Nokea
A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?
- A. Echopraxia
- B. Waxy flexibility
- C. Depersonalization
- D. Thought withdrawal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Waxy flexibility involves maintaining a posture imposed by another person, as seen in the patient's arm staying raised. This behavior is indicative of catatonia, a symptom of severe mental illness. Echopraxia involves mimicking movements of others, not maintaining a position. Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment from oneself, not related to physical movements. Thought withdrawal pertains to a symptom in schizophrenia where thoughts are removed by an external force, not related to physical posture.
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A patient tells the nurse that his sexual functioning is normal when his wife wears short, red camisole-style nightgowns. He states, 'Without the red teddies, I am not interested in sex.' The nurse can assess this as consistent with
- A. exhibitionism.
- B. voyeurism.
- C. frotteurism.
- D. fetishism.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: fetishism. Fetishism is a sexual disorder where a person is sexually aroused by an object or body part that is not typically considered sexual. In this scenario, the patient's arousal is dependent on his wife wearing a specific type of clothing (the red camisole-style nightgowns), indicating a fetishistic preference for that particular item. This is different from exhibitionism (A), which involves exposing one's genitals to unsuspecting strangers; voyeurism (B), which involves observing unsuspecting individuals undressing or engaging in sexual activity; and frotteurism (C), which involves touching or rubbing against a non-consenting person for sexual arousal.
Persons who are excessively narcissistic, dependent, or antisocial are characterized as having
- A. somatoform disorders
- B. generalized anxiety
- C. conversion reactions
- D. personality disorders
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Narcissistic, dependent, and antisocial traits define personality disorders, affecting interpersonal functioning.
The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a patient who offers a number of vague somatic complaints that might not ordinarily prompt a visit to a caregiver: fatigue, back pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance. The patient seems tense, and after having spoken of the symptoms, seems reluctant to provide more information and is in a hurry to leave. The nurse can best serve the patient by:
- A. Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling.
- B. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol.
- C. Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation.
- D. Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol. Given the patient's vague complaints, tension, reluctance to provide more information, and hurry to leave, these could be signs of potential abuse. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol allows the nurse to systematically assess for any signs of abuse, which could be contributing to the patient's somatic complaints. This approach is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.
Incorrect choices:
A: Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling - This choice does not directly address the potential abuse concerns indicated by the patient's behavior.
C: Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation - While social isolation could be a contributing factor, the urgency to leave and reluctance to provide information are more indicative of potential abuse.
D: Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse - This choice is invasive and inappropriate without first completing a structured abuse assessment protocol to determine if abuse is likely.
A mother discusses her concerns about genetic transmission of schizophrenia with the nurse saying, 'My son is a fraternal twin. He has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Will my other son develop schizophrenia, too?' The response that is both sensitive and shows understanding of the genetic component is:
- A. You poor woman! I wish I could tell you he will be free of the disorder.'
- B. Studies show that 50% of twins develop schizophrenia when it is present in the other twin.'
- C. No one can say what will happen, so we will hope for the best for you and your sons.'
- D. In fraternal twins, the chance of the other twin developing the disorder is quite small.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides an accurate and sensitive response. Fraternal twins do not share the exact genetic makeup, so the chance of the other twin developing schizophrenia is lower compared to identical twins. This response acknowledges the genetic component of schizophrenia while also offering reassurance based on the understanding of genetic transmission.
Choices A and C are incorrect because they do not provide accurate information about the genetic risk of schizophrenia in fraternal twins and may not offer the mother a clear understanding of the situation. Choice B is incorrect as it provides a generalized statistic for identical twins, not fraternal twins, which could lead to unnecessary anxiety for the mother.
Suicidal tendency is most commonly seen with
- A. Schizophrenia
- B. Obsessive Disorders
- C. Mania
- D. Depression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Depression is the most common mental disorder associated with suicidal tendencies due to persistent feelings of hopelessness and despair.