FINAL EXAM pg 3-4

Schizophrenia symptoms

- Delusions: fixed, false beliefs of grandeur. - Hallucinations: visual or auditory. - Perceptions: without environmental stimuli. - Illusions: misinterpretation of actual stimuli. - Ideas of Reference: only personalizing environmental stimuli to self. - Neologisms: self-coined words. - Circumstantiality: can't come to a point. - Blocking: sudden interruption of speech due to distraction of thoughts. - Echolalia: the repetition of words or phrases heard from another person. - Echopraxia: imitation of movement or gestures of another person. - Pressured Speech: speaking rapidly.

young-old

65-74

middle old

75-84

old old

85+

elite old

95/100+

A patient asks for information about the goals of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which is the nurse's best response? a. "It is a self-help group with the goal of sobriety." b. "It is a form of group therapy led by a psychiatrist." c. "It is a group that learns about drinking from a group leader." d. "It is a network that advocates strong punishment for drunk drivers."

ANS: A AA is a peer support group for recovering alcoholics. The goal is to maintain sobriety. Neither professional nor peer leaders are appointed.

What assessment findings mark the prodromal stage of schizophrenia? a. Withdrawal, magical thinking, poor concentration, and perceptual disturbances b. Auditory hallucinations, ideas of reference, thought insertion, and broadcasting c. Stereotyped behavior, echopraxia, echolalia, and waxy flexibility d. Loose associations, concrete thinking, and echolalia neologisms

ANS: A Early prodromal symptoms include social withdrawal and deterioration in functioning, depressive mood, perceptual disturbances, magical thinking, and peculiar behavior. Changes in self-care, sleeping or eating patterns, and changes in school or work performance may also be evidenced. The incorrect options each list the positive symptoms of schizophrenia that are more likely to be apparent during the acute stage of the illness.

Which family scenario presents the greatest risk for family violence? a. An unemployed husband with low self-esteem, a wife who loses her job, and a developmentally delayed 3-year-old child b. A husband who finds employment 2 weeks after losing his previous job, a wife with stable employment, and a child diagnosed with attention deficit disorder c. A single mother with an executive position, a gifted and talented child, and a widowed grandmother living in the home to provide child care d. A single homosexual male parent and an adolescent son who has just begun dating girls

ANS: A The family with an unemployed husband with low self-esteem, a newly unemployed wife, and a developmentally challenged young child has the greatest number of stressors. The other families described have fewer negative events occurring.

Select the nursing intervention necessary after administering naloxone to a patient experiencing an opiate overdose. a. Monitor the airway and vital signs every 15 minutes. b. Insert a nasogastric tube and test gastric pH. c. Treat hyperpyrexia with cooling measures. d. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

ANS: A Narcotic antagonists such as naloxone quickly reverse CNS depression; however, because the narcotics have a longer duration of action than antagonists, the patient may lapse into unconsciousness or require respiratory support again. The incorrect options are measures unrelated to naloxone use.

A 12-year-old child has been the neighborhood bully for several years. The parents say, "We can't believe anything our child says." Recently, the child shot a dog with a pellet gun and set fire to a trash bin outside a store. The child's behaviors are most consistent with which disorder? a. Conduct disorder (CD) b. Defiance of authority c. Anxiety over separation from a parent d. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ANS: A The behaviors mentioned are most consistent with the DSM-5 criteria for CD: aggression against people and animals; destruction of property; deceitfulness; rule violations; and impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. The behaviors are not consistent with ADHD and separation anxiety and are more pervasive than defiance of authority.

Which is an effective nursing intervention to assist an angry patient to learn to manage anger without violence? a. Help the patient identify a thought that increases anger, find proof for or against the belief, and substitute reality-based thinking. b. Provide negative reinforcement such as restraint or seclusion in response to angry outbursts, whether or not violence is present. c. Use aversive conditioning, such as popping a rubber band on the wrist, to help extinguish angry feelings. d. Administer an antipsychotic or antianxiety medication when the patient feels angry.

ANS: A Anger has a strong cognitive component; therefore, using cognition to manage anger is logical. The incorrect options do nothing to help the patient learn anger management.

A person diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness enters a shelter for the homeless. Which intervention should be the nurse's initial priority? a. Develop a relationship. b. Find supported employment. c. Administer prescribed medication. d. Teach appropriate health care practices

ANS: A Basic psychosocial needs do not change because a person is homeless. The nurse's initial priority should be establishing rapport. Once a trusting relationship is established, then the nurse can pursue other interventions.

A patient diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness lives in a homeless shelter. The priority nursing diagnosis for this patient is Powerlessness. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care? a. Encourage mutual goal setting. b. Verbally communicate empathy. c. Reinforce participation in activities. d. Demonstrate an accepting attitude.

ANS: A Mutual goal setting is an intervention designed to promote feelings of personal autonomy and dispel feelings of powerlessness. Although it might be easier and faster for the nurse to establish a plan and outcomes, this action contributes to the patient's sense of powerlessness. Involving the patient in decision making empowers the patient and reduces feelings of powerlessness.

