A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that he is the President of the United States, and no logical reasoning with the client convinces him otherwise. This client is experiencing a:
- A. Mutism
- B. Delusion
- C. Neologism
- D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Delusion. A delusion is a fixed false belief that is not based on reality, such as believing one is a famous figure like the President. In this scenario, the client's belief is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, indicating a delusion. Mutism (A) is a lack of verbal communication, not applicable here. Neologism (C) is creating new words or phrases, not seen in this example. Flight of ideas (D) is a rapid, continuous flow of speech with abrupt topic changes, which is not demonstrated in the client's behavior described.
You may also like to solve these questions
The family of a patient with schizophrenia who has been stable for a year reports to the community mental health nurse that the patient reports feeling tense and having difficulty concentrating. He sleeps only 3 to 4 hours nightly and has begun to talk about creatures called 'volmers' hiding in the warehouse where he works and undoing his work each night. This information most likely suggests:
- A. medication nonadherence.
- B. a need for psychoeducation.
- C. the chronic nature of his illness.
- D. relapse of his schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: relapse of his schizophrenia. The patient's symptoms of feeling tense, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and delusional beliefs about creatures at work indicate a worsening of his psychotic symptoms. This suggests a relapse of schizophrenia, a chronic mental illness characterized by periods of stability and exacerbation of symptoms. The patient's previous stability for a year makes medication nonadherence less likely. While psychoeducation may be beneficial, the patient's current symptoms require more immediate intervention for relapse management. The information provided does not directly indicate the chronic nature of his illness, but rather an acute exacerbation. Therefore, D is the most appropriate choice based on the presented symptoms and clinical understanding of schizophrenia.
A teacher comes to the mental health clinic saying a co-worker recently confronted her about behaviors that are annoying to other co-workers. She is now experiencing moderate to severe levels of anxiety. The co-worker told the patient that others find her very difficult because she is a perfectionist and micromanages the tasks of others on the teaching team, always demanding that things should be done according to her plans. The co-worker mentioned that the patient made everyone feel as though everything they tried was inadequate, and they feel frustrated and angry. The patient states she likes her co-workers and only wanted to help them be successful. The nurse realizes the patient's behaviors are most consistent with:
- A. obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.
- B. narcissistic personality disorder.
- C. histrionic personality disorder.
- D. schizoid personality disorder.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This is because the patient's behaviors of being a perfectionist, micromanaging tasks, demanding things be done according to her plans, and making others feel inadequate align with the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are preoccupied with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
Choice B: narcissistic personality disorder, is incorrect because the patient's behaviors are not characterized by a sense of grandiosity, a lack of empathy, or a need for admiration, which are hallmark features of narcissistic personality disorder.
Choice C: histrionic personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder typically display attention-seeking behavior, emotional instability, and excessive emotionality, none of which are evident in the patient's presentation.
Choice D: schizoid personality disorder, is incorrect as individuals with this disorder tend to be socially detached, have limited emotional expression, and prefer solitary activities, which do not align with the
An older adult patient who lives with a daughter and attends the Alzheimer day hospital program exhibits bilateral bruising for the second time on both upper outer arms. When the nurse questions the patient about the bruising, the patient starts to cry and pleads, 'Please don't say anything. It's not my daughter's fault. I just bruise easily.' Which intervention reflects the best management of this situation?
- A. Call the daughter to discuss both the bruising and her parent's reaction.
- B. Report the elder abuse, and inform the patient and the daughter of your intention.
- C. Notify the patient's social worker of the bruising after a complete assessment has been completed.
- D. Inform the patient and the daughter of your intention to document the bruising and arrange for appropriate counseling.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report the elder abuse and inform the patient and the daughter of your intention. This is the best intervention as it prioritizes the safety and well-being of the older adult. Here's the rationale:
1. The patient's repeated bruising and fear of disclosure indicate potential abuse.
2. Reporting elder abuse is mandatory to ensure protection for the patient.
3. Informing the patient and daughter shows transparency and involves them in the process.
4. It is crucial to address the situation promptly to prevent further harm.
Summary:
A: Calling the daughter may escalate the situation and compromise the patient's safety.
C: Notifying the social worker without addressing the abuse directly may delay necessary action.
D: Counseling may be beneficial, but addressing the abuse is a priority to ensure the patient's safety.
A patient who takes lithium phones the nurse at the clinic to say, "I've had diarrhea for 4 days. I feel weak and unsteady when I walk. My usual hand tremor has gotten worse. What should I do?" Which instruction by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. Have someone bring you to the clinic immediately.
- B. Restrict food and fluids for 24 hours and stay in bed.
- C. Drink a large glass of water with 1 teaspoon of salt added.
- D. Take antidiarrheal medication hourly until the diarrhea subsides.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have someone bring you to the clinic immediately. The patient is experiencing symptoms of lithium toxicity, including diarrhea, weakness, unsteadiness, and worsening hand tremor. These symptoms indicate a potential lithium overdose, which can be life-threatening. Bringing the patient to the clinic immediately is crucial for assessment, monitoring, and intervention.
Choice B is incorrect because restricting food and fluids can worsen dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Choice C is incorrect as adding salt to water can exacerbate electrolyte abnormalities in lithium toxicity. Choice D is incorrect as taking antidiarrheal medication can further worsen the symptoms and delay appropriate medical treatment.
A 17-year-old client is admitted to the ED after being alternately hyperalert and difficult to arouse. His symptoms all started within the last few hours, during which time he became agitated and restless, and his memory was impaired, especially for recent events. The client displayed some delusions and misinterpretations of his surroundings. The nurse knows she needs to assess the client further for:
- A. Drug use.
- B. Infection.
- C. Metabolic disorder.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drug use. Given the client's sudden onset of symptoms, including altered mental status, agitation, memory impairment, delusions, and misinterpretations of surroundings, drug use is the most likely cause. Step 1: Consider the timeline - symptoms started within a few hours. Step 2: Review the symptoms - agitation, memory impairment, delusions, altered mental status. Step 3: Think of common causes for acute onset of these symptoms - drug use can lead to these manifestations. Step 4: Rule out other potential causes - infection and metabolic disorders typically present with different symptomatology and are less likely in this acute scenario. Step 5: Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client for drug use to provide appropriate interventions.