) disorder b. Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) c. Somatic symptom disorder d. Factitious disorder

b Patients with illness anxiety disorder have fears of serious medical problems, such as cancer or heart disease. These fears persist despite medical evaluations and interfere with daily functioning. There are no complaints of pain. There is no evidence of factitious or conversion disorder.

TB17. A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder. Care planning is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably a. readily seek psychiatric counseling. b. be resistant to accepting psychiatric help. c. attend psychotherapy sessions without encouragement. d. be eager to discover the true reasons for physical symptoms.

b Patients with somatic symptom disorders go from one health care provider to another trying to establish a physical cause for their symptoms. When a psychological basis is suggested and a referral for counseling offered, these patients reject both.

TB16. A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care? a. Trigger flashbacks intentionally in order to help the patient learn to cope with them. b. Explain that the physical symptoms are related to the psychological state. c. Encourage repression of memories associated with the traumatic event. d. Support "numbing" as a temporary way to manage intolerable feelings.

b Persons with PTSD often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the body's responses to psychological trauma helps the patient understand how such symptoms are part of the illness and something that will respond to treatment. This decreases powerlessness over the symptoms and helps instill a sense of hope. It also helps the patient to understand how relaxation, breathing exercises, and imagery can be helpful in symptom reduction. The goal of treatment for PTSD is to come to terms with the event so treatment efforts would not include repression of memories or numbing. Triggering flashbacks would increase patient distress.

Ch. 7: A new staff nurse completes an orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients? a. Perform mental health assessment interviews. b. Prescribe psychotropic medication. c. Establish therapeutic relationships. d. Individualize nursing care plans.

b Prescriptive privileges are granted to master's-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medication. The nurse prepared at the basic level performs mental health assessments, establishes relationships, and provides individualized care planning.

TB26. Which situation demonstrates use of primary intervention related to crisis? a. Implementation of suicide precautions for a depressed patient b. Teaching stress-reduction techniques to a first-year college student c. Assessing coping strategies used by a patient who attempted suicide d. Referring a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia to a partial hospitalization program

b Primary care-related crisis intervention promotes mental health and reduces mental illness. The incorrect options are examples of secondary or tertiary interventions.

Ch. 7: Which entry in the medical record best meets the requirement for problem-oriented charting? a. "A: Pacing and muttering to self. P: Sensory perceptual alteration related to internal auditory stimulation. I: Given fluphenazine HCL 2.5 mg po at 0900 and went to room to lie down. E: Calmer by 0930. Returned to lounge to watch TV." b. "S: States, 'I feel like I'm ready to blow up.' O: Pacing hall, mumbling to self. A: Auditory hallucinations. P: Offer haloperidol 2 mg po. I: Haloperidol 2 mg po given at 0900. E: Returned to lounge at 0930 and quietly watched TV." c. "Agitated behavior. D: Patient muttering to self as though answering an unseen person. A: Given haloperidol 2 mg po and went to room to lie down. E: Patient calmer. Returned to lounge to watch TV." d. "Pacing hall and muttering to self as though answering an unseen person. haloperidol 2 mg po administered at 0900 with calming effect in 30 minutes. Stated, 'I'm no longer bothered by the voices.'"

b Problem-oriented documentation uses the first letter of key words to organize data: S for subjective data, O for objective data, A for assessment, P for plan, I for intervention, and E for evaluation. The distracters offer examples of PIE charting, focus documentation, and narrative documentation.

TB17. A patient has blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder but is unconcerned about this problem. Which understanding should guide the nurse's planning for this patient? a. The patient is suppressing accurate feelings regarding the problem. b. The patient's anxiety is relieved through the physical symptom. c. The patient's optic nerve transmission has been impaired. d. The patient will not disclose genuine fears.

b Psychoanalytical theory suggests conversion reduces anxiety through production of a physical symptom symbolically linked to an underlying conflict. Conversion, not suppression, is the operative defense mechanism in this disorder. While some MRI studies suggest that patients with conversion disorder have an abnormal pattern of cerebral activation, there is no actual alternation of nerve transmission. The other distracters oversimplify the dynamics, suggesting that only dependency needs are of concern, or suggest conscious motivation (conversion operates unconsciously).

Ch. 7: "QSEN" refers to a. Qualitative Standardized Excellence in Nursing. b. Quality and Safety Education for Nurses. c. Quantitative Effectiveness in Nursing. d. Quick Standards Essential for Nurses.

b QSEN represents national initiatives centered on patient safety and quality. The primary goal of QSEN is to prepare future nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to increase the quality, care, and safety in the health care setting in which they work.

TB17. A patient says, "I know I have a brain tumor despite the results of the MRI. The radiologist is wrong. People who have brain tumors vomit, and yesterday I vomited all day." Which response by the nurse fosters cognitive reframing? a. "You do not have a brain tumor. The more you talk about it, the more it reinforces your belief." b. "Let's see if there are any other possible explanations for your vomiting." c. "You seem so worried. Let's talk about how you're feeling." d. "We need to talk about something else."

b Questioning the evidence is a cognitive reframing technique. Identifying causes other than the feared disease can be helpful in changing distorted perceptions. Distraction by changing the subject will not be effective.

TB21. An 11-year-old diagnosed with ODD becomes angry over the rules at a residential treatment program and begins shouting at the nurse. What is the nurse's initial action to defuse the situation? a. Say to the child, "Tell me how you're feeling right now." b. Take the child swimming at the facility's pool. c. Establish a behavioral contract with the child. d. Administer an anxiolytic medication.

b Redirecting the expression of feelings into nondestructive, age-appropriate behaviors such as a physical activity helps the child learn how to modulate the expression of feelings and exert self-control. This is the least restrictive alternative and should be tried before resorting to measures that are more restrictive. A shouting child will not likely engage in a discussion about feelings. A behavioral contract could be considered later, but first the situation must be defused.

TB10. A patient says, "One result of my chronic stress is that I feel so tired. I usually sleep from 11:00 PM to 6:30 AM. I started setting my alarm to give me an extra 30 minutes of sleep each morning, but I don't feel any better and I'm rushed for work." Which nursing response would best address the patient's concerns? a. "You may need to speak to your doctor about taking a sedative to help you sleep." b. "Perhaps going to bed a half-hour earlier would work better than sleeping later." c. "A glass of wine in the evening might take the edge off and help you to rest." d. "Exercising just before retiring for the night may help you to sleep better."

b Sleeping later in the morning may disturb circadian rhythms and in this case is adding, rather than reducing, stress. Going to bed earlier and arising at the usual time alleviates fatigue more effectively. Sedatives may offer some benefit but are a short-term intervention with potential side effects, and other nonpharmacological interventions might work as well or better. Exercise earlier in the evening could induce tiredness and ease the process of falling asleep, but doing so right before bedtime would stimulate and interfere with sleep. Alcohol is sedating but potentially addictive; encouraging its use could increase the risk of using alcohol maladaptively as a response to stress in general.

Ch. 8: A nurse wants to enhance growth of a patient by showing positive regard. The nurse's action most likely to achieve this goal is a. making rounds daily. b. staying with a tearful patient. c. administering medication as prescribed. d. examining personal feelings about a patient.

b Staying with a crying patient offers support and shows positive regard. Administering daily medication and making rounds are tasks that could be part of an assignment and do not necessarily reflect positive regard. Examining feelings regarding a patient addresses the nurse's ability to be therapeutic.

TB26. Six months ago, a woman had a prophylactic double mastectomy because of a family history of breast cancer. One week ago, this woman learned her husband was involved in an extramarital affair. The woman says tearfully, "What else can happen?" If the woman's immediate family is unable to provide sufficient support, the nurse should a. suggest hospitalization for a short period. b. ask what other relatives or friends are available for support. c. tell the patient, "You are a strong person. You can get through this crisis." d. foster insight by relating the present situation to earlier situations involving loss.

b The assessment of situational supports should continue. Even though the patient's nuclear family may not be supportive, other situational supports may be available. If they are adequate, admission to an inpatient unit will be unnecessary. Psychotherapy is not appropriate for crisis intervention. Advice is usually nontherapeutic.

Ch. 34: The nurse is planning a new sexuality group for patients. Which location would best enhance the effectiveness of this group? a. The hospital auditorium b. A small conference room c. A common area, such as a day room d. The corner of the music therapy room

b The conference room would provide a quiet, private area with few distractions, separate from other patient areas and effective for teaching and learning about a private topic. The auditorium is too large, and members' anxiety or lack of trust might lead them to spread out too far from each other, interfering with group process. The day room and the music therapy room are too busy and exposed, reducing privacy and increasing distractions.

TB16. Which comment by the parents of young children best demonstrates support of development of resilience and effective stress management? a. "Our children will be stronger if they make their own decisions." b. "We spend daily family time talking about experiences and feelings." c. "We use three different babysitters. All of them have college degrees." d. "Our parenting strategies are different from those our own parents used."

b The correct response demonstrates consistent nurturing, which is a vital component of building resilience in children. The incorrect responses are not necessarily unhealthy parenting behaviors, but they do not clearly demonstrate parental nurturing.

TB16. Two weeks ago, a soldier returned to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier was diagnosed with PTSD. Which comment by the soldier requires the nurse's immediate attention? a. "It's good to be home. I missed my home, family, and friends." b. "I saw my best friend get killed by a roadside bomb. I don't understand why it wasn't me." c. "Sometimes I think I hear bombs exploding, but it's just the noise of traffic in my hometown." d. "I want to continue my education, but I'm not sure how I will fit in with other college students."

b The correct response indicates the soldier is thinking about death and feeling survivor's guilt. These emotions may accompany suicidal ideation, which warrants the nurse's follow-up assessment. Suicide is a high risk among military personnel diagnosed with PTSD. One distracter indicates flashbacks, common with persons with PTSD, but not solely indicative that further problems exist. The other distracters are normal emotions associated with returning home and change.

Ch. 8: As a patient diagnosed with a mental illness is being discharged from a facility, a nurse invites the patient to the annual staff picnic. What is the best analysis of this scenario? a. The invitation facilitates dependency on the nurse. b. The nurse's action blurs the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. c. The invitation is therapeutic for the patient's diversional activity deficit. d. The nurse's action assists the patient's integration into community living.

b The invitation creates a social relationship rather than a therapeutic relationship.

Ch. 34: During a therapy group that uses existential/Gestalt theory, patients shared feelings that occurred at the time of their admission. After a brief silence, one member says, "Several people have described feeling angry. I would like to hear from members who had other feelings." Which group role is evident by this comment? a. Energizer b. Encourager c. Compromiser d. Self-confessor

b The member is filling the role of encourager by acknowledging those who have contributed and encouraging input from others. An energizer encourages the group to make decisions or take an action. The compromiser focuses on reducing or resolving conflict to preserve harmony. A self-confessor verbalizes feelings or observations unrelated to the group.

TB26. Which communication technique will the nurse use more in crisis intervention than traditional counseling? a. Role modeling b. Giving direction c. Information giving d. Empathic listening

b The nurse working in crisis intervention must be creative and flexible in looking at the patient's situation and suggesting possible solutions to the patient. Giving direction is part of the active role a crisis intervention therapist takes. The other options are used equally in crisis intervention and traditional counseling roles.

TB26. An adult comes to the crisis clinic after termination from a job of 15 years. The patient says, "I don't know what to do. How can I get another job? Who will pay the bills? How will I feed my family?" Which nursing diagnosis applies? a. Hopelessness b. Powerlessness c. Chronic low self-esteem d. Interrupted family processes

b The patient describes feelings of lack of control over life events. No direct mention is made of hopelessness or chronic low self-esteem. The patient's family processes are not interrupted at this point.

TB17. A patient has blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder. To help the patient eat, the nurse should a. establish a "buddy" system with other patients who can feed the patient at each meal. b. expect the patient to feed self after explaining arrangement of the food on the tray. c. direct the patient to locate items on the tray independently and feed self. d. address needs of other patients in the dining room, then feed this patient.

b The patient is expected to maintain some level of independence by feeding self, while the nurse is supportive in a matter-of-fact way. The distracters support dependency or offer little support.

TB17. A patient with blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder says, "All the doctors and nurses in the hospital stop by often to check on me. Too bad people outside the hospital don't find me as interesting." Which nursing diagnosis is most relevant? a. Social isolation b. Chronic low self-esteem c. Interrupted family processes d. Ineffective health maintenance

b The patient mentions that the symptoms make people more interested. This indicates that the patient feels uninteresting and unpopular without the symptoms, thus supporting the nursing diagnosis of chronic low self-esteem. Defining characteristics for the other nursing diagnoses are not present in the scenario.