A patient has progressive memory deficit associated with dementia. Which nursing intervention would best help the individual function in the environment? a. Assist the patient to perform simple tasks by giving step-by-step directions. b. Reduce frustration by performing activities of daily living for the patient. c. Stimulate intellectual function by discussing new topics with the patient. d. Promote the use of the patient's sense of humor by telling jokes.

ANS: A Patients with a cognitive impairment should perform all tasks of which they are capable. When simple directions are given in a systematic fashion, the patient is better able to process information and perform simple tasks. Stimulating intellectual functioning by discussing new topics is likely to prove frustrating for the patient. Patients with cognitive deficits may lose their sense of humor and find jokes meaningless.

A nurse asks the following questions while assessing an older adult. The nurse will add the Geriatric Depression Scale as part of the assessment if the patient answers "yes" to which question? a. "Would you say your mood is often sad?" b. "Are you having any trouble with your memory?" c. "Have you noticed an increase in your alcohol use?" d. "Do you often experience moderate-to-severe pain?"

ANS: A Sadness may be a symptom of depression. Sad moods occurring with regularity should signal the need to assess further for other symptoms of depression. The incorrect options do not focus on mood.

A patient at the emergency department is diagnosed with a concussion. The patient is accompanied by a spouse who insists on staying in the room and answering all questions. The patient avoids eye contact and has a sad affect and slumped shoulders. Assessment of which additional problem has priority? a. Risk of intimate partner violence b. Phobia of crowded places c. Migraine headaches d. Depressive symptoms

ANS: A The diagnosis of a concussion suggests violence as a possible cause. The patient is exhibiting indicators of abuse including fearfulness, depressed affect, poor eye contact, and a possessive spouse. The patient may be also experiencing depression, anxiety, and migraine headaches, but the nurse's advocacy role necessitates an assessment for intimate partner violence.

A victim of a violent rape has been in the emergency department for 3 hours. Evidence collection is complete. As discharge counseling begins, the victim says softly, "I will never be the same again. I can't face my friends. There is no sense of trying to go on." Select the nurse's most important response. a. "Are you thinking of suicide?" b. "It will take time, but you will feel the same as before." c. "Your friends will understand when you tell them." d. "You will be able to find meaning in this experience as time goes on."

ANS: A The victim's words suggest hopelessness. Whenever hopelessness is present, so is the risk for suicide. The nurse should directly address the possibility of suicidal ideation with the victim. The other options attempt to offer reassurance before making an assessment.

Four individuals have given information about their suicide plans. Which plan evidences the highest suicide risk? a. Jumping from a 100-foot-high railroad bridge located in a deserted area late at night b. Turning on the oven and letting gas escape into the apartment during the night c. Cutting the wrists in the bathroom while the spouse reads in the next room d. Overdosing on aspirin with codeine while the spouse is out with friends

ANS: A This is a highly lethal method with little opportunity for rescue. The other options are lower lethality methods with higher rescue potential.

The nurse cares for a victim of a violent sexual assault. What is the most therapeutic intervention? a. Use accepting, nurturing, and empathetic communication techniques. b. Educate the victim about strategies to avoid attacks in the future. c. Discourage the expression of feelings until the victim stabilizes. d. Maintain a matter-of-fact manner and objectivity.

ANS: A Victims require the nurse to provide unconditional acceptance of them as individuals, because they often feel guilty and engage in self-blame. The nurse must be nurturing if the victim's needs are to be met and must be empathetic to convey understanding and to promote an establishment of trust. It is premature to focus of avoidance strategies now. The remaining options do not promote acceptance.

A nurse directs the intervention team who must take an aggressive patient to seclusion. Other patients were removed from the area. Before approaching the patient, the nurse should ensure that which actions are taken by staff? (Select all that apply.) a. Remove jewelry, glasses, and harmful items from the patient and staff members. b. Appoint a person to clear a path and open, close, or lock doors. c. Quickly approach the patient and grab the closest extremity. d. Select the person who will communicate with the patient. e. Move behind the patient to use the element of surprise.

ANS: A, B, D Injury to staff members and to the patient should be prevented. Only one person should explain what will happen and direct the patient; this person might be the nurse or staff member who has a good relationship with the patient. A clear pathway is essential; those restraining a limb cannot use keys, move furniture, or open doors. The nurse is usually responsible for administering the medication once the patient is restrained. Each staff member should have an assigned limb rather than just grabbing the closest limb. This system could leave one or two limbs unrestrained. Approaching in full view of the patient reduces suspicion.

A patient diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease has a dressing and grooming self-care deficit. Designate the appropriate interventions to include in the patient's plan of care. (Select all that apply.) a. Provide clothing with elastic and hook-and-loop closures. b. Label clothing with the patient's name and name of the item. c. Administer antianxiety medication before bathing and dressing. d. Provide necessary items and direct the patient to proceed independently. e. If the patient resists, use distraction and then try again after a short interval.

ANS: A, B, E Providing clothing with elastic and hook-and-loop closures facilitates patient independence. Labeling clothing with the patient's name and the name of the item maintains patient identity and dignity (and provides information if the patient has agnosia). When a patient resists, using distraction and trying again after a short interval are appropriate because patient moods are often labile; the patient may be willing to cooperate during a later opportunity. Providing the necessary items for grooming and directing the patient to proceed independently are inappropriate. Staff members are prepared to coach by giving step-by-step directions for each task as it occurs. Administering anxiolytic medication before bathing and dressing is inappropriate. This measure would result in unnecessary overmedication.

