Nokea
When assessing a client experiencing severe anxiety, which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Rapid heart rate
- C. Sweating
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, a rapid heart rate is a common physiological response. This increased heart rate is due to the body's fight-or-flight response, where adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial in assessing and managing their anxiety. Restlessness (choice A) can also be present in anxiety but is more of a behavioral manifestation rather than a physiological symptom. Sweating (choice C) can occur in anxiety, but it is not as specific or consistent as a rapid heart rate. Dry mouth (choice D) is associated with anxiety but is not as immediate or directly linked to the body's physiological response to stress as a rapid heart rate.
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Which client action is an example of the defense mechanism of reaction formation?
- A. A woman who feels unattractive constantly praises the looks of others.
- B. A man who feels insecure about his masculinity exaggerates his strength.
- C. A person who feels guilty about cheating accuses others of being unfaithful.
- D. A child who feels neglected tries to win approval from teachers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The defense mechanism of reaction formation involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings. In this case, the woman who feels unattractive praises the looks of others as a way to mask her own feelings of inadequacy. This behavior represents a form of overcompensation where the individual showcases an exaggerated opposite trait to conceal their true emotions. Choices B, C, and D do not align with reaction formation. Choice B describes compensation, where one overemphasizes a trait to make up for a perceived weakness. Choice C illustrates projection, where one attributes their feelings onto others. Choice D demonstrates a form of seeking attention or approval, which does not fit reaction formation.
A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) states, 'I just can't stop worrying about everything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this client?
- A. Ineffective coping
- B. Disturbed thought processes
- C. Chronic low self-esteem
- D. Social isolation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who expresses an inability to stop worrying about everything is 'Ineffective coping.' This diagnosis indicates the client's struggle to manage anxiety and worry effectively, which aligns with the client's statement. 'Disturbed thought processes' (Choice B) would involve disorganized or irrational thinking patterns, which are not directly related to the client's statement about excessive worry. 'Chronic low self-esteem' (Choice C) refers to a long-standing negative self-evaluation and is not the most fitting diagnosis for the client's current concern. 'Social isolation' (Choice D) pertains to a lack of social interactions and support, which is not the primary issue highlighted by the client's statement.
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel less anxious.
- B. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. It may take several weeks for this medication to take full effect.
- D. This medication can cause dependency.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it indicates a misunderstanding about buspirone. Buspirone should not be abruptly stopped, and patients should follow the prescribed regimen consistently. Stopping the medication without proper guidance can lead to adverse effects or a return of anxiety symptoms. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate an understanding of important aspects of buspirone therapy: avoiding alcohol due to interactions, being patient for the medication to reach full effectiveness, and being aware of the potential for dependency with this medication.
A client with borderline personality disorder exhibits self-mutilating behavior. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this behavior?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss underlying issues.
- B. Set firm limits on the client's behavior.
- C. Provide a safe environment to prevent self-harm.
- D. Discuss the consequences of self-mutilating behavior.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention when dealing with a client exhibiting self-mutilating behavior, especially with borderline personality disorder, is to provide a safe environment to prevent self-harm. This approach is crucial in ensuring the client's physical safety and well-being. Setting firm limits may be appropriate in some situations, but the immediate priority is to prevent self-harm. Encouraging the client to discuss underlying issues and discussing consequences are important aspects of therapy; however, in the case of acute self-mutilating behavior, the primary focus should be on creating a safe environment to prevent harm.
A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Episodes of hypomania
- B. Periods of elevated mood
- C. Lack of interest in activities
- D. Feelings of detachment from one's body
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct finding the nurse should expect in a client diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a lack of interest in activities. This disorder is characterized by a chronic depressive mood lasting for at least two years, alongside symptoms such as changes in appetite, fatigue, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating. Clients with dysthymia do not typically experience hypomania, periods of elevated mood, or feelings of detachment from one's body, which are more commonly associated with other mood disorders. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect findings for a client with persistent depressive disorder.