A 17-year-old client who has anorexia nervosa states she believes she will have fewer problems in college and will be more popular if she continues to lose weight. What nursing intervention would be useful at this time?
- A. Assisting the client to identify the problems causing her concern.
- B. Determining what she hopes to gain from the behavior.
- C. Explaining that her chances for becoming ill from losing weight are high.
- D. Having a physical report sent to college officials indicating her condition.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on assisting the client to identify the problems causing her concern. By helping the client explore the underlying issues driving her desire to lose weight, the nurse can address the root cause of her behavior. This intervention promotes self-awareness and insight, enabling the client to better understand her motivations and make informed choices.
Option B is incorrect because while determining what the client hopes to gain from the behavior is important, it does not directly address the immediate concern of identifying underlying problems.
Option C is incorrect because simply explaining the risks of becoming ill may not effectively address the client's belief that losing weight will lead to fewer problems and increased popularity.
Option D is incorrect because sending a physical report to college officials without the client's consent may violate confidentiality and trust, and it does not address the client's psychological needs.
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A community mental health nurse receives a new client for his caseload. The diagnosis of the client is residual schizophrenia. Documentation states that the client has a number of negative symptoms. Which symptom would the nurse expect to assess in the client?
- A. Bizarre, somatic delusions
- B. Disorganized speech pattern
- C. Catatonic posturing
- D. Emotional blunting
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Emotional blunting. In residual schizophrenia, negative symptoms involve deficits in normal emotional responses and behaviors. Emotional blunting refers to a reduction in the intensity of emotional expression, which is commonly seen in clients with residual schizophrenia. This symptom can include a lack of facial expressions, reduced vocal inflections, and overall flat affect.
Choice A (Bizarre, somatic delusions) is incorrect as it refers to a positive symptom of schizophrenia involving distorted beliefs about the body.
Choice B (Disorganized speech pattern) is incorrect as it is characteristic of disorganized schizophrenia, not residual schizophrenia.
Choice C (Catatonic posturing) is incorrect as it is a symptom of catatonic schizophrenia, not residual schizophrenia.
The mother of a client newly diagnosed with schizophrenia is a nurse. She unhappily tells the nurse on the unit, 'I've tried to be a good mother, but my daughter still developed schizophrenia. When I was in school, we were taught that it was the mother's fault if a child became schizophrenic. I wish I knew what I did wrong.' The response that would help the mother evaluate models explaining schizophrenia would be:
- A. I can see how you would be upset over this turn of events.'
- B. New findings suggest this disorder is biologic in nature.'
- C. Don't be so hard on yourself; your daughter needs you to be strong.'
- D. It's difficult to see that double-bind communication produces stress for the child at the time it's occurring.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct answer: B
Rationale:
1. This response acknowledges the mother's distress but shifts the focus to new findings suggesting schizophrenia is biologic in nature.
2. It provides the mother with updated information that contradicts the outdated belief that mothers are to blame for schizophrenia.
3. By highlighting the biological basis of the disorder, it helps the mother understand that it is not her fault.
4. This response encourages the mother to consider scientific evidence rather than blaming herself, promoting a more accurate understanding of the condition.
Summary:
- Choice A validates the mother's feelings but doesn't offer factual information to challenge her belief.
- Choice C aims to provide emotional support but doesn't address the mother's need for accurate information.
- Choice D introduces the concept of double-bind communication, which is not directly relevant to helping the mother understand the biological nature of schizophrenia.
A woman whose husband physically abuses her mentions to the nurse, 'Someday I'll have to leave him.' Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?
- A. Yes, you should, before he harms you badly.'
- B. Could we talk about developing a safety plan?'
- C. Are you afraid of what your family will say?'
- D. I don't know why you would stay with him.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Could we talk about developing a safety plan?" This response is the best choice as it acknowledges the woman's situation, offers support, and focuses on practical steps to ensure her safety. By suggesting a safety plan, the nurse is addressing the immediate concern of potential harm and empowering the woman to take control of her situation.
Incorrect Choices:
A: This response is too direct and may not take into account the complexities of the woman's situation. It lacks empathy and does not offer a constructive solution.
C: This response shifts the focus away from the woman's safety and onto external factors. It may come across as judgmental and unhelpful.
D: This response is dismissive and fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. It does not offer any support or guidance to the woman in need.
A community health nurse visits an elderly person whose spouse died 6 months ago. Two vodka bottles are in the trash. When the nurse asks about alcohol use, this person says, 'I get lonely and drink a little to help me forget.' Select the nurses most therapeutic intervention.
- A. Assess whether this patient is drinking and driving
- B. Advise the person not to drink alone because the risks for injury increase
- C. Teach the person about risks for alcoholism and suggest other coping strategies
- D. Arrange for the person to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for older adults
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This person needs help with alcohol abuse as well as social involvement. An AA meeting for older adults will provide an opportunity for peer bonding as well as strategies for coping with stress without abusing alcohol. The distracters will not be therapeutic in this instance.
A patient with borderline personality disorder has cut her wrists. The physician orders daily dressing changes for the lacerations. The nurse performing this care should:
- A. encourage the patient to vent anger and aggression.
- B. provide care in a matter-of-fact manner
- C. be kindly, sympathetic, and concerned.
- D. offer to listen to the patient's feelings about cutting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: provide care in a matter-of-fact manner. This approach is important in treating patients with borderline personality disorder as it helps maintain boundaries and consistency, which are crucial for managing their condition. By being matter-of-fact, the nurse can prevent potential manipulation or reinforcement of maladaptive behaviors. Encouraging the patient to vent anger (choice A) may escalate the situation. Being overly sympathetic (choice C) can blur professional boundaries. Offering to listen to feelings (choice D) may reinforce the behavior and not address the underlying issues effectively.