Ch. 34: A patient in a detoxification unit asks, "What good it will do to go to Alcoholics Anonymous and talk to other people with the same problem?" The nurse's best response would be to explain that self-help groups such as AA provide opportunities for a. newly discharged alcoholics to learn about the disease of alcoholism. b. people with common problems to share their experiences with alcoholism and recovery. c. patients with alcoholism to receive insight-oriented treatment about the etiology of their disease. d. professional counselors to provide guidance to individuals recovering from alcoholism.

b The patient needs basic information about the purpose of a self-help group. The basis of self-help groups is sharing by individuals with similar problems. Self-help is based on the belief that an individual with a problem can be truly understood and helped only by others who have the same problem. The other options fail to address this or provide incorrect information.

TB17. A patient with a somatic symptom disorder has the nursing diagnosis Interrupted family processes related to patient's disabling symptoms as evidenced by spouse and children assuming roles and tasks that previously belonged to patient. An appropriate outcome is that the patient will a. assume roles and functions of other family members. b. demonstrate performance of former roles and tasks. c. focus energy on problems occurring in the family. d. rely on family members to meet personal needs.

b The patient with a somatic symptom disorder has typically adopted a sick role in the family, characterized by dependence. Increasing independence and resumption of former roles are necessary to change this pattern. The distracters are inappropriate outcomes.

Ch. 7: A nurse wants to assess an adult patient's recent memory. Which question would best yield the desired information? a. "Where did you go to elementary school?" b. "What did you have for breakfast this morning?" c. "Can you name the current president of the United States?" d. "A few minutes ago, I told you my name. Can you remember it?"

b The patient's recall of a meal provides evidence of recent memory. Two incorrect responses are useful to assess immediate and remote memory. The other distracter assesses the patient's fund of knowledge.

Ch. 9: The patient says, "My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree." The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's communication is a. clear. b. distorted. c. incongruous. d. inadequate.

b The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication in this scenario are incongruous. Incongruous messages involve transmission of conflicting messages by the speaker. The patient's verbal message that all was well in the relationship was modified by the nonverbal behaviors denoting anxiety. Data are not present to support the choice of the verbal message being clear, explicit, or inadequate.

TB16. The gas pedal on a person's car became stuck on a busy interstate highway, causing the car to accelerate rapidly. For 20 minutes, the car was very difficult to control. In the months after this experience, afterward, which assessment finding would the nurse expect? a. Weight gain b. Flashbacks c. Headache d. Diuresis

b The scenario depicts a frightening, traumatic, and stressful situation. Severe dissociation or "mind flight" may occur for those who have suffered significant trauma. The episodic failure of dissociation causes intrusive symptoms such as flashbacks. The problems identified in the distracters may or may not occur.

Ch. 7: After formulating the nursing diagnoses for a new patient, what is a nurse's next action? a. Designing interventions to include in the plan of care b. Determining the goals and outcome criteria c. Implementing the nursing plan of care d. Completing the spiritual assessment

b The third step of the nursing process is planning and outcome identification. Outcomes cannot be determined until the nursing assessment is complete and nursing diagnoses have been formulated.

Ch. 9: During the first interview with a parent whose child died in a car accident, the nurse feels empathic and reaches out to take the patient's hand. Select the correct analysis of the nurse's behavior. a. It shows empathy and compassion. It will encourage the patient to continue to express feelings. b. The gesture is premature. The patient's cultural and individual interpretation of touch is unknown. c. The patient will perceive the gesture as intrusive and overstepping boundaries. d. The action is inappropriate. Psychiatric patients should not be touched.

b Touch has various cultural and individual interpretations. Nurses should refrain from using touch until an assessment is completed regarding the way in which the patient will perceive touch. The incorrect options present prematurely drawn conclusions.

TB17. Which prescription medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder? a. Narcotic analgesics for use as needed for acute pain b. Antidepressant medications to treat co-morbid depression c. Long-term use of benzodiazepines to support coping with anxiety d. Conventional antipsychotic medications to correct cognitive distortions

b Various types of antidepressants may be helpful in somatic disorders not only directly by reducing depressive symptoms and hence somatic responses, but also indirectly by affecting nerve circuits that affect not only mood but also fatigue, pain perception, GI distress, and other somatic symptoms. Patients may benefit from short-term use of antianxiety medication (benzodiazepines) but require careful monitoring because of risks of dependence. Conventional antipsychotic medications would not be used, although selected atypical antipsychotics may be useful. Narcotic analgesics are not indicated.

TB10. A patient nervously says, "Financial problems are stressing my marriage. I've heard rumors about cutbacks at work; I am afraid I might get laid off." The patient's pulse is 112/minute; respirations are 26/minute; and blood pressure is 166/88. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement? a. Advise the patient, "Go to sleep 30 to 60 minutes earlier each night to increase rest." b. Direct the patient in slow and deep breathing using abdominal muscles. c. Suggest the patient consider that a new job might be better than the present one. d. Tell the patient, "Relax by spending more time playing with your pet."

b The patient is responding to stress with increased arousal of the sympathetic nervous system, as evident by elevated vital signs. These will have a negative effect on his health and increase his perception of being anxious and stressed. Stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system will counter the sympathetic nervous system's arousal, normalizing these vital sign changes and reducing the physiological demands stress is placing on his body. Other options do not address his physiological response pattern as directly or immediately.

Ch. 9: A patient cries as the nurse explores the patient's feelings about the death of a close friend. The patient sobs, "I shouldn't be crying like this. It happened a long time ago." Which responses by the nurse facilitate communication? (Select all that apply.) a. "Why do you think you are so upset?" b. "I can see that you feel sad about this situation." c. "The loss of a close friend is very painful for you." d. "Crying is a way of expressing the hurt you are experiencing." e. "Let's talk about something else because this subject is upsetting you."

b, c, d Reflecting ("I can see that you feel sad," "This is very painful for you") and giving information ("Crying is a way of expressing hurt") are therapeutic techniques. "Why" questions often imply criticism or seem intrusive or judgmental. They are difficult to answer. Changing the subject is a barrier to communication.

Ch. 7: A patient is very suspicious and states, "The FBI has me under surveillance." Which strategies should a nurse use when gathering initial assessment data about this patient? (Select all that apply.) a. Tell the patient that medication will help this type of thinking. b. Ask the patient, "Tell me about the problem as you see it." c. Seek information about when the problem began. d. Tell the patient, "Your ideas are not realistic." e. Reassure the patient, "You are safe here."

b, c, e During the assessment interview, the nurse should listen attentively and accept the patient's statements in a nonjudgmental way. Because the patient is suspicious and fearful, reassuring safety may be helpful, although trust is unlikely so early in the relationship. Saying that medication will help or telling the patient that the ideas are not realistic will undermine development of trust between the nurse and patient.

Ch. 34: The next-to-last meeting of an interpersonal therapy group is taking place. The leader should take which actions? (Select all that apply.) a. Support appropriate expressions of disagreement by the group's members. b. Facilitate discussion and resolution of feelings about the end of the group. c. Encourage members to reflect on their progress and that of the group itself. d. Remind members of the group's norms and rules, emphasizing confidentiality. e. Help members identify goals they would like to accomplish after the group ends. f. Promote the identification and development of new options for solving problems.

b, c, e The goals for the termination phase of groups are to prepare the group for separation, resolve related feelings, and prepare each member for the future. Contributions and accomplishments of members are elicited, post-group goals are identified, and feelings about the group's ending are discussed. Group norms are the focus of the orientation phase, and conflict and problem solving are emphasized in the working phase.

Ch. 7: A nurse assessed a patient who reluctantly participated in activities, answered questions with minimal responses, and rarely made eye contact. What information should be included when documenting the assessment? (Select all that apply.) a. The patient was uncooperative b. The patient's subjective responses c. Only data obtained from the patient's verbal responses d. A description of the patient's behavior during the interview e. Analysis of why the patient was unresponsive during the interview

b, d Both content and process of the interview should be documented. Providing only the patient's verbal responses would create a skewed picture of the patient. Writing that the patient was uncooperative is subjectively worded. An objective description of patient behavior would be preferable. Analysis of the reasons for the patient's behavior would be speculation, which is inappropriate.

Ch. 7: What information is conveyed by nursing diagnoses? (Select all that apply.) a. Medical judgments about the disorder b. Unmet patient needs currently present c. Goals and outcomes for the plan of care d. Supporting data that validate the diagnoses e. Probable causes that will be targets for nursing interventions

b, d, e Nursing diagnoses focus on phenomena of concern to nurses rather than on medical diagnoses.

Ch. 8: A novice nurse tells a mentor, "I want to convey to my patients that I am interested in them and that I want to listen to what they have to say." Which behaviors will be helpful in meeting the nurse's goal? (Select all that apply.) a. Sitting behind a desk, facing the patient b. Introducing self to a patient and identifying own role c. Maintaining control of discussions by asking direct questions d. Using facial expressions to convey interest and encouragement e. Assuming an open body posture and sometimes mirror imaging

b, d, e Trust is fostered when the nurse gives an introduction and identifies his or her role. Facial expressions that convey interest and encouragement support the nurse's verbal statements to that effect and strengthen the message. An open body posture conveys openness to listening to what the patient has to say. Mirror imaging enhances patient comfort. A desk would place a physical barrier between the nurse and patient. A face-to-face stance should be avoided when possible and a less intense 90- or 120-degree angle used to permit either party to look away without discomfort.

Ch. 34: A leader begins the discussion at the first meeting of a new group. Which comments should be included? (Select all that apply.) a. "We use groups to provide treatment because it's a more cost-effective use of staff in this time of budget constraints." b. "When someone shares a personal experience, it's important to keep the information confidential." c. "Talking to family members about our group discussions will help us achieve our goals." d. "Everyone is expected to share a personal experience at each group meeting." e. "It is important for everyone to arrive on time for our group."

b, e The leader must set ground rules for the group before members can effectively participate. Confidentiality of personal experiences should be maintained. Arriving on time is important to the group process. Talking to family members would jeopardize confidentiality. While groups are cost-effective, blaming the budget would not help members feel valued. Setting an expectation to share may be intimidating for a withdrawn patient.

TB26. A team of nurses report to the community after a category 5 hurricane devastates many homes and businesses. The nurses provide emergency supplies of insulin to persons with diabetes and help transfer patients in skilled nursing facilities to sites that have electrical power. Which aspects of disaster management have these nurses fulfilled? (Select all that apply.) a. Preparedness b. Mitigation c. Response d. Recovery e. Evaluation

b,c This community has experienced a catastrophic event. There are five phases of the disaster management continuum. The nurses' activities applied to mitigation (attempts to limit a disaster's impact on human health and community function) and response (actual implementation of a disaster plan). Preparedness occurs before an event. Recovery actions focus on stabilizing the community and returning it to its previous status. Evaluation of the response efforts apply to the future.

Ch15. Which statement(s) made by the nurse demonstrates an understanding of the effective use of relaxation therapy for anxiety management? Select all that apply. a. "Relaxation therapy's main goal is to prevent exhaustion by removing muscle tension." b. "Muscle relaxation promotes the relaxation response." c. "Show me how you learned to deep breathe in yesterday's therapy session." d. "You've said that going to group makes you nervous so let's start relaxing now." e. "I've given you written descriptions of the various relaxation exercises for you to review."

b,c,d,e

TB10. The nurse wishes to use guided imagery to help a patient relax. Which comments would be appropriate to include in the guided imagery script? (Select all that apply.) a. "Imagine others treating you the way they should, the way you want to be treated ..." b. "With each breath, you feel calmer, more relaxed, almost as if you are floating ..." c. "You are alone on a beach, the sun is warm, and you hear only the sound of the surf ..." d. "You have taken control, nothing can hurt you now. Everything is going your way..." e. "You have grown calm, your mind is still, there is nothing to disturb your well-being ..." f. "You will feel better as work calms down, as your boss becomes more understanding ..."

b,c,e The intent of guided imagery to assist patients manage stress is to lead the patient to envision images that are calming and health-enhancing. Statements that involve the patient calming progressively with breathing, feeling increasingly relaxed, being in a calm and pleasant location, being away from stressors, and having a peaceful and calm mind are therapeutic and should be included in the script. However, items that raise stressful images or memories or that involve unrealistic expectations or elements beyond the patient's control (e.g., that others will treat the patient as he desires, that everything is going the patient's way, that bosses are understanding) interfere with relaxation and/or do not promote effective coping. Thus these are not health-promoting and should not be included in the script.

TB21. A nurse works with an adolescent who was placed in a residential program after multiple episodes of violence at school. Establishing rapport with this adolescent is a priority because (Select all that apply) a. it is a vital component of implementing a behavior modification program. b. a therapeutic alliance is the first step in a nurse's therapeutic use of self. c. the adolescent has demonstrated resistance to other authority figures. d. acceptance and trust convey feelings of security for the adolescent. e. adolescents usually relate better to authority figures than peers.

b,d Trust is frequently an issue because the adolescent may never have had a trusting relationship with an adult. Trust promotes feelings of security and is the basis of the nurse's therapeutic use of self. Adolescents value peer relationships over those related to authority. Rewards for appropriate behavior are the main component of behavior modification programs.