Which economic factors are most critical to the success of discharge planning for a patient diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness? (Select all that apply.) a. Access to housing b. Individual psychotherapy c. Income to meet basic needs d. Availability of health insurance e. Ongoing interdisciplinary evaluation

ANS: A, C, D The success of discharge planning requires careful attention to the patient's economic status. Access to housing is the first priority of the seriously mentally ill, and lack of income and health insurance is a barrier to effective treatment and rehabilitation. Although important aspects of ongoing care of the seriously mentally ill patient, ongoing interdisciplinary evaluation and individual psychotherapy are not economic factors.

Which central nervous system structures are most associated with anger and aggression? (Select all that apply.) a. Amygdala b. Cerebellum c. Basal ganglia d. Temporal lobe e. Parietal lobe

ANS: A, D The amygdala mediates anger experiences and helps a person judge an event as either rewarding or aversive. The temporal lobe, which is part of the limbic system, also plays a role in aggressive behavior. The cerebellum manages equilibrium, muscle tone, and movement. The basal ganglia are involved in movement. The parietal lobe is involved in interpreting sensations.

A patient with a history of command hallucinations approaches the nurse, yelling obscenities. The patient mumbles and then walks away. The nurse follows. Which nursing actions are most likely to be effective in de-escalating this scenario? (Select all that apply.) a. State the expectation that the patient will stay in control. b. State that the patient cannot be understood when mumbling. c. Tell the patient, "You are behaving inappropriately." d. Offer to provide the patient with medication to help. e. Speak in a firm but calm, caring voice.

ANS: A, D, E Stating the expectation that the patient will maintain control of behavior reinforces positive, healthy behavior, and avoids challenging the patient. Offering an as-needed medication provides support for the patient trying to maintain control. A firm but calm voice will likely comfort and calm the patient. Belittling remarks may lead to aggression. Criticism will probably prompt the patient to begin shouting.

How is severe and persistent mental illness best characterized? a. Mental illness with longer than 2 weeks' duration. b. Major ongoing mental illness marked by significant functional impairments. c. Mental illness accompanied by physical impairment and severe social problems. d. Major mental illness that cannot be treated to prevent deterioration of cognitive and social abilities.

ANS: B "Severe mental illness" has replaced the phrase "chronic mental illness." Global impairments in function are evident, including social skills. Physical impairments may or may not be present. Severe mental illness can be treated, but remissions and exacerbations are part of the course of the illness. The distractors fail to effectively address the issue of functional impairment.

A nurse assesses an adult experiencing a crisis. What question asked by the nurse will best determine 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?"

ANS: B Only the correct answer focuses on situational support. The incorrect options focus on the patient's perception of the precipitating event.

A woman says, "I can't take anymore, and I have no children or husband to turn too! This last year has been on crisis after another." If this person's immediate family is unable to provide sufficient situational support, what should the nurse do? a. Suggest hospitalization for a short period. b. Ask what other relatives or friends are available for support. c. Tell the patient, "You must be strong. Don't let this crisis overwhelm you." d. Foster insight by relating the present situation to earlier situations involving loss.

ANS: B The assessment of situational supports should continue. Although 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.

A staff nurse tells another nurse, "I evaluated a new patient using the modified SAD PERSONS scale and got a score of 10. I'm wondering if I should send the patient home." Select the best reply by the second nurse. a. "That action would seem appropriate." b. "A score over 8 requires immediate hospitalization." c. "I think you should strongly consider hospitalization for this patient." d. "Give the patient a follow-up appointment. Hospitalization may be needed soon."

ANS: B The modified SAD PERSONS scale score of 0 to 5 suggests home care with follow-up. A score of 6 to 8 requires psychiatric consultation. A score over 8 calls for hospitalization

Which assessment finding presents the greatest risk for violent behavior? a. Severe agoraphobic b. A history of intimate partner violence c. Reports of bizarre somatic delusions d. Verbalization of hopelessness and powerlessness

ANS: B A history of prior aggression or violence is the best predictor of patients who may become violent. Patients diagnosed with anxiety disorders are not particularly prone to violence unless panic occurs. Patients experiencing hopelessness and powerlessness may have coexisting anger, but violence is not often demonstrated. Patients experiencing paranoid delusions are at greater risk for violence than those with bizarre somatic delusions.

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

ANS: B An adventitious crisis is a crisis of disaster that is not a part of everyday life; it is unplanned or accidental. Adventitious crises include natural disasters, national disasters, and crimes of violence. 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. Situational crisis arises from an external source such as a job loss, divorce, or other loss affecting self-concept or self-esteem. Organic is not a type of crisis.

Which nursing diagnosis would likely apply both to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia as well as a patient diagnosed with amphetamine-induced psychosis? a. Powerlessness b. Disturbed thought processes c. Ineffective thermoregulation d. Impaired oral mucous membrane

ANS: B Both types of patients commonly experience paranoid delusions; thus, the nursing diagnosis of disturbed thought processes is appropriate for both. The incorrect options are not specifically applicable to both.

