Nokea
A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which symptom would be considered a positive symptom of this disorder?
- A. Alogia
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Delusions
- D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delusions are considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech or behavior. In contrast, negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, like alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and flat affect (reduced expression of emotions). Therefore, in the context of schizophrenia, delusions fall under the category of positive symptoms.
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During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, which intervention is most appropriate for a patient?
- A. Encourage the patient to engage in group activities.
- B. Provide a structured and low-stimulus environment.
- C. Allow the patient to set their schedule.
- D. Engage the patient in high-energy physical activities.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals may experience heightened energy levels, impulsivity, and decreased need for sleep. Providing a structured and low-stimulus environment is crucial in managing manic episodes. This intervention helps reduce overstimulation and provides a calm and predictable setting, which can be beneficial in helping the patient regain control and stability. Group activities and high-energy physical activities may exacerbate the symptoms of mania by increasing stimulation and excitement. Allowing the patient to set their schedule may not provide the necessary structure needed during a manic episode, hence making it less appropriate.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Use a firm, authoritative approach.
- C. Stay with the patient and provide a quiet environment.
- D. Suggest the patient watch TV to distract themselves.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a severe anxiety episode, it's crucial to stay with the patient and create a quiet environment. This approach helps reduce anxiety by providing a sense of safety and support. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute episode of severe anxiety. Using a firm, authoritative approach can escalate the situation and worsen the anxiety. Suggesting distractions like watching TV may not address the root cause of the anxiety or provide the necessary support.
A patient with bipolar disorder has been prescribed lithium. Which dietary advice is important for the nurse to include?
- A. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
- B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
- C. Increase protein intake.
- D. Avoid foods high in fat.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed lithium should maintain a consistent salt intake to prevent fluctuations in lithium levels. Salt intake can impact lithium levels, and sudden changes in salt intake can affect how the body absorbs and excretes lithium. Therefore, advising the patient to maintain a stable salt intake is crucial for the effectiveness and safety of lithium therapy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is more relevant for patients taking MAOIs, not lithium. Increasing protein intake or avoiding foods high in fat are not specific dietary recommendations for patients on lithium therapy.
What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed valproic acid for bipolar disorder?
- A. Avoid consuming dairy products while taking this medication.
- B. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor medication levels.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.
- D. It is safe to stop the medication abruptly if side effects occur.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regular blood tests are crucial when taking valproic acid to monitor the medication levels in the bloodstream. This monitoring helps ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dosage for effective treatment and to prevent adverse effects associated with either subtherapeutic or toxic levels of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because there is no specific interaction between valproic acid and dairy products. Choice C is incorrect as valproic acid can generally be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping valproic acid can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition.
A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage the patient to ignore the voices.
- B. Provide a structured and safe environment.
- C. Engage the patient in a debate about the reality of the voices.
- D. Ask the patient to describe the content of the hallucinations.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention when a patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations is to ask the patient to describe the content of the hallucinations. This intervention helps assess the risk associated with the hallucinations and provides valuable insight into the patient's condition, aiding in developing an effective care plan. Encouraging the patient to ignore the voices (Choice A) may not address the underlying issues or risks associated with the hallucinations. Providing a structured and safe environment (Choice B) is important but does not directly address the hallucinations. Engaging the patient in a debate about the reality of the voices (Choice C) may worsen the situation by invalidating the patient's experiences.