CR 10 - Which question is focused on the assessment of an individual's personal ability to manage stress? Select all that apply a. "Have you ever been dx with cancer?" b. "Do you engage in any hobbies now that you have retired?" c. "Have you been taking your antihypertensive meds as it is prescribed?" d. "Who can you rely on if you need help after you're discharged from the hospital?" e. "What do you do to help manage the demands of parenting a 4y/o and a newborn?"

b,d,e

Ch10. Which question is focused on the assessment of an individual's personal ability to manage stress? Select all that apply. a. "Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?" b. "Do you engage in any hobbies now that you have retired?" c. "Have you been taking your antihypertensive medication as it is prescribed?" d. "Who can you rely on if you need help after you're discharged from the hospital?" e. "What do you do to help manage the demands of parenting a 4-year-old and a newborn?"

b,d,e

TB15. Which assessment questions would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask a patient with possible obsessive-compulsive disorder? (Select all that apply.) a. "Are there certain social situations that cause you to feel especially uncomfortable?" b. "Are there others in your family who must do things in a certain way to feel comfortable?" c. "Have you been a victim of a crime or seen someone badly injured or killed?" d. "Is it difficult to keep certain thoughts out of your awareness?" e. "Do you do certain things over and over again?"

b,d,e The correct questions refer to obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors. There is likely a genetic correlation to the disorder. The incorrect responses are more pertinent to a patient with suspected posttraumatic stress disorder or with suspected social phobia.

TB21. What are the primary distinguishing factors between the behavior of persons diagnosed with ODD and those with CD? The person diagnosed with (Select all that apply) a. ODD relives traumatic events by acting them out. b. ODD tests limits and disobeys authority figures. c. ODD has difficulty separating from loved ones. d. CD uses stereotypical or repetitive language. e. CD often violates the rights of others.

b,e Persons diagnosed with ODD are negativistic, disobedient, and defiant toward authority figures without seriously violating the basic rights of others, whereas persons with CD frequently behave in ways that do violate the rights of others and age-appropriate societal norms. Reliving traumatic events occurs with PTSD. Stereotypical language behaviors are seen in persons with autism spectrum disorders.

CR 8 - Emily is a 28 y/o nurse who works on a psych unit . She is assigned to work with Jenna, who is a 27 y/o with major depressive disorder. Emily and Jenna realize they graduated from the same high school and each has a 2 y/o daughter. Emily & Jenna discuss getting together for a play date with their daughters after Jenna is discharged. This situation reflects: a. succesful termination b. Promoting interdependence c. Boundary blurring d. A strong therapeutic relationshop

CR 8 - Morgan is a 3rd year nursing student in her psych clinical rotation. She is assigned to an 80 y/o widow admitted for major depressive disorder. The patient describes many losses and sadness. Morgan becomes teary and says meaningfully, "I am so sorry for you." Morgan's instructor overhears the conversation and says "I understand that getting tearful is a human response. Yet, sympathy isn't helpful in this field." The instructor urges Morgan to focus on: a. "Adopting the patient's sorrow as your own." b. "Maintaining pure objectivity." c. " Using empathy to demonstrate respect and validation of the patient's feelings" d. "Using touch to let her know that everything is going to be alright"

Ch. 34: Match the group member's comment to the role it most closely represents. a. Playboy b. Energizer c. Organizer d. Follower "Last week we finished our first goal and today we are starting on our second."

Ch10. The patient you are assigned unexpectedly suffers a cardiac arrest. During this emergency situation, your body will produce a large amount of: a. carbon dioxide. b. growth hormone. c. epinephrine d. aldosterone

Ch10. When considering stress, what is the primary goal of making daily entries into a personal journal? a. Providing a distraction from the daily stress b. Expressing emotions to manage stress c. Identifying stress triggers d. Focusing on one's stress

Ch10. Your 39-year-old patient, Samantha, who was admitted with anxiety, asks you what the stress relieving technique of mindfulness is. The best response is: a. Mindfulness is focusing on an object and repeating a word or phrase while deep breathing b. Mindfulness is progressively tensing, then relaxing, body muscles c. Mindfulness is focusing on the here and now, not the past or future, and paying attention to what is going on around you d. Mindfulness is a memory system to assist you in short-term memory recall

Ch15. A homebound patient diagnosed with agoraphobia has been receiving therapy in the home. The nurse evaluates patient teaching is effective when the patient states: a. "I may never leave the house again." b. "Having groceries delivered is very convenient." c. "My risk for agoraphobia is increased by my family history." d. "I will go out again, someday, just not today."

Ch15. Isabel is a straight-A student, yet she suffers from severe test anxiety and seeks medical attention. The nurse interviews Isabel and develops a plan of care. The nurse recognizes effective teaching about mild anxiety when Isabel states: a. "I would like to try a benzodiazepine for my anxiety." b. "If I study harder, my anxiety level will go down." c. "Mild anxiety is okay because it helps me to focus." d. "I have fear that I will fail at college."

Ch15. The nurse is providing care for a patient demonstrating behaviors associated with moderate levels of anxiety. What question should the nurse ask initially when attempting to help the patient deescalate their anxiety? a. "Do you know what will help you manage your anxiety?" b. "Do you need help to manage your anxiety?" c. "Can you identify what was happening when your anxiety began to increase?" d. "Are you feeling anxious right now?"

Ch16. Which statement accurately describes the effects of emotional trauma on the individual physically? a. Emotional trauma is a distinct category and unrelated to physical problems b. The physical manifestations of emotional trauma are usually temporary c. Emotional trauma is often manifested as physical symptoms d. Patients are more aware of the physical problems caused by trauma

Ch17. Diane, a 63-year-old mother of three, was brought to the community psychiatric clinic. Diane and her son had a bitter fight over finances. Ever since Diane has been complaining of "a severe pain in my neck." She has seen several doctors who cannot find a physical basis for the pain. The nurse knows that: a. Showing concern for Diane's pain will increase her obsessional thinking. b. Diane's symptoms are manipulative and under conscious control. c. Diane believes there is a physical cause for the pain and will resist a psychological explanation. d. Diane is trying to make her son feel bad about the argument.

Ch17. You are caring for Yolanda, a 67-year-old patient who has been receiving hemodialysis for 3 months. Yolanda reports that she feels angry whenever it is time for her dialysis treatment. You attribute this to: a. Organic changes in Yolanda's brain b. A flaw in Yolanda's personality c. A normal response to grief and loss d. Denial of the reality of a poor prognosis

Ch21. Claude is a new nurse on the psychiatric unit. He asks a senior nurse on staff for the "best advice" when working with oppositional defiant disorder. Which statement reflects advice on solid therapeutic communication? a. "When correcting behavior, use a loud firm tone." b. "Use language beyond the patient's education level." c. "When setting limits, be specific and outline consequences." d. "An aggressive body language will make the patients respect your position."

Ch26. A female nurse had been sexually assaulted as a teenager. She finds it difficult to work with patients who have undergone the same trauma. What is the most helpful response? a. Discussing these feelings with the nurse supervisor. b. Requesting that these patients not be a part of her patient assignment. c. Discussing these feelings with a mental health professional. d. Accepting her role in providing unbiased, respectful, and professional care to all patients.

Ch26. A patient whose history includes experiences with abusive partners is being treated for major depressive disorder. The patient's care plan includes rape-trauma syndrome among its nursing diagnoses. What goal is directly associated with this diagnosis? a. Remains free from self-harm b. Wears appropriate clothing c. Reports feeling stronger and having a sense of hopefulness d. Demonstrates appropriate affect for both positive and negative emotions

Ch26. The nurse is engaged in crisis intervention with a patient reporting, "I have no reason to keep on living." What is the nurse's initial intervention? a. Advise the patient about the services available to help them. b. Ask the patient, "Have you ever been this depressed before?" c. Ask the patient, "Do you have any plan to hurt yourself or anyone else?" d. Assure the patient that he or she is in a safe place and will be well cared for.

Ch9. James is a 42-year-old patient with schizophrenia. He approaches you as you arrive for day shift and anxiously reports, "Last night, demons came to my room and tried to rape me." Which response would be most therapeutic? a. "There are no such things as demons. What you saw were hallucinations." b. "It is not possible for anyone to enter your room at night. You are safe here." c. "You seem very upset. Please tell me more about what you experienced last night." d. "That must have been very frightening, but we'll check on you at night and you'll be safe."

TB10. According to the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire, which situation would most necessitate a complete assessment of a person's stress status and coping abilities? a. A person who has been assigned more responsibility at work b. A parent whose job required relocation to a different city c. A person returning to college after an employer ceased operations d. A man who recently separated from his wife because of marital problems

c A person returning to college after losing a job is dealing with two significant stressors simultaneously. Together, these stressors total more life change units than any of the single stressors cited in the other options.

TB26. An adolescent comes to the crisis clinic and reports sexual abuse by an uncle. The adolescent told both parents about the uncle's behavior, but the parents did not believe the adolescent. What type of crisis exists? a. Maturational b. Tertiary c. Situational d. Organic

c A situational crisis arises from events that are extraordinary, external rather than internal, and often unanticipated. Sexual molestation falls within this classification. Maturational crisis occurs as an individual arrives at a new stage of development, when old coping styles may be ineffective. "Organic" and "Tertiary" are not types of crisis.

Ch. 7: An adolescent asks a nurse conducting an assessment interview, "Why should I tell you anything? You'll just tell my parents whatever you find out." Which response by the nurse is appropriate? a. "That isn't true. What you tell us is private and held in strict confidence. Your parents have no right to know." b. "Yes, your parents may find out what you say, but it is important that they know about your problems." c. "What you say about feelings is private, but some things, like suicidal thinking, must be reported to the treatment team." d. "It sounds as though you are not really ready to work on your problems and make changes."

c Adolescents are very concerned with confidentiality. The patient has a right to know that most information will be held in confidence but that certain material must be reported or shared with the treatment team, such as threats of suicide, homicide, use of illegal drugs, or issues of abuse. The incorrect responses are not true, will not inspire the confidence of the patient, or are confrontational.

Ch. 9: A patient discloses several concerns and associated feelings. If the nurse wants to seek clarification, which comment would be appropriate? a. "What are the common elements here?" b. "Tell me again about your experiences." c. "Am I correct in understanding that." d. "Tell me everything from the beginning."

c Asking, "Am I correct in understanding that ..." permits clarification to ensure that both the nurse and patient share mutual understanding of the communication. Asking about common elements encourages comparison rather than clarification. The remaining responses are implied questions that suggest the nurse was not listening.

Ch. 9: A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get out of here." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Don't talk that way. Of course you will leave here!" b. "Keep up the good work, and you certainly will." c. "You don't think you're making progress?" d. "Everyone feels that way sometimes."

c By asking if the patient does not believe that progress has been made, the nurse is reflecting or paraphrasing by putting into words what the patient is hinting. By making communication more explicit, issues are easier to identify and resolve. The remaining options are nontherapeutic techniques. Telling the patient not to "talk that way" is disapproving. Saying that everyone feels that way at times minimizes feelings. Telling the patient that good work will always result in success is falsely reassuring.

Ch. 8: Which comment best indicates that a patient perceived the nurse was caring? "My nurse a. always asks me which type of juice I want to help me swallow my medication." b. explained my treatment plan to me and asked for my ideas about how to make it better." c. spends time listening to me talk about my problems. That helps me feel like I am not alone." d. told me that if I take all the medicines the doctor prescribes, then I will get discharged sooner."

c Caring evidences empathetic understanding as well as competency. It helps change pain and suffering into a shared experience, creating a human connection that alleviates feelings of isolation. The distracters give examples of statements that demonstrate advocacy or giving advice.

TB10. A patient tells the nurse, "My doctor thinks my problems with stress relate to the negative way I think about things and suggested I learn new ways of thinking." Which response by the nurse would support the recommendation? a. Encourage the patient to imagine being in calm circumstances. b. Provide the patient with a blank journal and guidance about journaling. c. Teach the patient to recognize, reconsider, and reframe irrational thoughts. d. Teach the patient to use instruments that give feedback about bodily functions.

c Cognitive reframing focuses on recognizing and correcting maladaptive patterns of thinking that create stress or interfere with coping. Cognitive reframing involves recognizing the habit of thinking about a situation or issue in a fixed, irrational, and unquestioning manner. Helping the patient to recognize and reframe (reword) such thoughts so that they are realistic and accurate promotes coping and reduces stress. Thinking about being in calming circumstances is a form of guided imagery. Instruments that give feedback about bodily functions are used in biofeedback. Journaling is effective for helping to increase self-awareness. However, none of these last three interventions is likely to alter the patient's manner of thinking.