When a victim of sexual assault is discharged from the emergency department, the nurse should arrange for which intervention? a. Secure support from the victim's family. b. Provide referral information verbally and in writing. c. Advise the victim to try not to think about the assault. d. Offer to stay with the victim until stability is regained.

ANS: B Immediately after the assault, rape victims are often disorganized and unable to think well or remember what they have been told. Written information acknowledges this fact and provides a solution. The incorrect options violate the patient's right to privacy, evidence a rescue fantasy, and offer a platitude that is neither therapeutic nor effective.

A clinic nurse interviews an adult patient accompanied by a partner who reports fatigue, back pain, headaches, tension, and sleep disturbances. The patient then becomes reluctant to provide more information and wants to leave. How can the nurse best serve the patient? a. Explore the possibility of patient social isolation. b. Have the partner leave the patient alone to continue the assessment. c. Ask whether the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling in the past. d. Ask the patient to disrobe so that assessment for signs of physical abuse can occur.

ANS: B In this situation, the nurse should consider the possibility that the patient is a victim of intimate partner violence. Although the patient is reluctant to discuss issues, he or she may be willing to speak more candidly if the partner is not in the room. None of the other options focus on the client's reluctance to continue the assessment process

A rape victim tells the emergency department nurse, "I feel so dirty. Please let me take a shower before the doctor examines me." How should the nurse respond to the request? a. Arrange for the patient to shower. b. Explain that washing would destroy evidence. c. Give the patient a basin of hot water and towels. d. Instruct the victim to wash above the waist only.

ANS: B No matter how uncomfortable, the patient should not bathe until the forensic examination is completed. The collection of evidence is critical if the patient is to be successful in court. The incorrect options would result in the destruction of evidence or are untrue.

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has taken a first-generation antipsychotic medication for a year. Hallucinations are less intrusive, but the patient continues to have apathy, poverty of thought, and social isolation. The nurse expects a change to which medication? a. Haloperidol b. Olanzapine c. Chlorpromazine d. Diphenhydramine

ANS: B Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication that targets both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Haloperidol and chlorpromazine are first-generation (conventional) antipsychotic agents that target only positive symptoms. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine.

An emergency department nurse realizes that the spouse of a patient is becoming increasingly irritable while waiting. Which intervention should the nurse use to prevent escalation of anger? a. Explain that the patient's condition is not life threatening. b. Periodically provide an update and progress report on the patient. c. Explain that all patients are treated in order, based on their medical needs. d. Suggest that the spouse return home until the patient's treatment is completed.

ANS: B Periodic updates reduce anxiety and defuse anger. This strategy acknowledges the spouse's presence and concerns. The incorrect options are likely to increase anger because they imply that the anxiety is inappropriate

A patient diagnosed with severe dementia no longer recognizes family members and becomes anxious and agitated when they attempt reorientation. Which alternative could the nurse suggest to the family members? a. Wear large name tags. b. Focus interaction on familiar topics. c. Frequently repeat the reorientation strategies. d. Strategically place large clocks and calendars

ANS: B Reorientation may seem like arguing to a patient experiencing cognitive deficits and increases the patient's anxiety. Validating, talking with the patient about familiar, meaningful things, and reminiscing give meaning to existence both for the patient and family members. The option that suggests using validating techniques when communicating is the only option that addresses an interactional strategy. Wearing large name tags and strategically placing large clocks and calendars are reorientation strategies. Frequently repeating the reorientation strategies is inadvisable; patients with dementia sometimes become more agitated with reorientation.

A patient with a history of anger and impulsivity is hospitalized after an accident resulting in injuries. When in pain, the patient loudly scolds the nurse for "not knowing enough to give me pain medicine when I need it." Which intervention would best address this problem? a. Tell the patient to notify the nurse 30 minutes before the pain returns so the medication can be prepared. b. Urge the health care provider to change the prescription for pain medication from as needed to a regular schedule. c. Tell the patient that verbal assaults on nurses will not shorten the wait for pain medication. d. Have the clinical nurse leader request a psychiatric consultation.

ANS: B Scheduling the medication at specific intervals will help the patient anticipate when the medication can be given. Receiving the medication promptly on schedule, rather than expecting nurses to anticipate the pain level, should reduce anxiety and anger. The patient cannot predict the onset of pain before it occurs.

The health care provider prescribes medication for a child diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What is the desired behavior for which the nurse should monitor? a. Increased expressiveness in communicating with others. b. Improved ability for cooperative play with other children. c. Ability to identify anxiety and implement self-control strategies. d. Improved socialization skills with other children and authority figures.

ANS: B The goal is improvement in the child's hyperactivity, distractibility, and play. The incorrect options are more relevant for a child with a developmental or anxiety disorder.

Consider these health problems: Lewy body disease, Pick disease, and Parkinson's disease. Which term unifies these problems? a. Intoxication b. Dementia c. Delirium d. Amnesia

ANS: B The listed health problems are all forms of dementia

An adolescent tells the school nurse, "My friend threatened to take an overdose of pills." The nurse talks to the friend who verbalized the suicide threat. What is the most critical question for the nurse to ask? a. "What makes you want to kill yourself?" b. "Do you have access to medications?" c. "Have you been taking drugs and alcohol?" d. "Did something happen with your parents?"

