A 75-year-old patient comes to the clinic reporting frequent headaches. As the nurse begins the interaction, which action is most important?
- A. Complete a neurological assessment
- B. Determine whether the patient can hear as the nurse speaks
- C. Suggest that the patient lie down in a darkened room for a few minutes
- D. Administer medication to relieve the patient's pain before continuing the assessment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before proceeding with any further assessment, the nurse should assess the patients ability to hear questions. Impaired hearing could lead to inaccurate answers.
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Which is a common physical finding in patients with bulimia nervosa?
- A. Low blood pressure and bradycardia.
- B. Hyperactivity and increased energy.
- C. Dental enamel erosion and swollen parotid glands.
- D. Constipation and abdominal bloating.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, dental enamel erosion and swollen parotid glands, in patients with bulimia nervosa. This is due to frequent self-induced vomiting. Enamel erosion is caused by stomach acid exposure during vomiting. Swollen parotid glands result from repeated purging. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because low blood pressure and bradycardia are more common in anorexia nervosa, hyperactivity and increased energy are not typical in bulimia nervosa, and constipation and abdominal bloating are not specific to this disorder.
A patient is noted to be bending over backward in the group room. A peer asks what he is doing, and he replies, 'People say they are bending over backwards to help me, so I am bending over backwards to help myself.' This is an example of:
- A. abstract thinking.
- B. concrete thinking.
- C. impaired reality testing.
- D. boundary impairment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: concrete thinking. Concrete thinking refers to interpreting things in a literal or straightforward manner without grasping abstract concepts or metaphors. In this scenario, the patient is taking the expression "bending over backward" literally, demonstrating a lack of understanding of its figurative meaning.
A: Abstract thinking involves understanding complex concepts and interpreting information beyond the literal meaning. The patient's response does not demonstrate abstract thinking.
C: Impaired reality testing refers to an inability to distinguish between what is real and what is not. The patient's response does not suggest a detachment from reality.
D: Boundary impairment involves difficulty in recognizing and maintaining personal boundaries. The patient's response does not relate to boundary issues.
In summary, the patient's literal interpretation of the expression "bending over backward" reflects concrete thinking, making choice B the correct answer.
What is a key consideration when treating a patient with anorexia nervosa?
- A. Addressing the patient's weight first and foremost.
- B. Focusing on nutrition and caloric intake without addressing underlying issues.
- C. Addressing the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the disorder.
- D. Providing strict dietary restrictions to help the patient regain control over food.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because addressing the psychological and emotional factors is crucial in treating anorexia nervosa. This disorder is not solely about weight or food intake; it often involves deeper psychological issues such as body image distortion, low self-esteem, and control issues. By focusing on the underlying psychological and emotional factors, therapists can help patients understand and cope with these issues, leading to more effective and sustainable recovery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they overlook the complexity of anorexia nervosa and may even exacerbate the patient's condition by neglecting the root causes of the disorder.
Parkinson's disease results from the death of neurons that produce
- A. serotonin
- B. acetylcholine
- C. dopamine
- D. norepinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Parkinson's involves dopamine neuron loss, leading to motor and cognitive symptoms.
The caregiver for a client with moderate to severe dementia tells the nurse, 'I'm exhausted. He wanders at night instead of sleeping, so I get no rest. I'm afraid to leave him during the day, so I have to take him to the grocery store and to the laundromat. When I'm busy there, he often wanders off. Still, I have to do it all.' The nurse recognizes the need to provide teaching for this caregiver. An appropriate outcome is that the caregiver will:
- A. Develop strategies to ensure the client's safety.
- B. Seek respite care to get a break.
- C. Join a support group for caregivers.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Develop strategies to ensure the client's safety. This is the most appropriate outcome as it directly addresses the caregiver's concerns of the client wandering and ensures their safety. By developing strategies such as installing door alarms, creating a safe sleeping environment, and establishing a routine, the caregiver can mitigate the risks associated with wandering behavior.
Summary:
- B: Seek respite care to get a break: While respite care is important for caregiver well-being, it does not directly address the safety concerns of the client wandering.
- C: Join a support group for caregivers: While support groups can be beneficial for emotional support, they may not provide immediate solutions to ensure the client's safety.