TB16. A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier is diagnosed with PTSD. The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for a. bipolar disorder. b. schizophrenia. c. depression. d. dementia.

c Comorbidities for adults with PTSD include depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, and dissociative disorders. Incidence of the disorders identified in the distracters is similar to the general population.

TB17. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, "Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities." The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as a. marginally successful. b. minimally successful. c. partially successful. d. totally achieved.

c Decreased preoccupation with symptoms and increased ability to perform activities of daily living suggest partial success of the treatment plan. Total success is rare because of patient resistance.

TB16. A patient states, "I feel detached and weird all the time. It is as though I am looking at life through a cloudy window. Everything seems unreal. It really messes up things at work and school." This scenario is most suggestive of which health problem? a. Acute stress disorder b. Dissociative amnesia c. Depersonalization disorder d. Disinhibited social engagement disorder

c Depersonalization disorder involves a persistent or recurrent experience of feeling detached from and outside oneself. Although reality testing is intact, the experience causes significant impairment in social or occupational functioning and distress to the individual. Dissociative amnesia involves memory loss. Children with disinhibited social engagement disorder demonstrate no normal fear of strangers and are unusually willing to go off with strangers. Individuals with ASD (Acute Stress Disorder) experience three or more dissociative symptoms associated with a traumatic event, such as a subjective sense of numbing, detachment, or absence of emotional responsiveness; a reduction in awareness of surroundings; derealization; depersonalization or dissociative amnesia. In the scenario, the patient experiences only one symptom.

TB21. Shortly after the parents announced that they were divorcing, a 15-year-old became truant from school and assaulted a friend. The adolescent told the school nurse, "I'd rather stay in my room and listen to music. It's easier than thinking about what is happening in my family." Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable? a. Chronic low self-esteem related to role within the family b. Decisional conflict related to compliance with school requirements c. Defensive coping related to adjustment to changes in family relationships d. Disturbed personal identity related to self-perceptions of changing family dynamics

c Depression is often associated with impulse control disorder. The correct nursing diagnosis refers to the patient's dysfunctional management of feelings associated with upcoming changes to the family. The teen displays self-imposed isolation. The distracters are not supported by data in the scenario.

Ch. 8: What is the desirable outcome for the orientation stage of a nurse-patient relationship? The patient will demonstrate behaviors that indicate a. self-responsibility and autonomy. b. a greater sense of independence. c. rapport and trust with the nurse. d. resolved transference.

c Development of rapport and trust is necessary before the relationship can progress to the working phase. Behaviors indicating a greater sense of independence, self-responsibility, and resolved transference occur in the working phase.

TB15. When alprazolam is prescribed for a patient who experiences acute anxiety, health teaching should include instructions to a. report drowsiness. b. eat a tyramine-free diet. c. avoid alcoholic beverages. d. adjust dose and frequency based on anxiety level.

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

Ch. 8: During which phase of the nurse-patient relationship can the nurse anticipate that identified patient issues will be explored and resolved? a. Preorientation b. Orientation c. Working d. Termination

c During the working phase, the nurse strives to assist the patient in making connections among dysfunctional behaviors, thinking, and emotions and offers support while alternative coping behaviors are tried.

TB15. A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, "I feel undone." An appropriate response for the nurse would be: a. "What would you like me to do to help you?" b. "Why do you suppose you are feeling anxious?" c. "I'm not sure I understand. Give me an example." d. "You must get your feelings under control before we can continue."

c Increased anxiety results in scattered thoughts and an inability to articulate clearly. Clarifying helps the patient identify thoughts and feelings. Asking the patient why he or she feels anxious is nontherapeutic; the patient likely does not have an answer. The patient may be unable to determine what he or she would like the nurse to do in order to help. Telling the patient to get his or her feelings under control is a directive the patient is probably unable to accomplish.

Ch. 7: A patient begins a new program to assist with building social skills. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item, "Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily"? a. Assessment b. Analysis c. Implementation d. Evaluation

c Interventions are the nursing prescriptions to achieve the outcomes. Interventions should be specific.

TB15. A patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder has this nursing diagnosis: Anxiety related to __________ as evidenced by inability to control compulsive cleaning. Which phrase correctly completes the etiological portion of the diagnosis? a. feelings of responsibility for the health of family members b. approval-seeking behavior from friends and family c. persistent thoughts about bacteria, germs, and dirt d. needs to avoid interactions with others

c Many compulsive rituals accompany obsessive thoughts. The patient uses these rituals for anxiety relief. Unfortunately, the anxiety relief is short lived, and the patient must frequently repeat the ritual. The other options are unrelated to the dynamics of compulsive behavior.

TB26. After celebrating the fortieth birthday, an individual becomes concerned with the loss of youthful appearance. What type of crisis has occurred? a. Reactive b. Situational c. Maturational d. Body image

c Maturational crises occur when a person arrives at a new stage of development and finds that old coping styles are ineffective but has not yet developed new strategies. Situational crises arise from sources external to the individual. "Reactive" and "body image" are not types of crisis.

Ch. 34: A group is in the working phase. One member states, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a waste of my time." Which initial action by the group leader would be most therapeutic? a. Advise the member that hostility is inappropriate. Remove the member if it continues. b. Keep the group's focus on this member so the person can express the anger. c. Meet privately with the member outside of group to discuss the anger. d. Change to a more positive topic of discussion in this group session.

c Meeting privately with the member can convey interest and help defuse the anger so that it is less disruptive to the group. Removing the member would be a last resort and used only when the behavior is intolerably disruptive to the group process and all other interventions have failed. Decreasing the focus on the hostile member and focusing more on positive members can help soften the anger. Angry members often hide considerable vulnerability by using anger to keep others at a distance and intimidated. Changing the subject fails to respond to the behavior.

Ch. 7: When a new patient is hospitalized, a nurse takes the patient on a tour, explains rules of the unit, and discusses the daily schedule. The nurse is engaged in a. counseling. b. health teaching. c. milieu management. d. psychobiological intervention.

c Milieu management provides a therapeutic environment in which the patient can feel comfortable and safe while engaging in activities that meet the patient's physical and mental health needs. Counseling refers to activities designed to promote problem solving and enhanced coping and includes interviewing, crisis intervention, stress management, and conflict resolution. Health teaching involves identifying health education needs and giving information about these needs. Psychobiological interventions involve medication administration and monitoring response to medications.

Ch. 8: A patient says, "I'm still on restriction, but I want to attend some off-unit activities. Would you ask the doctor to change my privileges?" What is the nurse's best response? a. "Why are you asking me when you're able to speak for yourself?" b. "I will be glad to address it when I see your doctor later today." c. "That's a good topic for you to discuss with your doctor." d. "Do you think you can't speak to a doctor?"

c Nurses should encourage patients to work at their optimal level of functioning, which in turn promotes autonomy. A nurse does not act for the patient unless it is necessary. Acting for a patient increases feelings of helplessness and dependency.

Ch. 7: Select the most appropriate label to complete this nursing diagnosis: ___________ related to feelings of shyness and poorly developed social skills as evidenced by watching television alone at home every evening. a. Deficient knowledge b. Ineffective coping c. Social isolation d. Powerlessness

c Nursing diagnoses are selected based on the etiological factors and assessment findings, or evidence. In this instance, the evidence shows social isolation that is caused by shyness and poorly developed social skills.

TB16. A soldier who served in a combat zone returned to the United States. The soldier's spouse complains to the nurse, "We had planned to start a family, but now he won't talk about it. He won't even look at children." The spouse is describing which symptom associated with PTSD? a. Reexperiencing b. Hyperarousal c. Avoidance d. Psychosis

c Physiological reactions to reminders of the event that include persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma results in the individual's avoiding talking about the event or avoiding activities, people, or places that arouse memories of the trauma. Avoidance is exemplified by a sense of foreshortened future and estrangement. There is no evidence this soldier is having hyperarousal or reexperiencing war- related traumas. Psychosis is not evident.

TB15. A patient tells a nurse, "My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's had." This patient is demonstrating a. denial. b. projection. c. rationalization. d. compensation.

c Rationalization consists of justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas, actions, or feelings by developing acceptable explanations that satisfy the teller as well as the listener. Denial is an unconscious process that would call for the nurse to ignore the existence of the situation. Projection operates unconsciously and would result in blaming behavior. Compensation would result in the nurse unconsciously attempting to make up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strong point.

TB15. A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain the behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism? a. "I don't know why I do mean things." b. "I have always had poor impulse control." c. "That person should not have provoked me." d. "I'm really a coward who is afraid of being hurt."

c Rationalization consists of justifying one's unacceptable behavior by developing explanations that satisfy the teller and attempt to satisfy the listener. The abuser is suggesting that the abuse is not his or her fault; it would not have occurred except for the provocation by the other person. The distracters indicate some measure of acceptance of responsibility for the behavior.

Ch. 34: A patient in a group therapy session listens to others and then remarks, "I used to think I was the only one who felt afraid. I guess I'm not as alone as I thought." This comment is an example of a. altruism. b. ventilation. c. universality. d. group cohesiveness.

c Realizing that one is not alone and that others share the same problems and feelings is called universality. Ventilation refers to expressing emotions. Altruism refers to benefitting by being of help to others. Group cohesiveness refers to the degree of bonding among members of the group.

Ch. 8: Which issues should a nurse address during the first interview with a patient with a psychiatric disorder? a. Trust, congruence, attitudes, and boundaries b. Goals, resistance, unconscious motivations, and diversion c. Relationship parameters, the contract, confidentiality, and termination d. Transference, countertransference, intimacy, and developing resources

c Relationship parameters, the contract, confidentiality, and termination are issues that should be considered during the orientation phase of the relationship. The remaining options are issues that are dealt with later.

TB15. A patient experiencing panic suddenly began running and shouting, "I'm going to explode!" Select the nurse's best action. a. Ask, "I'm not sure what you mean. Give me an example." b. Capture the patient in a basket-hold to increase feelings of control. c. Tell the patient, "Stop running and take a deep breath. I will help you." d. Assemble several staff members and say, "We will take you to seclusion to help you regain control."

c Safety needs of the patient and other patients are a priority. Comments to the patient should be simple, neutral, and give direction to help the patient regain control. Running after the patient will increase the patient's anxiety. More than one staff member may be needed to provide physical limits, but using seclusion or physically restraining the patient prematurely is unjustified. Asking the patient to give an example would be futile; a patient in panic processes information poorly.

TB17. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "My pain is from an undiagnosed injury. I can't take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much." It is important for the nurse to assess a. mood. b. cognitive style. c. secondary gains. d. identity and memory.

c Secondary gains should be assessed. The patient's dependency needs may be met through care from the family. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. The scenario does not allude to a problem of mood. Cognitive style and identity and memory assessment are of lesser concern because the patient's diagnosis has been established.

TB21. An adolescent acts out in disruptive ways. When this adolescent threatens to throw a heavy pool ball at another adolescent, which comment by the nurse would set appropriate limits? a. "Attention everyone: we are all going to the craft room." b. "You will be taken to seclusion if you throw that ball." c. "Do not throw the ball. Put it back on the pool table." d. "Please do not lose control of your emotions."

c Setting limits uses clear, sharp statements about prohibited behavior and guidance for performing a behavior that is expected. The incorrect options represent a threat, use of restructuring (which would be inappropriate in this instance), and a direct appeal to the child's developing self-control that may be ineffective.

TB26. Six months ago, a woman had a prophylactic double mastectomy because of a family history of breast cancer. One week ago, this woman learned her husband was involved in an extramarital affair. The woman tearfully says to the nurse, "What else can happen?" What type of crisis is this person experiencing? a. Maturational b. Mitigation c. Situational d. Recurring

c Severe physical or mental illness is a potential cause of a situational crisis. The potential loss of a loved one also serves as a potential cause of a situational crisis. Maturational crisis occurs as an individual arrives at a new stage of development, when old coping styles may be ineffective. No classification of recurring crisis exists. Mitigation refers to attempts to limit a disaster's impact on human health and community function.

TB17. To assist patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, nursing interventions of high priority a. explain the pathophysiology of symptoms. b. help these patients suppress feelings of anger. c. shift focus from somatic symptoms to feelings. d. investigate each physical symptom as it is reported.

c Shifting the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings or to neutral topics conveys interest in the patient as a person rather than as a condition. The need to gain attention with the use of symptoms is reduced over the long term. A desired outcome would be that the patient would express feelings, including anger if it is present. Once physical symptoms are investigated, they do not need to be reinvestigated each time the patient reports them.