ANS: B The nurse must assess the patient's access to the means to carry out the plan and, if there is access, alert the parents to remove them from the home. The other questions may be important to ask but are not the most critical.

What are the primary distinguishing factors between the behavior of children diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and those diagnosed with conduct disorder (CD)? The child 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 the parents. d. CD uses stereotypical or repetitive language. e. CD often violates the rights of others.

ANS: B, E Children with ODD are negativistic, disobedient, and defiant toward authority figures without seriously violating the basic rights of others, whereas children with CD frequently behave in ways that violate the rights of others and age-appropriate societal norms. Reliving traumatic events occurs with posttraumatic stress disorder. Stereotypical language behaviors are observed in autistic children. Separation problems with resultant anxiety occur with separation anxiety disorder.

A rape victim tells the nurse, "I should not have been out on the street alone." Which is the nurse's most therapeutic response? a. "Rape can happen anywhere." b. "Blaming yourself only increases your anxiety and discomfort." c. "You believe this would not have happened if you had not been alone?" d. "You are right. You should not have been alone on the street at night."

ANS: C A reflective communication technique is helpful. Looking at one's role in the event serves to explain events that the victim would otherwise find incomprehensible. The incorrect options discount the victim's perceived role and interfere with further discussion.

An older adult was stopped by police for driving through a red light. When asked for a driver's license, the adult hands the police officer a pair of sunglasses. What sign of dementia is evident? a. Aphasia b. Apraxia c. Agnosia d. Memory impairment

ANS: C Agnosia refers to the loss of sensory ability to recognize objects. Aphasia refers to the loss of language ability. Apraxia refers to the loss of purposeful movement. No evidence of memory loss is revealed in this scenario.

A patient is admitted in a comatose state after ingesting five capsules of lorazepam. A friend of the patient says, "Often my friend drinks, along with taking more of the drug than is prescribed." What is the effect of the use of alcohol with this drug? a. The drug's metabolism is stimulated. b. The drug's effect is diminished. c. A synergistic effect occurs. d. There is no effect.

ANS: C Both lorazepam and alcohol are CNS depressants and have synergistic effects. Taken together, the action of each would potentiate the other.

Health maintenance and promotion efforts for patients diagnosed with severe mental illness should include education about the importance of what regular intervention? a. Home safety inspections b. Monitoring of self-care abilities c. Screening for cancer, hypertension, and diabetes d. Determination of adequacy of a patient's support system

ANS: C Individuals diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness have an increased prevalence of medical disorders. Patients should be taught the importance of regular visits to a primary care physician for screening for these illnesses. Home safety inspections are more often suggested for patients with physical impairments. Caregivers and family members usually evaluate self-care abilities, rather than the patient. Assessment of a patient's support system is not usually considered part of health promotion and maintenance.

Which scenario predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior toward others? a. Major depressive disorder with delusions of worthlessness b. Obsessive-compulsive disorder; performing many rituals c. Paranoid delusions of being followed by a military attack team d. Completion of alcohol withdrawal and beginning a rehabilitation program

ANS: C The correct answer illustrates the greatest disruption of ability to perceive reality accurately. People who feel persecuted may strike out against those believed to be persecutors. The patients identified in the distractors have better reality-testing ability.

A patient admitted for a heroin overdose received naloxone. The patient's breathing pattern improved. Two hours later, the patient reports muscle aches, abdominal cramps, gooseflesh and says, "I feel terrible." Which analysis is correct? a. The patient is exhibiting a prodromal symptom of seizures. b. An idiosyncratic reaction to naloxone is occurring. c. Symptoms of opiate withdrawal are present. d. The patient is experiencing a relapse.

ANS: C The symptoms given in the question are consistent with narcotic withdrawal and result from administration of naloxone. Early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal are flulike in nature. Seizures are more commonly observed in alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

When used for treatment of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which medication would be expected to antagonize N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) channels rather than cholinesterase? a. Donepezil b. Rivastigmine c. Memantine d. Galantamine

ANS: C Memantine blocks the NMDA channels and is used in moderate-to-late stages of the disease. Donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are all cholinesterase inhibitors. These drugs increase the availability of acetylcholine and are most often used to treat mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.

A woman says, "I can't take anymore! Last year my husband had an affair. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college." What type of crisis is this person experiencing? a. Maturational b. Adventitious c. Situational d. Recurring

ANS: C A situational crisis arises from an external source and involves a loss of self-concept or self-esteem. An adventitious crisis is a crisis of disaster, such as a natural disaster or crime of violence. 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.

A patient with severe physical injuries is irritable, angry, and belittles the nurses. As a nurse changes a dressing, the patient screams, "Don't touch me! You are so stupid. You will make it worse!" Which intervention uses a cognitive technique to help this patient? a. Discontinue the dressing change without comments and leave the room. b. Stop the dressing change, saying, "Perhaps you would like to change your own dressing." c. Continue the dressing change, saying, "Do you know this dressing change isneeded so your wound will not get infected?" d. Continue the dressing change, saying, "Unfortunately, you have no choice. Your doctor ordered this dressing change."

