Which therapeutic communication technique involves restating the patient's message to ensure understanding?
- A. Clarification
- B. Reflection
- C. Summarization
- D. Paraphrasing
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Paraphrasing is the correct therapeutic communication technique where the nurse restates the patient's message in their own words to confirm understanding. This technique helps in validating the patient's feelings and ensuring that both parties are in agreement, leading to effective communication and rapport building. Choice A, 'Clarification,' involves seeking further information to enhance understanding rather than restating the message. Choice B, 'Reflection,' involves echoing the patient's feelings to show empathy rather than restating the message. Choice C, 'Summarization,' involves condensing the main points of a conversation rather than restating a specific message.
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During a mental health assessment, a patient states, 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore.' This statement is an indication of which of the following?
- A. Anxiety disorder
- B. Bipolar disorder
- C. Depression
- D. Schizophrenia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient's statement 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore' reflects feelings of hopelessness and a lack of purpose, which are common symptoms of depression. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. While anxiety disorders can involve excessive worry and fear, bipolar disorder includes episodes of both depression and mania, and schizophrenia typically involves symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, depression is the most appropriate choice based on the patient's statement.
A patient is being assessed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?
- A. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life.
- B. Extreme mood swings between euphoria and depression.
- C. Persistent thoughts of self-harm.
- D. Hearing voices that others do not hear.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly present with excessive worrying about various aspects of life. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark symptom of GAD and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Extreme mood swings (choice B), persistent thoughts of self-harm (choice C), and auditory hallucinations (choice D) are more indicative of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, respectively. These symptoms are not specific to GAD.
Which of the following interventions is most effective in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors.
- B. Helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational.
- C. Providing the patient with a structured daily routine.
- D. Allowing the patient to avoid situations that trigger their obsessions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational. This cognitive-behavioral approach can assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors by challenging and reframing maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns associated with OCD. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors (choice A) reinforces the compulsive behavior rather than addressing the underlying issue. Providing a structured daily routine (choice C) may help in some cases but does not directly target the irrational thoughts and beliefs. Allowing the patient to avoid trigger situations (choice D) can provide temporary relief but does not address the core problem of irrational thoughts and behaviors.
A patient with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which behavior is most characteristic of this disorder?
- A. Avoiding social interactions due to fear of rejection.
- B. Engaging in impulsive and self-destructive behaviors.
- C. Having a grandiose sense of self-importance.
- D. Exhibiting a pattern of unstable relationships.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, and self-harm. These behaviors are often used to cope with intense emotional distress and are a key feature of this disorder. While individuals with borderline personality disorder may also struggle with unstable relationships, the hallmark feature that sets it apart is the impulsivity and self-destructive behaviors. Avoiding social interactions due to fear of rejection is more characteristic of avoidant personality disorder. Having a grandiose sense of self-importance is a feature of narcissistic personality disorder.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can take this medication on an as-needed basis.
- B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
- C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
- D. I should take this medication consistently every day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Buspirone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis. It should be taken consistently every day to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Choice B is correct as it accurately reflects that buspirone may take a few weeks to reach its full effect. Choice C is also correct as buspirone indeed has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. Choice D is correct because taking buspirone consistently every day is the appropriate way to use this medication.