Ch. 9: Which principle should guide the nurse in determining the extent of silence to use during patient interview sessions? a. A nurse is responsible for breaking silences. b. Patients withdraw if silences are prolonged. c. Silence can provide meaningful moments for reflection. d. Silence helps patients know that what they said was understood.

c Silence can be helpful to both participants by giving each an opportunity to contemplate what has transpired, weigh alternatives, and formulate ideas. A nurse breaking silences is not a principle related to silences. It is inaccurate to say that patients withdraw during long silences or that silence helps patients know that they are understood. Feedback helps patients know they have been understood.

TB17. Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder to cope more effectively? a. Flooding b. Response prevention c. Relaxation techniques d. Systematic desensitization

c Somatic symptom disorders are commonly associated with complicated reactions to stress. These reactions are accompanied by muscle tension and pain. Relaxation can diminish the patient's perceptions of pain and reduce muscle tension. The distracters are modalities useful in treating selected anxiety disorders.

Ch. 8: After several therapeutic encounters with a patient who recently attempted suicide, which occurrence should cause the nurse to consider the possibility of countertransference? a. The patient's reactions toward the nurse seem realistic and appropriate. b. The patient states, "Talking to you feels like talking to my parents." c. The nurse feels unusually happy when the patient's mood begins to lift. d. The nurse develops a trusting relationship with the patient.

c Strong positive or negative reactions toward a patient or over-identification with the patient indicate possible countertransference. Nurses must carefully monitor their own feelings and reactions to detect countertransference and then seek supervision. Realistic and appropriate reactions from a patient toward a nurse are desirable. One incorrect response suggests transference. A trusting relationship with the patient is desirable. See relationship to audience response question.

TB10. A patient newly diagnosed as HIV-positive seeks the nurse's advice on how to reduce the risk of infections. The patient says, "I went to church years ago and I was in my best health then. Maybe I should start going to church again." Which response will the nurse offer? a. "Religion does not usually affect health, but you were younger and stronger then." b. "Contact with supportive people at a church might help, but religion itself is not especially helpful." c. "Studies show that spiritual practices can enhance immune system function and coping abilities." d. "Going to church would expose you to many potential infections. Let's think about some other options."

c Studies have shown a positive correlation between spiritual practices and enhanced immune system function and sense of well-being. The other options wrongly suggest that spiritual practices have little effect on the immune system or reject the patient's preferences regarding health management.

Ch. 8: Termination of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship has been successful when the nurse a. avoids upsetting the patient by shifting focus to other patients before the discharge. b. gives the patient a personal telephone number and permission to call after discharge. c. discusses with the patient changes that happened during the relationship and evaluates outcomes. d. offers to meet the patient for coffee and conversation three times a week after discharge.

c Summarizing and evaluating progress help validate the experience for the patient and the nurse and facilitate closure. Termination must be discussed; avoiding discussion by spending little time with the patient promotes feelings of abandonment. Successful termination requires that the relationship be brought to closure without the possibility of dependency-producing ongoing contact.

TB16. A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, "If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive." How should the nurse analyze this behavior? a. The comment suggests potential allegations of malpractice. b. In some cultures, grief is expressed solely through anger. c. Anger is an expected emotion in an adjustment disorder. d. The patient had ambivalent feelings about her husband.

c Symptoms of adjustment disorder run the gamut of all forms of distress including guilt, depression, and anger. Anger may protect the bereaved from facing the devastating reality of loss.

TB26. At the last contracted visit in the crisis intervention clinic, an adult says, "I've emerged from this a stronger person. You helped me get my life back in balance." The nurse responds, "I think we should have two more sessions to explore why your reactions were so intense." Which analysis applies? a. The patient is experiencing transference. b. The patient demonstrates need for continuing support. c. The nurse is having difficulty terminating the relationship. d. The nurse is empathizing with the patient's feelings of dependency.

c Termination is indicated; however, the nurse's remark is clearly an invitation to work on other problems and prolong contact with the patient. The focus of crisis intervention is the problem that precipitated the crisis, not other issues. The scenario does not describe transference. The patient shows no need for continuing support. The scenario does not describe dependency needs.

TB26. Which agency provides coordination in the event of a terrorist attack? a. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) b. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) c. National Incident Management System (NIMS) d. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

c The NIMS provides a systematic approach to guide departments and agencies at all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector during disaster situations.

TB10. A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which division of the autonomic nervous system will be stimulated in response to this experience? a. Limbic system b. Peripheral nervous system c. Sympathetic nervous system d. Parasympathetic nervous system

c The autonomic nervous system is comprised of the sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response). In times of stress, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. A person fearful of heights would experience stress associated with the experience of driving across a high bridge. The peripheral nervous system responds to messages from the sympathetic nervous system. The limbic system processes emotional responses but is not specifically part of the autonomic nervous system.

TB16. A person runs from a crowded nightclub after a pyrotechnics show causes the building to catch fire. Which division of the autonomic nervous system will be stimulated in response to this experience? a. Limbic system b. Peripheral nervous system c. Sympathetic nervous system d. Parasympathetic nervous system

c The autonomic nervous system is comprised of the sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response). In times of stress, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. A person would experience stress associated with the experience of being in danger. The peripheral nervous system responds to messages from the sympathetic nervous system. The limbic system processes emotional responses but is not specifically part of the autonomic nervous system.

TB21. An 11-year-old diagnosed with ODD becomes angry over the rules at a residential treatment program and begins cursing at the nurse. Select the best method for the nurse to defuse the situation. a. Ignore the child's behavior. b. Send the child to time-out for 2 hours. c. Take the child to the gym and engage in an activity. d. Role-play a more appropriate behavior with the child.

c The child's behavior warrants an active response. Redirecting the expression of feelings into nondestructive age-appropriate behaviors, such as a physical activity, helps defuse the situation here and now. This response helps the child learn how to modulate the expression of feelings and exert self- control. This is the least restrictive alternative and should be tried before resorting to a more restrictive measure. Role playing is appropriate after the child's anger is defused.

TB26. A patient who is visiting the crisis clinic for the first time asks, "How long will I be coming here?" The nurse's reply should consider that the usual duration of crisis intervention is a. 1 to 2 weeks. b. 3 to 4 weeks. c. 4 to 6 weeks. d. 8 to 12 weeks.

c The disorganization associated with crisis is so distressing that it usually cannot be tolerated for more than 4 to 6 weeks. If it is not resolved by that time, the individual usually adopts dysfunctional behaviors that reduce anxiety without solving the problem. Crisis intervention can shorten the duration.

TB10. A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which structure will stimulate a response from the autonomic nervous system? a. Thalamus b. Parietal lobe c. Hypothalamus d. Pituitary gland

c The individual will find this experience stressful. The hypothalamus functions as the command-and- control center when receiving stressful signals. The hypothalamus responds to signals of stress by engaging the autonomic nervous system. The parietal lobe is responsible for interpretation of other sensations. The thalamus processes messages associated with pain and wakefulness. The pituitary gland may be involved in other aspects of the person's response but would not stimulate the autonomic nervous system.

Ch. 34: A group is in the working phase. One member says, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a total waste of my time." Which comment by the group leader would be most therapeutic? a. "You seem to think you know a lot already. Since you know so much, perhaps you can tell everyone why you are back in the hospital?" b. "I think you have made your views clear, but I wonder if others feel the same way. How does everyone else feel about our group?" c. "It must be hard to be so angry." Direct this comment to another group member, "You were also angry at first but not now. What has helped you?" d. "I would like to remind you that one of our group rules is that everyone is to offer only positive responses to the comments of others."

c The member's comments demean the group and its members and suggest that the member is very angry. Labeling the emotion and conveying empathy would be therapeutic. Focusing on members who are likely to be more positive can balance the influence of demoralizing members. "You seem to know a lot ..." conveys hostility from the leader, who confronts and challenges the member to explain how he came to be readmitted if he was so knowledgeable, implying that he is less knowledgeable than he claims. This comment suggests countertransference and is non-therapeutic. Shifting away from the complaining member to see if others agree seeks to have others express disagreement with this member, but that might not happen. In the face of his anger, they might be quiet or afraid to oppose him, or they could respond in kind by expressing hostility themselves. A rule that only positive exchanges are permitted would suppress conflict, reducing the effectiveness of the therapy group.

TB10. A patient reports, "I am overwhelmed by stress." Which question by the nurse would be most important to use in the initial assessment of this patient? a. "Tell me about your family history. Do you have any relatives who have problems with stress?" b. "Tell me about your exercise. How much activity do you typically get in a day?" c. "Tell me about the kinds of things you do to reduce or cope with your stress." d. "Stress can interfere with sleep. How much did you sleep last night?"

c The most important data to collect during an initial assessment is that which reflects how stress is affecting the patient and how he is coping with stress at present. This data would indicate whether or not his distress is placing him in danger (e.g., by elevating his blood pressure dangerously or via maladaptive responses, such as drinking) and would help the nurse understand how he copes and how well his coping strategies and resources serve him. Of the choices presented, the highest priority would be to determine what he is doing to cope at present, preferably via an open-ended inquiry. Family history, the extent of his use of exercise, and how much sleep he is getting are all helpful but seek data that is less of a priority. Also, the manner in which such data is sought here is likely to provide only brief responses (e.g., how much sleep he got on one particular night is probably less important than how much he is sleeping in general).

Ch. 34: A nurse at the well child clinic realizes that many parents have misconceptions about effective ways of disciplining their children. The nurse decides to form a group to address this problem. What should be the focus of the group? a. Support b. Socialization c. Health education d. Symptom management

c The nurse has diagnosed a knowledge deficit. The focus of the group should be education. Support and socialization are beneficial but should not be the primary focus of the group, and symptoms are not identified for intervention here.

TB21. An adolescent was recently diagnosed with ODD. The parents say to the nurse, "Isn't there some medication that will help with this problem?" Select the nurse's best response. a. "There are no medications to treat this problem. This diagnosis is behavioral in nature." b. "It's a common misconception that there is a medication available to treat every health problem." c. "Medication is usually not prescribed for this problem. Let's discuss some behavioral strategies you can use." d. "There are many medications that will help your child manage aggression and destructiveness. The health care provider will discuss them with you."

c The parents are seeking a quick solution. Medications are generally not indicated for ODD. Comorbid conditions that increase defiant symptoms, such as ADHD, should be managed with medication, but no comorbid problem is identified in the question. The nurse should give information on helpful strategies to manage the adolescent's behavior.

TB21. An adolescent was arrested for prostitution and assault on a parent. The adolescent says, "I hate my parents. They focus all attention on my brother, who's perfect in their eyes." Which nursing diagnosis is most applicable? a. Disturbed personal identity related to acting out as evidenced by prostitution b. Hopelessness related to achievement of role identity as evidenced by feeling unloved by parents c. Defensive coping related to inappropriate methods of seeking parental attention as evidenced by acting out d. Impaired parenting related to inequitable feelings toward children as evidenced by showing preference for one child over another

c The patient demonstrates a failure to follow age-appropriate social norms and an inability to problem solve by using adaptive behaviors to meet life's demands and roles. The defining characteristics are not present for the other nursing diagnoses. The patient never mentioned hopelessness or disturbed personal identity. The problem relates to the patient's perceptions of parental behavior rather than the actual behavior.

TB10. A patient diagnosed with emphysema has severe shortness of breath and needs portable oxygen when leaving home. Recently the patient has reduced activity because of fear that breathing difficulty will occur. A nurse suggests using guided imagery. Which image should the patient be encouraged to visualize? a. Engaging in activity without using any supplemental oxygen b. Sleeping comfortably and soundly, without respiratory distress c. Feeling relaxed and taking regular deep breaths when leaving home d. Having a younger, healthier body that knows no exercise limitations

c The patient has dysfunctional images of dyspnea. Guided imagery can help replace the dysfunctional image with a positive coping image. Athletes have found that picturing successful images can enhance performance. Encouraging the patient to imagine a regular breathing depth and rate will help improve oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange and help achieve further relaxation. Other options focus on unrealistic goals (being younger, not needing supplemental oxygen) or restrict her quality of life.

TB15. A person has minor physical injuries after an auto accident. The person is unable to focus and says, "I feel like something awful is going to happen." This person has nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation. What is the person's level of anxiety? a. Mild b. Moderate c. Severe d. Panic

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

Ch. 9: Documentation in a patient's chart shows, "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped left foot, periodically covered face with hands, and looked under chair while stating, 'I enjoy spending time with you.'" Which analysis is most accurate? a. The patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. b. The nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter. c. The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent. d. The patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.

c When a verbal message is not reinforced with nonverbal behavior, the message is confusing and incongruent. It is inaccurate to say that the patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. The concept of a cultural filter is not relevant to the situation because a cultural filter determines what we will pay attention to and what we will ignore. Data are insufficient to draw the conclusion that the patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors.

