Nokea
When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?
- A. Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity
- B. The patient’s level of motor activity
- C. Medications the patient has recently taken
- D. Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications the patient has recently taken. This information is crucial because certain medications can cause symptoms of delirium or exacerbate confusion in elderly patients. By reviewing the patient's recent medications, healthcare providers can identify potential drug-induced causes of confusion and adjust the treatment accordingly.
Choice A (Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity) is incorrect because these symptoms are more related to neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury, not specifically delirium.
Choice B (The patient’s level of motor activity) is not as relevant in distinguishing delirium from other problems as medication history, as motor activity can be influenced by various factors.
Choice D (Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms) is also less relevant compared to medication history in differentiating delirium, as somatic symptoms may not always directly indicate the underlying cause of confusion in elderly patients.
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A patient is scheduled to attend an occupational therapy group to work on the identified goal of “recognizing and using more effective coping techniques.” What measure can the nurse use to continue to support the patient’s attainment of this goal after he returns to the unit?
- A. Praising him for positive behavioral changes
- B. Avoiding setting limits that would increase his anxiety level
- C. Isolating him from more seriously ill patients
- D. Recommending that he avoid group activities for a while
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Praising him for positive behavioral changes. This measure reinforces the patient's use of effective coping techniques, providing positive feedback and motivation. This positive reinforcement encourages the patient to continue utilizing these strategies.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect:
B: Avoiding setting limits that would increase his anxiety level - This does not actively support the patient's goal of recognizing and using more effective coping techniques.
C: Isolating him from more seriously ill patients - Isolation does not promote the practice of coping techniques and may hinder the patient's social interaction and progress.
D: Recommending that he avoid group activities for a while - Avoiding group activities contradicts the goal of attending occupational therapy groups and working towards improved coping techniques.
Which intervention should the nurse plan to reduce the patient's focus on delusional thinking?
- A. Confronting the delusion
- B. Refuting the delusion with logic
- C. Exploring reasons the patient has the delusion
- D. Focusing on feelings suggested by the delusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because focusing on the feelings suggested by the delusion can help the patient process and manage their emotions underlying the delusion. By addressing the emotions, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into the delusion and reduce its intensity. Confronting the delusion (A) may lead to resistance and reinforcement. Refuting the delusion with logic (B) may further alienate the patient. Exploring reasons for the delusion (C) may not directly address the emotional component.
A patient attending group therapy mentions, “In the beginning, I was so sick that everyone had to help me. For the last few days, it’s felt good to be able to give something back to the group.” This statement can be assessed as an example of Yalom’s factor of:
- A. Cohesiveness
- B. Imitative behavior
- C. Altruism
- D. Harmonizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Altruism. This statement reflects the concept of altruism in group therapy, as the patient expresses the satisfaction of being able to give back to the group after receiving help in the beginning. Altruism refers to the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. In this case, the patient's experience of feeling good by being able to contribute positively to the group reflects a sense of altruism.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and unity within a group, which is not directly reflected in the patient's statement.
B: Imitative behavior involves mimicking the actions of others, which is not evident in the patient's statement.
D: Harmonizing refers to the process of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement, which is not explicitly mentioned in the patient's statement.
In response to the nurse’s statement, “Tell me about your family,” the patient became silent and displayed nonverbally that he is uncomfortable. Which statement by the nurse reflects sensitivity to the patient?
- A. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize your family was a problem for you.”
- B. “Learning to express negative feelings will assist you in getting well.”
- C. “Perhaps you can talk about your feelings to the physician next time you meet.”
- D. “That seems to be a difficult subject for you. We can discuss when you are
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's discomfort without making assumptions or judgments. By recognizing the difficulty the patient is facing and offering to discuss it when they are ready, the nurse shows empathy and respect for the patient's feelings.
Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the family is a problem for the patient. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on expressing negative feelings rather than addressing the patient's current discomfort. Choice C is incorrect because it deflects the conversation to the physician without addressing the patient's immediate needs.
A teen is grieving the loss of her pet dog. She states to her mother, “I miss my dog so much, but I know that if I start crying, I will never stop.” The teen is expressing a fear of:
- A. Appearing emotionally immature
- B. Embarrassing herself by crying in public
- C. Losing the support of her friends and family.
- D. Losing control over her emotions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Losing control over her emotions. The teen's statement indicates a fear of losing control if she starts crying. This fear suggests that she believes crying will lead to an inability to stop, indicating a concern about managing her emotions. This fear of losing control over her emotions aligns with the teen's hesitance to express her grief through tears.
A: Appearing emotionally immature - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not directly suggest a fear of appearing emotionally immature.
B: Embarrassing herself by crying in public - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not mention a fear of embarrassment.
C: Losing the support of her friends and family - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not indicate a fear of losing support from others.