A nurse observes a client sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches her, the client states, "I'm feeling sad. I don't want to talk now." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "It will help you feel better if you talk about it."
- B. "I'll come back when you feel like talking."
- C. "I'll stay with you a few minutes."
- D. "Coming with me to the day room will take your mind off your troubles."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Staying with the client provides support without pressuring them to talk.
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A nurse in a mental health clinic is conducting a staff education session on schizophrenia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as negative symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Delusions
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Anhedonia
- D. Poor judgment
- E. Blunt affect
Correct Answer: C, E
Rationale: The correct manifestations for negative symptoms of schizophrenia are C: Anhedonia and E: Blunt affect. Anhedonia refers to the inability to feel pleasure, which is a common negative symptom. Blunt affect is a reduction in the range and intensity of emotional expression, another classic negative symptom. Delusions (A) and hallucinations (B) are positive symptoms involving distorted perceptions and beliefs. Poor judgment (D) is a cognitive symptom, not specific to schizophrenia. The absence of options F and G means they are not applicable to this question.
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has traumatic injuries following an assault. The client sits quietly and calmly in the examination room and states, "I'm fine." The nurse should recognize the client's behavior as which of the following reactions?
- A. Denial
- B. Displacement
- C. Projection
- D. Undoing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Denial. The client's calm demeanor and statement of "I'm fine" despite having traumatic injuries indicate a defense mechanism of denial, where the client is refusing to acknowledge the severity of their situation. Denial helps the individual cope with overwhelming emotions or stress by avoiding the reality of the situation. Displacement involves redirecting emotions to a less threatening target, projection involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, and undoing involves engaging in behaviors to counteract negative thoughts or actions. In this scenario, denial is the most appropriate reaction based on the client's behavior.
A home health nurse is speaking to a group of acute care nurses about domestic violence. Which of the following statements by one of the acute care nurses indicates a need for clarification?
- A. "I have heard that abusers try to keep their partner isolated from others."
- B. "I know that abusers lack social supports and social skills."
- C. "I know that men who are abusers gain power through intimidation."
- D. "I have heard that abusers think of themselves as important and have high self-esteem."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Answer D indicates a need for clarification because it presents a misconception about abusers. Abusers typically have low self-esteem and use power and control to compensate. This statement falsely suggests that abusers have high self-esteem and view themselves as important. This misunderstanding could lead to overlooking warning signs and risks associated with domestic violence. It's crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize the true dynamics of abusive relationships to provide appropriate support and interventions. Other choices (A, B, C) align with common knowledge about domestic violence, highlighting the tactics and behaviors typically associated with abusers.
A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?
- A. Decrease anxiety
- B. Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors
- C. Manipulate others
- D. Decrease the time available for interaction with people
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decrease anxiety. The repetitive cleaning behavior in OCD is a manifestation of the client's attempt to reduce anxiety caused by intrusive thoughts or obsessions. This behavior provides temporary relief from anxiety by creating a sense of control. Choice B is incorrect because OCD cleaning behaviors are not primarily aimed at preventing aggressive or impulsive behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as the cleaning behavior is not typically a form of manipulation. Choice D is incorrect as the primary goal of the behavior is not to decrease interaction time but to manage anxiety.
A nurse at a college campus mental health counseling center is caring for a student who just failed an examination. The student spends the session berating the teacher and the course. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?
- A. Conversion
- B. Projection
- C. Undoing
- D. Regression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own feelings or faults to others.