Ch. 8: As a nurse escorts a patient being discharged after treatment for major depression, the patient gives the nurse a necklace with a heart pendant and says, "Thank you for helping mend my broken heart." Which is the nurse's best response? a. "Accepting gifts violates the policies and procedures of the facility." b. "I'm glad you feel so much better now. Thank you for the beautiful necklace." c. "I'm glad I could help you, but I can't accept the gift. My reward is seeing you with a renewed sense of hope." d. "Helping people is what nursing is all about. It's rewarding to me when patients recognize how hard we work."

c Accepting a gift creates a social rather than therapeutic relationship with the patient and blurs the boundaries of the relationship. A caring nurse will acknowledge the patient's gesture of appreciation, but the gift should not be accepted. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 9: Which comments by a nurse demonstrate use of therapeutic communication techniques? (Select all that apply.) a. "Why do you think these events have happened to you?" b. "There are people with problems much worse than yours." c. "I'm glad you were able to tell me how you felt about your loss." d. "I noticed your hands trembling when you told me about your accident." e. "You look very nice today. I'm proud you took more time with your appearance."

c, d The correct responses demonstrate use of the therapeutic techniques making an observation and showing empathy. The incorrect responses demonstrate minimizing feelings, probing, and giving approval, which are nontherapeutic techniques.

TB16. Which experiences are most likely to precipitate PTSD? (Select all that apply). a. A young adult bungee jumped from a bridge with a best friend. b. An 8-year-old child watched an R-rated movie with both parents. c. An adolescent was kidnapped and held for 2 years in the home of a sexual predator. d. A passenger was in a bus that overturned on a sharp curve and tumbled down an embankment. e. An adult was trapped for 3 hours at an angle in an elevator after a portion of the supporting cable breaks.

c,d,e PTSD usually occurs after a traumatic event that is outside the range of usual experience. Examples are childhood physical abuse, torture/kidnap, military combat, sexual assault, and natural disasters, such as floods, tornados, earthquakes, tsunamis; human disasters, such as a bus or elevator accident; or crime- related events, such being taken hostage. The common element in these experiences is the individual's extraordinary helplessness or powerlessness in the face of such stressors. Bungee jumps by adolescents are part of the developmental task and might be frightening, but in an exhilarating way rather than a harmful way. A child may be disturbed by an R-rated movie, but the presence of the parents would modify the experience in a positive way.

Ch15. To maximize the therapeutic effect, which lifestyle practice should the nurse discourage for a patient who has been recently prescribed an antianxiety medication? a. Eating high protein foods. b. Using acetaminophen without first discussing it with a healthcare provider c. Taking medications after eating dinner or while having a bedtime snack d. Buying a large coffee with sugar and extra cream each morning on the way to work

Ch16. An incest survivor undergoing treatment at the mental health clinic is relieved when she learns that her anxiety and depression are: a. Going to be eradicated with treatment b. Normal and will soon pass c. Abnormal but will pass d. A normal reaction to posttraumatic events

Ch16. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer "locking up" other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of: a. The need to dominate others b. Inventing traumatic events c. A need to develop close relationships d. A potential symptom of traumatization

Ch17. Living comfortable and materialistic lives in Western societies seems to have altered the original hierarchy proposed by Maslow in that: a. Once lower level needs are satisfied, no further growth feels necessary b. Self-actualization is easier to achieve with financial stability c. Esteem is more highly valued than safety d. Focusing on materialism reduces interests in love, belonging, and family

Ch17. You are caring for Aaron, a 38-year-old patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. When interacting with you, Aaron continues to focus on his severe headaches. In planning care for Aaron, which of the following interventions would be appropriate? a. Call for a family meeting with Aaron in attendance to confront Aaron regarding his diagnosis. b. Educate Aaron on alternative therapies to deal with pain. c. Improve reality testing by telling Aaron that you do not believe that the headaches are real. d. After a limited discussion of physical concerns, shift focus to feelings and effective coping skills.

Ch17.Which patient is at greatest risk for developing a stress- induced myocardial infarction? a. A patient who lost a child in an accidental shooting 24 hours ago b. A woman who has begun experiencing early signs of menopause c. A patient who has spent years trying to sustain a successful business d. A patient who was diagnosed with chronic depression 10 years ago

Ch21. Larry, a middle-aged male in a treatment facility, is loudly displaying anger in the day room with a visiting family member. It is obvious to the nurse this pattern has played out before. Violence is often escalated when family members or authority figures: a. Use a soft tone of voice to gain control of the situation b. Move away from the agitated person in fear c. Use simple words to communicate d. Engage in a power struggle

Ch26. The highest-priority goal of crisis intervention is: a. Anxiety reduction. b. Identification of situational supports. c. Teaching specific coping skills that are lacking. d. Patient safety.

Ch34. A patient continues to dominate the group conversation despite having been asked to allow others to speak. What is the most appropriate group leader response? a. "You are monopolizing the conversation." b. "When you talk constantly, it makes everyone feel angry." c. "You are supposed to allow others to talk also." d. "When you speak out of turn, I am concerned that others cannot participate equally."

Ch34. The nurse is planning care, which includes a dual-diagnosis group. Which patient would be appropriate for this group? The patient with: a. Depression and suicidal tendencies b. Anxiety and frequent migraine headaches c. Bipolar disorder and anorexia nervosa d. Schizophrenia and alcohol abuse

Ch34. What question by the nurse leader is helpful in managing a monopolizing member of a group? a. "You seem angry. Is there something you want to discuss with the group?" b. "Would it be helpful if you had time to think about the question?" c. "Would you tell us about experiences that have frightened you?" d. "Who else would like to share feelings about this issue?"

Ch9. Therapeutic communication is the foundation of a patient- centered interview. Which of the following techniques is not considered therapeutic? a. Restating b. Encouraging description of perception c. Summarizing d. Asking "why" questions

Ch9. Which nursing statement is an example of reflection? a. "I think this feeling will pass." b. "So you are saying that life has no meaning." c. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean." d. "You look sad."

Ch. 34: During a group therapy session, a newly admitted patient suddenly says to the nurse, "How old are you? You seem too young to be leading a group." Select the nurse's most appropriate response. a. "I am wondering what leads you to ask. Please tell me more." b. "I am old enough to be a nurse, which qualifies me to lead this group." c. "My age is not pertinent to why we are here and should not concern you." d. "You are wondering whether I have enough experience to lead this group?"

d A question such as this is common in the initial phase of group development when members are getting to know one another, dealing with trust issues, and testing the leader. Making explicit the implied serves to role model more effective communication and prompts further discussion of the patient's concern. Asking the patient to tell the leader more about the question focuses on the reason for the member's concern rather than on the issue raised (the experience and ability of the leader) and is a less helpful response. "I am old enough to be a nurse" and "age is not pertinent" are defensive responses and fail to address the patient's valid concern.

Ch. 34: Which outcome would be most appropriate for a symptom-management group for persons diagnosed with schizophrenia? Group members will a. state the names of their medications. b. resolve conflicts within their families. c. rate anxiety at least two points lower. d. describe ways to cope with their illness.

d An appropriate psychoeducational focus for patients with schizophrenia is managing their symptoms; coping with symptoms such as impaired memory or impaired reality testing can improve functioning and enhance their quality of life. Names of medications might be appropriate for a medication education group but would be a low priority for symptom management. Addressing intra-family issues would be more appropriate within a family therapy group or possibly a support group. Rating anxiety lower would be an expected outcome for a stress-management group.

To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, the nurse should understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms a. are generally chronic. b. have a physiological basis. c. can be voluntarily controlled. d. provide relief from health anxiety.

d At the unconscious level, the patient's primary gain from the symptoms is anxiety relief. Considering that the symptoms actually make the patient more psychologically comfortable and may also provide secondary gain, patients frequently fiercely cling to the symptoms. The symptoms tend to be chronic, but that does not explain why they are difficult to give up. The symptoms are not under voluntary control or physiologically based.

TB21. A 15-year-old ran away from home six times and was arrested for shoplifting. The parents told the Court, "We can't manage our teenager." The adolescent is physically abusive to the mother and defiant with the father. Which diagnosis is supported by this adolescent's behavior? a. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) b. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) c. Intermittent explosive disorder d. CD

d CDs are manifested by a persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others and age-appropriate societal norms are violated. Intermittent explosive disorder is a pattern of behavioral outbursts characterized by an inability to control aggressive impulses in adults 18 years and older. Criteria for ADHD and PTSD are not met in the scenario.

TB15. For a patient experiencing panic, which nursing intervention should be implemented first? a. Teach relaxation techniques. b. Administer an anxiolytic medication. c. Prepare to implement physical controls. d. Provide calm, brief, directive communication.

d Calm, brief, directive verbal interaction can help the patient gain control of overwhelming feelings and impulses related to anxiety. Patients experiencing panic-level anxiety are unable to focus on reality; thus, learning relaxation techniques is virtually impossible. Administering anxiolytic medication should be considered if providing calm, brief, directive communication is ineffective. Although the patient is disorganized, violence may not be imminent, ruling out the intervention of preparing for physical control until other less-restrictive measures are proven ineffective.

TB26. A troubled adolescent pulled out a gun in a school cafeteria, fatally shot three people and injured many others. Hundreds of parents come to the school after hearing news reports. After police arrest the shooter, which action should occur next? a. Ask police to encircle the school campus with yellow tape to prevent parents from entering. b. Announce over the loudspeakers, "The campus is now secure. Please return to your classrooms." c. Require parents to pass through metal detectors and then allow them to look for their children in the school. d. Designate zones according to the alphabet and direct students to the zones based on their surnames to facilitate reuniting them with their parents.

d Chaos is likely among students and desperate parents. A directive approach is best. Once the scene is secure, creative solutions are needed. Creating zones by letters of the alphabet will assist anxious parents and their children to unite. Preventing parents from uniting with their children will further incite the situation.

TB15. A patient checks and rechecks electrical cords related to an obsessive thought that the house may burn down. The nurse and patient explore the likelihood of an actual fire. The patient states this event is not likely. This counseling demonstrates principles of a. flooding. b. desensitization. c. relaxation technique. d. cognitive restructuring.

d Cognitive restructuring involves the patient in testing automatic thoughts and drawing new conclusions. Desensitization involves graduated exposure to a feared object. Relaxation training teaches the patient to produce the opposite of the stress response. Flooding exposes the patient to a large amount of an undesirable stimulus in an effort to extinguish the anxiety response.

Ch. 34: A nurse assesses a patient for inclusion in group therapy. This patient has a childhood history of neglect and ridicule by parents. The patient says to the nurse, "My boss always expects more of me than the others, but talking to him would only make it worse." Which type of group would best address the patient's needs? a. Support b. Self-Help c. Psychoeducational d. Cognitive-behavioral

d Cognitive-behavioral group therapy focuses on specific maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns. Patients often repeat patterns of behavior in a group that they learned in their families. This type of group will afford the patient an opportunity for a corrective recapitulation of the primary family group. The incorrect answers identify groups appropriate for other types of problems.

TB15. A person who feels unattractive repeatedly says, "Although I'm not beautiful, I am smart." This is an example of a. repression. b. devaluation. c. identification. d. compensation.

d Compensation is an unconscious process that allows us to make up for deficits in one area by excelling in another area to raise self-esteem. Repression unconsciously puts an idea, event, or feeling out of awareness. Identification is an unconscious mechanism calling for imitation of mannerisms or behaviors of another. Devaluation occurs when the individual attributes negative qualities to self or others.

TB15. A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says, "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily, lost 15 pounds, and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using? a. Displacement b. Regression c. Projection d. Denial

d Denial is an unconscious blocking of threatening or painful information or feelings. Regression involves using behaviors appropriate at an earlier stage of psychosexual development. Displacement shifts feelings to a more neutral person or object. Projection attributes one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another.

TB26. A woman said, "I can't take anymore! Last year my husband had an affair and now we don't communicate. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college." What is the nurse's priority assessment? a. Identify measures useful to help improve the couple's communication. b. The patient's feelings about the possibility of having a mastectomy c. Whether the husband is still engaged in an extramarital affair d. Clarify what the patient means by "I can't take anymore."

d During crisis intervention, the priority concern is patient safety. This question helps assess personal coping skills. The other options are incorrect because the focus of crisis intervention is on the event that occurred immediately before the patient sought help.

Ch. 34: A patient tells members of a therapy group, "I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me." Another patient replies, "I once heard voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either." Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange? a. Catharsis b. Universality c. Imitative behavior d. Interpersonal learning

d Here a member gains insight into his own experiences from hearing about the experiences of others through interpersonal learning. Catharsis refers to a therapeutic discharge of emotions. Universality refers to members realizing their feelings are common to most people and not abnormal. Imitative behavior involves copying or borrowing the adaptive behavior of others.