ANS: C Anger is cognitively driven. The correct answer helps the patient test his cognitions and may help lower his anger. The incorrect options will escalate the patient's anger by belittling or escalating the patient's sense of powerlessness.

A 15-year-old adolescent has run away from home six times. After the adolescent was arrested for prostitution, the parents told the court, "We can't manage our teenager." The adolescent is physically abusive to the mother and defiant with the father. The adolescent's problem is most consistent with criteria for which disorder? a. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) b. Childhood depression c. Conduct disorder (CD) d. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ANS: C CDs are manifested by a persistent pattern of behavior in which the rights of others and age-appropriate societal norms are violated. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition) (DSM-5) identifies CDs as serious violations of rules. The patient's clinical manifestations do not coincide with the other disorders listed.

When assessing a patient's plan for suicide, what aspect has priority? a. Patient's financial and educational status b. Patient's insight into suicidal motivation c. Availability of means and lethality of method d. Quality and availability of patient's social support

ANS: C If a person has definite plans that include choosing a method of suicide readily available, and if the method is one that is lethal (i.e., will cause the person to die with little probability for intervention), the suicide risk is considered high. These areas provide a better indication of risk than the areas mentioned in the other options.

What is the priority nursing need for a patient diagnosed with late-stage dementia? a. Promotion of self-care activities b. Meaningful verbal communication c. Maintenance of nutrition and hydration d. Prevention of the patient from wandering

ANS: C In late-stage dementia, the patient has often forgotten how to eat, chew, and swallow. Nutrition and hydration needs must be met if the patient is to live. The patient is incapable of self-care, ambulation, or verbal communication.

Which nursing diagnosis is likely to apply to the plan of care for a homeless individual diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness? a. Insomnia b. Substance abuse c. Chronic low self-esteem d. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome

ANS: C Many individuals with severe mental illness do not live with their families and are homeless. Life on the street or in a shelter has a negative influence on the individual's self-esteem, making this nursing diagnosis one that should be considered. Insomnia may be noted in some patients but is not a universal problem. While substance abuse may be a comorbid problem, it is not an approved North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International (NANDA-I) diagnosis. Impaired environmental interpretation syndrome refers to persistent disorientation, which is not observed in a majority of the homeless population.

After celebrating a 40th birthday, an individual becomes concerned with the loss of youthful appearance. What type of crisis has occurred? a. Reactive b. Situational c. Maturational d. Adventitious

ANS: 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, such as divorce and job loss. No classification called reactive crisis exists. Adventitious crises occur when disasters such as natural disasters (e.g., floods, hurricanes), war, or violent crimes disrupt coping styles.

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has auditory hallucinations, delusions of grandeur, poor personal hygiene, and motor agitation. Which assessment finding would the nurse regard as a negative symptom of schizophrenia? a. Auditory hallucinations b. Delusions of grandeur c. Poor personal hygiene d. Motor agitation

ANS: C Negative symptoms include apathy, anhedonia, poor social functioning, and poverty of thought. Poor personal hygiene is an example of poor social functioning. The distractors are positive symptoms of schizophrenia.

Which medication should a nurse administer to provide immediate intervention for a psychotic patient whose aggressive behavior continues to escalate despite verbal intervention? a. Lithium b. Trazodone c. Olanzapine d. Valproic acid

ANS: C Olanzapine is a short-acting antipsychotic drug that is useful in calming angry, aggressive patients regardless of their diagnosis. The other drugs listed require long-term use to reduce anger. Lithium is for patients with bipolar disorder. Trazodone is for patients with depression, insomnia, or chronic pain. Valproic acid is for patients with bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.

Two patients in a residential care facility are diagnosed with dementia. One shouts to the other, "Move along, you're blocking the road." The other patient turns, shakes a fist, and shouts, "I know what you're up to; you're trying to steal my car." What is the nurse's best action? a. Administer one dose of an antipsychotic medication to both patients. b. Reinforce reality. Say to the patients, "Walk along in the hall. This is not a traffic intersection." c. Separate and distract the patients. Take one to the day room and the other to an activities area. d. Step between the two patients and say, "Please quiet down. We do not allow violence here."

ANS: C Separating and distracting prevents escalation from verbal to physical acting out. Neither patient loses self-esteem during this intervention. Medication is probably not necessary. Stepping between two angry, threatening patients is an unsafe action, and trying to reinforce reality during an angry outburst will probably not be successful when the patients are cognitively impaired.

Which nursing intervention is appropriate to use for patients diagnosed with either delirium or dementia? a. Speak in a loud, firm voice. b. Touch the patient before speaking. c. Reintroduce the health care worker at each contact. d. When the patient becomes aggressive, use physical restraint instead of medication.

ANS: C Short-term memory is often impaired in patients with delirium and dementia. Reorientation to staff is often necessary with each contact to minimize misperceptions, reduce anxiety level, and secure cooperation. Loud voices may be frightening or sound angry. Speaking before touching prevents the patient from feeling threatened. Physical restraint is not appropriate; the least restrictive measure should be used.

