Nokea
A 37 year old is involuntarily committed to outpatient treatment after sexually molesting a 12-year-old child. The patient says, 'That girl looked like she was 19 years old.' Which defense mechanism is this patient using?
- A. Denial
- B. Identification
- C. Displacement
- D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationalization is used to justify upsetting behaviors by creating reasons that would allow the individual to believe that the behaviors were warranted or appropriate. The patient is rationalizing molestation of a minor. Denial is used to avoid dealing with the problems and responsibilities related to one's behaviors. Identification is incorporating the image of an emulated person and then acting, thinking, and feeling like that person. Displacement is the discharge of pent-up feelings onto something or someone else in the environment that is less threatening than the original source of the feelings.
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The parent of an adult diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness asks the nurse, 'Why are you making a referral to that vocational rehabilitation program? My child won't ever be able to hold a job.' Which is the nurse's best reply?
- A. We made this referral to maintain eligibility for federal funding.'
- B. Are you concerned that we're trying to make your child too independent?'
- C. If you think the program would be detrimental, we can postpone it for a time.'
- D. Most patients are capable of employment at some level, competitive or supported.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Studies have shown that most patients who complete vocational rehabilitation programs are capable of some level of employment; also, they demonstrate significant improvement in assertiveness and work behaviors, as well as decreased depression, and improved self-esteem and socialization.
How is severe and persistent mental best characterized?
- A. Mental illness with longer than 2 weeks' duration.
- B. Major ongoing mental illness marked by significant functional impairments.
- C. Mental illness accompanied by physical impairment and severe social problems.
- D. Major mental illness that cannot be treated to prevent deterioration of cognitive and social abilities.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Severe mental illness' has replaced the phrase 'chronic mental illness.' Global impairments in function are evident, including social skills. Physical impairments may or may not be present. Severe mental illness can be treated, but remissions and exacerbations are part of the course of the illness. The distractors fail to effectively address the issue of functional impairment.
An adult patient tells the case manager, 'I don't have bipolar disorder anymore, so I don't need medicine. After I was in the hospital last year, you helped me get an apartment and disability checks. Now I'm bored and don't have any friends.' Which resources should the nurse suggest for the patient?
- A. Psychoeducation classes
- B. Vocational rehabilitation
- C. Social skills training
- D. Homeless shelter
- E. Crisis intervention
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The patient does not understand the illness and the need for adhering to the medication regimen. Psychoeducation for the patient (and family) can address this lack of knowledge. Work gives meaning and purpose to life; vocational rehabilitation can assist with this aspect of care. The patient, who considers himself friendless, could also profit from social skills training to improve the quality of interpersonal relationships. Many patients with severe mental illness have such poor communication skills that others are uncomfortable interacting with them. Interactional skills can be effectively taught by breaking down each skill into small verbal and nonverbal components. The patient presently has a home and does not require the services of a homeless shelter. The nurse case manager functions in the role of crisis stabilizer, so no related referral is needed.
A man tells the nurse, 'All my life, I have felt and acted like a woman while living in a man's body. For the past year, I have lived and dressed as a woman. I changed jobs to protect my new identity.' Which request is the patient likely to make to the health care provider?
- A. Can you refer me for psychological testing?'
- B. Will you prescribe hormonal therapy?'
- C. Will you alter my medical records?'
- D. What should I tell my parents?'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before sexual reassignment surgery, the step that follows living as a member of the other sex is hormone therapy. The patient's decision to live as a woman makes this a natural request. Psychological testing occurs before sexual reassignment surgery, often after hormone therapy has begun. The patient has likely told his parents by this point.
A patient says, 'I often make careless mistakes and have trouble staying focused. Sometimes it's hard to listen to what someone is saying. I have problems putting things in the right order and often lose equipment.' Which problem should the nurse document?
- A. Inattention
- B. Impulsivity
- C. Hyperactivity
- D. Social impairment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Inattention refers to the failure to stay focused. A number of the other problems are the result of failure to pay attention, which contributes to problems with organization. Impulsivity refers to acting without thinking through the consequences. Hyperactivity refers to excessive motor activity. Social impairment refers to the failure to use appropriate social skills.