TB10. When a nurse asks a newly admitted patient to describe social supports, the patient says, "My parents died last year and I have no family. I am newly divorced, and my former in- laws blame me. I don't have many friends because most people my age just want to go out drinking." Which action will the nurse apply? a. Advise the patient that being so particular about potential friends reduces social contact. b. Suggest using the Internet as a way to find supportive others with similar values. c. Encourage the patient to begin dating again, perhaps with members of the church. d. Discuss how divorce support groups could increase coping and social support.

d High-quality social support enhances mental and physical health and acts as a significant buffer against distress. Low-quality support relationships affect a person's coping negatively. Resuming dating soon after a divorce could place additional stress on the patient rather than helping her cope with existing stressors. Developing relationships on the Internet probably would not substitute fully for direct contact with other humans and could expose her to predators misrepresenting themselves to take advantage of vulnerable persons.

TB17. A patient with fears of serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist. Extensive diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, "My chest is tight, and my heart misses beats. I'm often absent from work. I don't go out much because I need to rest." Which health problem is most likely? a. Dysthymic disorder b. Somatic symptom disorder c. Antisocial personality disorder d. Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)

d Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) involves preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease even when evidence to the contrary is available. The preoccupation causes impairment in social or occupational functioning. Somatic symptom disorder involves fewer symptoms. Dysthymic disorder is a disorder of lowered mood. Antisocial disorder applies to a personality disorder in which the individual has little regard for the rights of others. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 34: Which remark by a group participant would the nurse expect during the working stage of group therapy? a. "My problems are very personal and private. How do I know people in this group will not tell others what you hear?" b. "I have enjoyed this group. It's hard to believe that a few weeks ago I couldn't even bring myself to talk here." c. "One thing everyone seems to have in common is that sometimes it's hard to be honest with those you love most." d. "I don't think I agree with your action. It might help you, but it seems like it would upset your family."

d In the working stage, members actively interact to help each other accomplish goals, and because trust has developed, conflict and disagreement can be expressed. Focusing on trust and confidentiality typically occur in the orientation phase as part of establishing group norms. Commonality and universality are also themes typically expressed in the orientation phase, whereas reflecting on progress is a task addressed in the termination phase.

TB10. A patient tells the nurse, "I know that I should reduce the stress in my life, but I have no idea where to start." What would be the best initial nursing response? a. "Physical exercise works to elevate mood and reduce anxiety." b. "Reading about stress and how to manage it might be a good place to start." c. "Why not start by learning to meditate? That technique will cover everything." d. "Let's talk about what is going on in your life and then look at possible options."

d In this case, the nurse lacks information about what stressors the patient is coping with or about what coping skills are already possessed. Further assessment is indicated before potential solutions can be explored. Suggesting exploration of the stress facing the patient is the only option that involves further assessment rather than suggesting a particular intervention.

TB26. A student falsely accused a college professor of sexual intimidation. The professor tells the nurse, "I cannot teach nor do any research. My mind is totally preoccupied with these false accusations." What is the priority nursing diagnosis? a. Ineffective denial related to threats to professional identity b. Deficient knowledge related to sexual harassment protocols c. Impaired social interaction related to loss of teaching abilities d. Ineffective coping related to distress from false accusations

d Ineffective coping may be evidenced by inability to meet basic needs, inability to meet role expectations. This nursing diagnosis is the priority because it reflects the consequences of the precipitating event associated with the professor's crisis. There is no evidence of denial. Deficient knowledge may apply, but it is not the priority. Data are not present to diagnose impaired social interaction.

Ch. 9: A Puerto Rican American patient uses dramatic body language when describing emotional discomfort. Which analysis most likely explains the patient's behavior? The patient a. has a histrionic personality disorder. b. believes dramatic body language is sexually appealing. c. wishes to impress staff with the degree of emotional pain. d. belongs to a culture in which dramatic body language is the norm.

d Members of Hispanic American subcultures tend to use high affect and dramatic body language as they communicate. The other options are more remote possibilities.

TB15. A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless." The nurse can correctly assess the student's experience as a. culturally influenced. b. displacement. c. trait anxiety. d. mild anxiety.

d Mild anxiety is rarely obstructive to the task at hand. It may be helpful to the patient because it promotes study and increases awareness of the nuances of questions. The incorrect responses have different symptoms.

TB16. Select the correct etiology to complete this nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Disturbed personal identity related to a. obsessive fears of harming self or others. b. poor impulse control and lack of self-confidence. c. depressed mood secondary to nightmares and intrusive thoughts. d. cognitive distortions associated with unresolved childhood abuse issues.

d Nearly all patients with dissociative identity disorder have a history of childhood abuse or trauma. None of the other etiology statements is relevant.

Ch. 7: Nursing behaviors associated with the implementation phase of nursing process are concerned with a. participating in mutual identification of patient outcomes. b. gathering accurate and sufficient patient-centered data. c. comparing patient responses and expected outcomes. d. carrying out interventions and coordinating care.

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

TB26. A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldier's spouse complains, "We were going to start a family, but now he won't talk about it. He will not look at children. I wonder if we're going to make it as a couple." Select the nurse's best response. a. "Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often changes a person's sexual functioning." b. "I encourage you to continue to participate in social activities where children are present." c. "Have you talked with your spouse about these reactions? Sometimes we just need to confront behavior." d. "Posttraumatic stress disorder often strains relationships. Here are some community resources for help and support."

d PTSD precipitates changes that can lead to divorce. It is important to provide support to both the veteran and spouse. Confrontation will not be effective. While it is important to provide information, on-going support will be more effective.

TB15. A nurse assesses a patient with a tentative diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask? a. "Have you been a victim of a crime or seen someone badly injured or killed?" b. "Do you feel especially uncomfortable in social situations involving people?" c. "Do you repeatedly do certain things over and over again?" d. "Do you find it difficult to control your worrying?"

d Patients with generalized anxiety disorder frequently engage in excessive worrying. They are less likely to engage in ritualistic behavior, fear social situations, or have been involved in a highly traumatic event.

TB15. A person who has been unable to leave home for more than a week because of severe anxiety says, "I know it does not make sense, but I just can't bring myself to leave my apartment alone." Which nursing intervention is appropriate? a. Help the person use online video calls to provide interaction with others. b. Advise the person to accept the situation and use a companion. c. Ask the person to explain why the fear is so disabling. d. Teach the person to use positive self-talk techniques.

d Positive self-talk, a form of cognitive restructuring, replaces negative thoughts such as "I can't leave my apartment" with positive thoughts such as "I can control my anxiety." This technique helps the patient gain mastery over the symptoms. The other options reinforce the sick role.

TB16. A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behavior indicates the child's parents have adapted to their loss? The parents a. visit their child's grave daily. b. maintain their child's room as the child left it 2 years ago. c. keep a place set for the dead child at the family dinner table. d. throw flowers on the lake at each anniversary date of the accident.

d Resilience refers to positive adaptation or the ability to maintain or regain mental health despite adversity. Loss of a child is among the highest risk situations for an adjustment disorder and maladaptive grieving. The parents who throw flowers on the lake on each anniversary date of the accident are openly expressing their feelings. The other behaviors are maladaptive because of isolating themselves and/or denying their feelings. After 2 years, the frequency of visiting the grave should have decreased.

TB16. Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. One week later, which behavior by the parents of these teenagers most clearly demonstrates resilience? The parents who a. visit their teenager's grave daily. b. return immediately to employment. c. discuss the accident within the family only. d. create a scholarship fund at their child's high school.

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

TB21. The family of a child diagnosed with an impulse control disorder needs help to function more adaptively. Which aspect of the child's plan of care will be provided by an advanced practice nurse rather than a staff nurse? a. Leading an activity group b. Providing positive feedback c. Formulating nursing diagnoses d. Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)

d The advanced practice nurse role includes individual, group, and family psychotherapist; educator of nurses, other professions, and the community; clinical supervisor; consultant to professional and nonprofessional groups; and researcher. DBT is an aspect of psychotherapy. The distracters describe actions of a nurse generalist.

Ch. 9: A Filipino American patient had a nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem related to poor social skills as evidenced by lack of eye contact. Interventions were applied to increase the patient's self-esteem but after 3 weeks, the patient's eye contact did not improve. What is the most accurate analysis of this scenario? a. The patient's eye contact should have been directly addressed by role playing to increase comfort with eye contact. b. The nurse should not have independently embarked on assessment, diagnosis, and planning for this patient. c. The patient's poor eye contact is indicative of anger and hostility that were unaddressed. d. The nurse should have assessed the patient's culture before making this diagnosis and plan.

d The amount of eye contact a person engages in is often culturally determined. In some cultures, eye contact is considered insolent, whereas in others eye contact is expected. Asian Americans, including persons from the Philippines, often prefer not to engage in direct eye contact.

TB21. A 12-year-old has engaged in bullying for several years. The parents say, "We can't believe anything our child says." Recently this child shot a dog with a pellet gun and set fire to a neighbor's trash bin. The child's behaviors support the diagnosis of a. ADHD. b. intermittent explosive disorder. c. oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). d. CD.

d The behaviors mentioned are most consistent with criteria for CD, including aggression against people and animals; destruction of property; deceitfulness; rule violations; and impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Intermittent explosive disorder is a pattern of behavioral outbursts characterized by an inability to control aggressive impulses in adults 18 years and older. The behaviors are not consistent with attention deficit or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

Ch. 34: Guidelines followed by the leader of a therapeutic group include focusing on recognizing dysfunctional behavior and thinking patterns, followed by identifying and practicing more adaptive alternate behaviors and thinking. Which theory is evident by this approach? a. Behavioral b. Interpersonal c. Psychodynamic d. Cognitive-behavioral

d The characteristics described are those of cognitive-behavioral therapy, in which patients learn to reframe dysfunctional thoughts and extinguish maladaptive behaviors. Behavioral therapy focuses solely on changing behavior rather than thoughts, feelings, and behaviors together. Interpersonal theory focuses on interactions and relationships. Psychodynamic groups focus on developing insight to resolve unconscious conflicts.

TB10. The adult child of a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder asks, "Do you think depression and physical illness are connected? Since my father's death, my mother has had shingles and the flu, but she's usually not one who gets sick." Which answer by the nurse best reflects current knowledge? a. "It is probably a coincidence. Emotions and physical responses travel on different tracts of the nervous system." b. "You may be paying more attention to your mother since your father died and noticing more things such as minor illnesses." c. "So far, research on emotions or stress and becoming ill more easily is unclear. We do not know for sure if there is a link." d. "Negative emotions and prolonged stress interfere with the body's ability to protect itself and can increase the likelihood of illness."

d The correct answer best explains the research. Research supports a link between negative emotions and/or prolonged stress and impaired immune system functioning. Activation of the immune system sends proinflammatory cytokines to the brain, and the brain in turn releases its own cytokines that signal the central nervous system to initiate myriad responses to stress. Prolonged stress suppresses the immune system and lowers resistance to illness. Although the adult child may be more aware of issues involving the mother, the pattern of illnesses described may be an increase from the mother's baseline.

Ch. 7: The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. The nurse will document the outcome as a. consistently demonstrated. b. often demonstrated. c. sometimes demonstrated. d. never demonstrated.

d The correct response to this question involves applying the evaluation step of nursing process. Although the patient is sleeping 6 hours daily, the total is not one uninterrupted session at night. Therefore, the outcome must be evaluated as never demonstrated.

Ch. 7: The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. What is the nurse's next action? a. Continue the current plan without changes. b. Remove this nursing diagnosis from the plan of care. c. Write a new nursing diagnosis that better reflects the problem. d. Examine interventions for possible revision of the target date.

d The correct response to this question involves applying the evaluation step of nursing process. Sleeping a total of 5 hours at night remains a reasonable outcome. Extending the period for attaining the outcome may be appropriate. Examining interventions might result in planning an activity during the afternoon rather than permitting a nap. Continuing the current plan without changes is inappropriate. Removing this nursing diagnosis from the plan of care would be correct when the outcome was met and the problem resolved. Writing a new nursing diagnosis is inappropriate because no other nursing diagnosis relates to the problem.

Ch. 9: A school age child tells the school nurse, "Other kids call me mean names and will not sit with me at lunch. Nobody likes me." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Just ignore them and they will leave you alone." b. "You should make friends with other children." c. "Call them names if they do that to you." d. "Tell me more about how you feel."

d The correct response uses exploring, a therapeutic technique. The distracters give advice, a non-therapeutic technique.