A nurse uses the modified SAD PERSONS scale to interview a patient. This tool provides data relevant to assessing what? a. Current stress level b. Mood disturbance c. Suicide potential d. Level of anxiety

ANS: C The modified SAD PERSONS tool evaluates major risk factors in suicide potential: sex, age, depression, previous attempt, ethanol use, rational thinking loss, stated future intent, organized plan, separated/widowed/divorced, and sickness. The tool does not have appropriate categories to provide information on the other options listed.

A patient admitted yesterday for injuries sustained while intoxicated believes the window blinds are snakes trying to get into the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and diaphoretic. Which medication can the nurse anticipate the health care provider will prescribe? a. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine b. Phenothiazine, such as thioridazine c. Benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam d. Narcotic analgesic, such as morphine

ANS: C This patient is experiencing alcohol withdrawal delirium. Sedation allows for the safe withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in most regions because of their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties. Antidepressant, antipsychotic, and opioid medications will not relieve the patient's symptoms.

A health care provider considers which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who has auditory hallucinations and poor social functioning. The patient is also overweight. Which drug should the nurse advocate? a. Clozapine b. Ziprasidone c. Olanzapine d. Aripiprazole

ANS: D Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is effective against both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. It causes little or no weight gain and no increase in glucose, high- or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, or triglycerides, making it a reasonable choice for a patient with obesity or heart disease. Clozapine may produce agranulocytosis, making it a poor choice as a first-line agent. Ziprasidone may prolong the QT interval, making it a poor choice for a patient with cardiac disease. Olanzapine fosters weight gain.

Which medication is the nurse most likely to see prescribed as part of the treatment plan for both a patient in an alcoholism treatment program and a patient in a program for the treatment of opioid addiction? a. Methadone b. Bromocriptine c. Disulfiram d. Naltrexone

ANS: D Naltrexone is useful for treating both opioid and alcohol addictions. As an opioid antagonist, it blocks the action of opioids. Because it blocks the mechanism of reinforcement, it also reduces or eliminates alcohol craving.

A patient diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness who recently moved to a homeless shelter says, "My life is out of control. I'm like a leaf at the mercy of the wind." The nurse formulates the diagnosis Powerlessness. Outcomes will focus on which goal? a. Instilling hope b. Controlling anxiety c. Planning social activities d. Developing personal autonomy

ANS: D Powerlessness is associated with feeling unable to control events in one's life. It is often associated with low self-esteem. The goal is to increase one's sense of autonomy. The scenario does not indicate hopelessness or anxiety. Socialization is not the primary need.

When a patient's aggression quickly escalates, which principle applies to the selection of nursing interventions? a. Staff members should match the patient's affective level and tone of voice b. Ask the patient what intervention would be most helpful. c. Immediately use physical containment measures. d. Begin with the least restrictive measure possible.

ANS: D Standards of care require that staff members use the least restrictive measure possible. This becomes the guiding principle for intervention. Physical containment is seldom the least restrictive measure. Asking the out-of-control patient what to do is rarely helpful. It may be an effective strategy during the pre-assaultive phase but is less effective during escalation.

A 5-year-old child moves and talks constantly. The child awakens before the parents every morning. The child attends kindergarten, but the teacher reports difficulty handling the behavior. What is this child's most likely problem? a. Tic disorder b. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) c. Intellectual development disorder (IDD) d. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ANS: D The constant motion and excessive talkativeness suggest ADHD. Tic disorder is associated with stereotypical, rapid, and involuntary motor movements. Developmental delays would be observed if intellectual development disorder was present. ODD includes serious violations of the rights of others.

Confirmation of a history of what scenario from a patient's record indicates compromised coping skills and the need for careful assessment of the risk for violence? a. Childhood trauma b. Family involvement c. Academic problems d. Daily substance abuse

ANS: D The nurse should suspect compromised coping skills in a patient with daily substance abuse. He or she is often anxious, may be concerned about inadequate pain relief, and may have a personality style that externalizes blame. The incorrect options do not signal as high a degree of risk as substance abuse.

A nurse answers a suicide crisis line. A caller says, "I live alone in a home several miles from my nearest neighbors. I have been considering suicide for 2 months. I have had several drinks and now my gun is loaded. I'm going to shoot myself in the heart." How would the nurse assess the lethality of this plan? a. No risk b. Low level c. Moderate level d. High level

ANS: D The patient has a highly detailed plan, a highly lethal method, the means to carry it out, lowered impulse control because of alcohol ingestion, and a low potential for rescue.

Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who are suspicious and withdrawn generally present with what additional characteristic? a. Universally fear sexual involvement with therapists. b. Are socially disabled by the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. c. Exhibit a high degree of hostility as evidenced by rejecting behavior. d. Avoid relationships because they become anxious with emotional closeness.

ANS: D When an individual is suspicious and distrustful and perceives the world and the people in it as potentially dangerous, withdrawal into an inner world can be a defense against uncomfortable levels of anxiety. When someone attempts to establish a relationship with such a patient, the patient's anxiety rises until trust is established. No evidence suggests that withdrawn patients with schizophrenia universally fear sexual involvement with therapists. In most cases, it is not considered true that withdrawn patients with schizophrenia are socially disabled by the positive symptoms of schizophrenia or exhibit a high degree of hostility by demonstrating rejecting behavior.

