Nokea
A 32-year-old client with an admitting diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia has been mute and motionless for 2 days. The priority nursing diagnosis is:
- A. Risk for deficient fluid volume
- B. Impaired physical mobility
- C. Impaired social interaction
- D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for deficient fluid volume. The priority nursing diagnosis in this case is to address the client's physical needs to ensure their safety and well-being. The client's mutism and immobility put them at risk for dehydration and malnutrition. By prioritizing the risk for deficient fluid volume, the nurse can address the immediate physiological needs of the client.
Choice B: Impaired physical mobility is incorrect because while the client is motionless, the immediate concern is addressing the risk of dehydration.
Choice C: Impaired social interaction is incorrect as addressing social interaction is not the priority when the client's physical needs are not being met.
Choice D: Ineffective coping is incorrect because the client's presentation is indicative of a more urgent physical need for hydration and nutrition.
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A 14-year-old client on the eating disorders unit refuses to eat her meals and says to the nurse on the unit, 'You can't make me eat! There is nothing wrong with me.' The nurse will assess this as use of which defense mechanism?
- A. Repression.
- B. Rationalization.
- C. Sublimation.
- D. Denial.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to acknowledge reality to avoid discomfort. In this scenario, the client is denying the seriousness of their situation by refusing to eat and claiming there is nothing wrong. Repression (A) involves unconsciously blocking out unpleasant thoughts or feelings. Rationalization (B) is creating logical explanations to justify behavior. Sublimation (C) is redirecting negative impulses into positive behaviors. In this case, denial is the most fitting defense mechanism as the client is refusing to accept the reality of their eating disorder.
The physician prescribes haloperidol (Haldol), a first-generation antipsychotic drug, for a patient with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should most be monitored to evaluate the expected improvement from this medication?
- A. Talking to himself, belief that others will harm him
- B. Flat affect, avoidance of social activities, poor hygiene
- C. Loss of interest in recreational activities, alogia
- D. Impaired eye contact, needs help to complete tasks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the symptoms of delusions and hallucinations are key indicators of improvement in schizophrenia with antipsychotic treatment. These symptoms directly relate to the patient's perception of reality and are core features of the disorder. Monitoring these symptoms provides objective evidence of the medication's effectiveness in addressing the patient's psychotic symptoms.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they mainly indicate negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as flat affect, social withdrawal, and cognitive deficits. While monitoring these symptoms is important for assessing overall functioning and quality of life, they are not the primary target of improvement with antipsychotic medications. Symptoms like delusions and hallucinations are considered primary targets for evaluating the efficacy of antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) provides standards of care for which of the following:
- A. Very young
- B. Older adults
- C. Those who have certain intellectual communication difficulties
- D. Those without medical insurance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: OBRA provides regulations for proper assessment of the elderly (B); for this reason, registered nurses have to provide the initial physical assessment.
Which of the following is an effective communication technique that should be included in the teaching plan for the family members of a woman in whom Alzheimer's disease has been diagnosed recently?
- A. Use simple, familiar words, along with short and simple sentences.
- B. If the client tends to pace a lot, be sure to encourage her to sit during interactions.
- C. If she doesn't understand the communication, change key words.
- D. Use hand gestures when speaking to try to explain what is being said.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use simple, familiar words, along with short and simple sentences. This is an effective communication technique for individuals with Alzheimer's disease as it helps in enhancing understanding and reduces confusion. Complex language or sentences may be difficult for the patient to comprehend.
Choice B is incorrect because encouraging the client to sit during interactions does not directly relate to effective communication techniques. Choice C is incorrect as changing key words can lead to further confusion and may not aid in understanding. Choice D is incorrect because using hand gestures may not always effectively convey the message and can potentially cause more confusion for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
When a patient with paranoid schizophrenia has a recurrence of positive symptoms after stopping his antipsychotic medication because of its postural hypotension (orthostasis) side effect, he is readmitted to the mental health unit. What measure should the nurse suggest to help the patient address this side effect?
- A. Ask the doctor to prescribe an anticholinergic drug like trihexyphenidyl (Artane).
- B. Chew sugarless gum or use sugarless hard candy to moisten your mouth.
- C. Increase the amount of sleep you get, and try to take frequent rest breaks.
- D. Wear elastic support hose, drink adequate fluids, and change position slowly.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because wearing elastic support hose, drinking adequate fluids, and changing positions slowly can help prevent postural hypotension associated with antipsychotic medications. Elastic support hose can improve blood circulation and prevent blood pooling in the legs. Adequate fluid intake can help maintain blood volume and blood pressure. Changing positions slowly can prevent sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing.
Choice A (anticholinergic drug) is incorrect as it may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia. Choice B (sugarless gum or candy) is unrelated to postural hypotension. Choice C (increasing sleep and rest breaks) may help with fatigue but does not address postural hypotension directly.