Ch. 7: A nurse documents: "Patient is mute despite repeated efforts to elicit speech. Makes no eye contact. Inattentive to staff. Gazes off to the side or looks upward rather than at speaker." Which nursing diagnosis should be considered? a. Defensive coping b. Decisional conflict c. Risk for other-directed violence d. Impaired verbal communication

d The defining characteristics are more related to the nursing diagnosis of impaired verbal communication than to the other nursing diagnoses.

TB16. A soldier returned 3 months ago from a combat zone and was diagnosed with PTSD. Which social event would be most disturbing for this soldier? a. Halloween festival with neighborhood children b. Singing carols around a Christmas tree c. A family outing to the seashore d. Fireworks display on July 4th

d The exploding noises associated with fireworks are likely to provoke exaggerated responses for this soldier. The distracters are not associated with offensive sounds.

TB26. A woman says, "I can't take anymore. Last year my husband had an affair and now we do not communicate. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college and moving in with her boyfriend." Which issue should the nurse focus on during crisis intervention? a. The possible mastectomy b. The disordered family communication c. The effects of the husband's extramarital affair d. Coping with the reaction to the daughter's events

d The focus of crisis intervention is on the most recent problem: "the straw that broke the camel's back." The patient had coped with the breast lesion, the husband's infidelity, and the disordered communication. Disequilibrium occurred only with the introduction of the daughter leaving college and moving.

TB26. An adult seeks counseling after the spouse was murdered. The adult angrily says, "I hate the beast that did this. It has ruined my life. During the trial, I don't know what I'll do if the jury doesn't return a guilty verdict." What is the nurse's highest priority response? a. "Would you like to talk to a psychiatrist about some medication to help you cope during the trial?" b. "What resources do you need to help you cope with this situation?" c. "Do you have enough support from your family and friends?" d. "Are you having thoughts of hurting yourself or others?"

d The highest nursing priority is safety. The nurse should assess suicidal and homicidal potential. The distracters are options, but the highest priority is safety.

TB17. What is an essential difference between somatic symptom disorders and factitious disorders? a. Somatic symptom disorders are under voluntary control, whereas factitious disorders are unconscious and automatic. b. Factitious disorders are precipitated by psychological factors, whereas somatic symptom disorders are related to stress. c. Factitious disorders are individually determined and related to childhood sexual abuse, whereas somatic symptom disorders are culture bound. d. Factitious disorders are under voluntary control, whereas somatic symptom disorders involve expression of psychological stress through somatization.

d The key is the only fully accurate statement. Somatic symptom disorders involve expression of stress through bodily symptoms and are not under voluntary control or culture bound. Factitious disorders are under voluntary control. See relationship to audience response question.

Ch. 7: A nurse prepares to assess a new patient who moved to the United States from Central America 3 years ago. After introductions, what is the nurse's next comment? a. "How did you get to the United States?" b. "Would you like for a family member to help you talk with me?" c. "An interpreter is available. Would you like for me to make a request for these services?" d. "Are you comfortable conversing in English, or would you prefer to have a translator present?"

d The nurse should determine whether a translator is needed by first assessing the patient for language barriers. Accuracy of the assessment depends on the ability to communicate in a language that is familiar to the patient. Family members are not always reliable translators. An interpreter may change the patient's responses; a translator is a better resource.

Ch. 7: A patient states, "I'm not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority? a. Self-esteem-building activities b. Anxiety self-control measures c. Sleep enhancement activities d. Suicide precautions

d The nurse would place a priority on monitoring and reinforcing suicide self-restraint because it relates directly and immediately to patient safety. Patient safety is always a priority concern. The nurse should monitor and reinforce all patient attempts to control anxiety, improve sleep patterns, and develop self- esteem, while giving priority attention to suicide self-restraint.

Ch. 7: Select the best outcome for a patient with the nursing diagnosis: Impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance as evidenced by stating, "Although I'd like to, I don't participate because I don't speak the language very well." Patient will a. show improved use of language. b. demonstrate improved social skills. c. become more independent in decision making. d. select and participate in one group activity per day.

d The outcome describes social involvement on the part of the patient. Neither cooperation nor independence has been an issue. The patient has already expressed a desire to interact with others. Outcomes must be measurable. Two of the distracters are not measurable.

TB17. A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder is most likely to note that the patient a. sees a relationship between symptoms and interpersonal conflicts. b. has little difficulty communicating emotional needs to others. c. rarely derives personal benefit from the symptoms. d. has altered comfort and activity needs.

d The patient frequently has altered comfort and activity needs associated with the symptoms displayed (fatigue, insomnia, weakness, tension, pain, etc.). In addition, hygiene, safety, and security needs may also be compromised. The patient is rarely able to see a relation between symptoms and events in his or her life, which is readily discernible to health professionals. Patients with somatic symptom disorders often derive secondary gain from their symptoms and/or have considerable difficulty identifying feelings and conveying emotional needs to others.

TB16. A store clerk was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who has a long history of schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response. a. "Are you taking your medications the way they are prescribed?" b. "This loss is harder to accept because of your mental illness. Do you think you should be hospitalized?" c. "I'm worried about how much you are crying. Your grief over your husband's death has gone on too long." d. "The unexpected death of your husband is very painful. I'm glad you are able to talk about your feelings."

d The patient is expressing feelings related to the loss, and this is an expected and healthy behavior. This patient is at risk for a maladaptive response because of the history of a serious mental illness, but the nurse's priority intervention is to form a therapeutic alliance and support the patient's expression of feelings. Crying at 2 weeks after his death is expected and normal.

TB10. A patient is brought to the Emergency Department after a motorcycle accident. The patient is alert, responsive, and diagnosed with a broken leg. The patient's vital signs are pulse (P) 72 and respiration (R) 16. After being informed surgery is required for the broken leg, which vital sign readings would be expected? a. P 64, R 14 b. P 68, R 12 c. P 72, R 16 d. P 80, R 20

d The patient would experience stress associated with anticipation of surgery. In times of stress, the sympathetic nervous system takes over (fight or flight response) and sends signals to the adrenal glands, thereby releasing norepinephrine. The circulating norepinephrine increases the heart rate. Respirations increase, bringing more oxygen to the lungs.

TB26. Which scenario is an example of a situational crisis? a. The death of a child from sudden infant death syndrome b. Development of a heroin addiction c. Retirement of a 55-year-old person d. A riot at a rock concert

d The rock concert riot is unplanned, accidental, violent, and not a part of everyday life. The incorrect options are examples of maturational crises.

Ch. 7: Which statement made by a patient during an initial assessment interview should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care? a. "I can always trust my family." b. "It seems like I always have bad luck." c. "You never know who will turn against you." d. "I hear evil voices that tell me to do bad things."

d The statement regarding evil voices tells the nurse that the patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations and may create risks for violence. Safety is the nurse's first concern. The other statements are vague and do not clearly identify the patient's chief symptom.

TB21. An adolescent diagnosed with an impulse control disorder says, "I want to die. I spend my time getting even with people who hurt me." When asked about a suicide plan, the adolescent replies, "I'll jump from a bridge near my home. My father threw kittens off that bridge and they died." Rate the suicide risk. a. Absent b. Low c. Moderate d. High

d The suicide risk is high. The child is experiencing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. The method described is lethal, and the means to carry out the plan are available.

Ch. 9: A patient says to the nurse, "I dreamed I was stoned. When I woke up, I felt emotionally drained, as though I hadn't rested well." Which response should the nurse use to clarify the patient's comment? a. "It sounds as though you were uncomfortable with the content of your dream." b. "I understand what you're saying. Bad dreams leave me feeling tired, too." c. "So you feel as though you did not get enough quality sleep last night?" d. "Can you give me an example of what you mean by 'stoned'?"

d The technique of clarification is therapeutic and helps the nurse examine the meaning of the patient's statement. Asking for a definition of "stoned" directly asks for clarification. Restating that the patient is uncomfortable with the dream's content is parroting, a nontherapeutic technique. The other responses fail to clarify the meaning of the patient's comment.

Ch. 34: A young female member in a therapy group says to an older female member, "You are just like my mother, always trying to control me with your observations and suggestions." Which therapeutic factor of a group is evident by this behavior? a. Instillation of hope b. Existential resolution c. Development of socializing techniques d. Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group

d The younger patient is demonstrating an emotional attachment to the older patient that mirrors patterns within her own family of origin, a phenomenon called corrective recapitulation of the primary family group. Feedback from the group then helps the member gain insight about this behavior and leads to more effective ways of relating to her family members. Instillation of hope involves conveying optimism and sharing progress. Existential resolution refers to the realization that certain existential experiences such as death are part of life, aiding the adjustment to such realities. Development of socializing techniques involves gaining social skills through the group's feedback and practice within the group.

Ch. 12: Which remark by a patient indicates passage from orientation to the working phase of a nurse-patient relationship? a. "I don't have any problems." b. "It is so difficult for me to talk about problems." c. "I don't know how it will help to talk to you about my problems." d. "I want to find a way to deal with my anger without becoming violent."

d Thinking about a more constructive approach to dealing with anger indicates a readiness to make a behavioral change. Behavioral change is associated with the working phase of the relationship. Denial is often seen in the orientation phase. It is common early in the relationship, before rapport and trust are firmly established, for a patient to express difficulty in talking about problems. Stating skepticism about the effectiveness of the nurse-patient relationship is more typically a reaction during the orientation phase.

Ch. 8: A patient says, "People should be allowed to commit suicide without interference from others." A nurse replies, "You're wrong. Nothing is bad enough to justify death." What is the best analysis of this interchange? a. The patient is correct. b. The nurse is correct. c. Neither person is correct. d. Differing values are reflected in the two statements.

d Values guide beliefs and actions. The individuals stating their positions place different values on life and autonomy. Nurses must be aware of their own values and be sensitive to the values of others.

Ch. 9: During an interview, a patient attempts to shift the focus from self to the nurse by asking personal questions. The nurse should respond by saying: a. "Why do you keep asking about me?" b. "Nurses direct the interviews with patients." c. "Do not ask questions about my personal life." d. "The time we spend together is to discuss your concerns."

d When a patient tries to focus on the nurse, the nurse should refocus the discussion back onto the patient. Telling the patient that interview time should be used to discuss patient concerns refocuses discussion in a neutral way. Telling patients not to ask about the nurse's personal life shows indignation. Saying that nurses prefer to direct the interview reflects superiority. "Why" questions are probing and nontherapeutic.

Ch. 8: A nurse is talking with a patient, and 5 minutes remain in the session. The patient has been silent most of the session. Another patient comes to the door of the room, interrupts, and says to the nurse, "I really need to talk to you." The nurse should a. invite the interrupting patient to join in the session with the current patient. b. say to the interrupting patient, "I am not available to talk with you at the present time." c. end the unproductive session with the current patient and spend time with the interrupting patient. d. tell the interrupting patient, "This session is 5 more minutes; then I will talk with you."

d When a specific duration for sessions has been set, the nurse must adhere to the schedule. Leaving the first patient would be equivalent to abandonment and would destroy any trust the patient had in the nurse. Adhering to the contract demonstrates that the nurse can be trusted and that the patient and the sessions are important. The incorrect responses preserve the nurse-patient relationship with the silent patient but may seem abrupt to the interrupting patient, abandon the silent patient, or fail to observe the contract with the silent patient.

Ch. 7: At what point in an assessment interview would a nurse ask, "How does your faith help you in stressful situations?" During the assessment of a. childhood growth and development b. substance use and abuse c. educational background d. coping strategies

d When discussing coping strategies, the nurse might ask what the patient does when upset, what usually relieves stress, and to whom the patient goes to talk about problems. The question regarding whether the patient's faith helps deal with stress fits well here. It would be out of place if introduced during exploration of the other topics.

Ch. 7: The nurse records this entry in a patient's progress notes: Patient escorted to unit by ER nurse at 2130. Patient's clothing was dirty. In interview room, patient sat with hands over face, sobbing softly. Did not acknowledge nurse or reply to questions. After several minutes, abruptly arose, ran to window, and pounded. Shouted repeatedly, "Let me out of here." Verbal intervention unsuccessful. Order for stat dose 2 mg haloperidol PO obtained; medication administered at 2150. By 2215, patient stopped shouting and returned to sit wordlessly in chair. Patient placed on one-to- one observation. How should this documentation be evaluated? a. Uses unapproved abbreviations b. Contains subjective material c. Too brief to be of value d. Excessively wordy e. Meets standards

e This narrative note describes patient appearance, behavior, and conversation. It mentions that less- restrictive measures were attempted before administering medication and documents patient response to medication. This note would probably meet standards. A complete nursing assessment would be in order as soon as the patient is able to participate. Subjective material is absent from the note. Abbreviations are acceptable.

Exam 2 - 3450

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