Which health care worker should be referred to critical incident stress debriefing? a. Nurse who works at an oncology clinic where patients receive chemotherapy. b. Case manager whose patients are seriously mentally ill and are being cared for at home. c. Health care employee who worked 8 hours at the information desk of an intensive care unit. d. Emergency medical technician (EMT) who treated victims of a car bombing at a department store.

ANS: D Although each of the individuals mentioned experiences job-related stress on a daily basis, the person most in need of critical incident stress debriefing is the EMT, who experienced an adventitious crisis event by responding to a bombing and provided care to victims of trauma.

A rape victim asks an emergency department nurse, "Maybe I did something to cause this attack. Was it my fault?" Which response by the nurse is the most therapeutic? a. Pose questions about the rape, helping the patient explore why it happened. b. Reassure the victim that the outcome of the situation will be positive. c. Make decisions for the victim because of the temporary confusion. d. Support the victim to separate issues of vulnerability from blame.

ANS: D Although the victim may have made choices that increased vulnerability, the victim is not to blame for the rape. The incorrect options either suggest the use of a nontherapeutic communication technique or do not permit the victim to restore control. No confusion is evident.

A person was abducted and raped at gunpoint. The nurse observes this person is confused, talks rapidly in disconnected phrases, and is unable to concentrate or make simple decisions. What is the person's level of anxiety? a. Minimal b. Mild c. Moderate d. High

ANS: D Anxiety is the result of a personal threat to the victim's safety and security. In this case, the person's symptoms of rapid, dissociated speech, confusion, and indecisiveness indicate severe anxiety. "Minimal" is not a level of anxiety. Mild and moderate levels of anxiety allow the person to function at a higher level.

When assessing a patient who has ingested flunitrazepam, what should the nurse expect? a. Acrophobia b. Hypothermia c. Hallucinations d. Anterograde amnesia

ANS: D Flunitrazepam is known as roofies, produces disinhibition, and a relaxation of voluntary muscles, as well as anterograde amnesia for events that occur. The other options do not reflect symptoms commonly observed after use of this drug.

A nurse is called to the home of a neighbor and finds an unconscious person still holding a medication bottle labeled "lorazepam." What is the nurse's first action? a. Test reflexes. b. Check pupils. c. Initiate vomiting. d. Establish a patent airway.

ANS: D Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine. Maintaining a patent airway is the priority when the patient is unconscious. Assessing neurological function by testing reflexes and checking pupils can wait. Vomiting should not be induced when a patient is unconscious because of the danger of aspiration.

Which scenario is an example of an adventitious crisis? a. Death of a child from sudden infant death syndrome b. Being fired from a job because of company downsizing c. Retirement of a 55 year old d. A riot at a rock concert

ANS: D The rock concert riot is unplanned, accidental, violent, and not a part of everyday life. The incorrect options are examples of situational or maturational crises.

A 5-year-old child diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) bounces out of a chair in the waiting room, runs across the room, and begins to slap another child. What is the nurse's best action? a. Call for emergency assistance from another staff member. b. Instruct the parents to take the child home immediately. c. Direct this child to stop, and then comfort the other child. d. Take the child into another room with toys to act out feelings.

ANS: D The use of play to express feelings is appropriate; the cognitive and language abilities of the child may require the acting out of feelings if verbal expression is limited. The incorrect options provide no outlet for feelings or opportunity to develop coping skills.

A patient diagnosed with dementia no longer recognizes family members. The family asks how long it will be before their family member recognizes them when they visit. What is the nurse's best reply? a. "Your family member will never again be able to identify you." b. "I think that is a question the health care provider should answer." c. "One never knows. Consciousness fluctuates in persons with dementia." d. "It is disappointing when someone you love no longer recognizes you."

ANS: D Therapeutic communication techniques can assist family members to come to terms with the losses and irreversibility dementia imposes on both the loved one and themselves. Two of the incorrect responses close communication. The nurse should take the opportunity to foster communication. Consciousness does not fluctuate in patients with dementia.

After assessing a victim of sexual assault, which terms could the nurse use in the documentation? (Select all that apply.) a. Alleged b. Reported c. Penetration d. Intercourse e. Refused f. Declined

B, C, F

positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Delusions of reference, delusions of persecution, delusions of grandeur, thought broadcasting, though insertion, hallucinations, disorganized thought, disorganized behaviour, catatonia

Modified SAD PERSONS Scale

S: Male sex → 1 A: Age If <19 or >45 years → 1 D: Depression or hopelessness → 2 P: Previous suicidal attempts or psychiatric care → 1 E: Excessive ethanol or drug use → 1 R: Rational thinking loss (psychotic or organic illness) → 2 S: Separated, widowed, or divorced → 1 O: Organized plan or serious attempt → 2 N: No social support → 1 S: Stated future intent (determined to repeat or ambivalent) → 1 ------------- 0-5 safe to discharge, maybe follow up apt 6-8 probably requires psych eval >8 probably requires hospital admit

negative symptoms of schizophrenia

disturbance of affect, blunting (severe reduction in the intensity of affect expression), flat affect, inappropriate affect (might laugh hysterically while describing someones death)