A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'You are the only one who understands me. The other nurses don't care about me.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. Why do you feel that way?
- B. The other nurses care about you too.
- C. You shouldn't say things like that.
- D. I think you are overreacting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide support while also emphasizing that all staff members care about the client's well-being. Choice A does not acknowledge the client's emotions and may come across as dismissive. Choice C invalidates the client's feelings and may make the client feel misunderstood. Choice D minimizes the client's emotions, which can lead to a breakdown in therapeutic communication. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate response as it validates the client's feelings while reinforcing the idea that the entire healthcare team is supportive.
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A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Encourage participation in activities
- B. Promote adequate nutrition and hydration
- C. Monitor for suicidal ideation
- D. Discourage verbalization of feelings
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Interventions for a client with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode include encouraging participation in activities, promoting adequate nutrition and hydration, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and providing a structured daily schedule. Discussing feelings is an essential part of therapy for clients with bipolar disorder, thus discouraging verbalization of feelings is not therapeutic and should not be implemented. Choice D is incorrect because it goes against the principles of therapeutic communication and emotional expression, which are crucial in managing bipolar disorder.
A distraught, single, first-time mother cries and asks a nurse, 'How can I go to work if I can't afford childcare?' What is the nurse's initial action in assisting the client with the problem-solving process?
- A. Determine the risks and benefits of each alternative.
- B. Formulate goals for resolving the problem.
- C. Evaluate the outcome of the implemented solution.
- D. Assess the facts of the situation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's first step should be to assess the facts of the situation. By gathering accurate information about the client's circumstances related to childcare and work, the nurse can better understand the client's needs and concerns, which is essential before proceeding with any problem-solving process. Choice A is incorrect because assessing risks and benefits comes later in the problem-solving process. Choice B is incorrect as formulating goals should follow a thorough assessment. Choice C is incorrect since evaluating outcomes happens after implementing a solution, which is premature at this stage.
When assessing a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Hypervigilance
- B. Insomnia
- C. Flashbacks
- D. Suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with PTSD commonly exhibit symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability. Hypervigilance refers to an enhanced state of awareness and alertness, often seen in individuals with PTSD as they are constantly on guard for potential threats. Insomnia is a common sleep disturbance associated with PTSD, where individuals may have trouble falling or staying asleep. Flashbacks involve re-experiencing the traumatic event as if it is occurring in the present moment. Suicidal ideation, while a serious concern in mental health, is not a hallmark symptom specifically associated with PTSD. Therefore, the correct finding that the nurse should expect when assessing a client diagnosed with PTSD is hypervigilance.
A client has been diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?
- A. Attention-seeking behavior
- B. Dramatic expressions of emotion
- C. Seductive behavior
- D. Dependency on others
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with histrionic personality disorder often display attention-seeking behaviors as a way to draw focus and validation from others. This behavior may manifest as exaggerated emotions and dramatic expressions to maintain the spotlight. While seductive behavior and dependency on others are potential characteristics of histrionic personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior is the hallmark trait. Therefore, the correct answer is attention-seeking behavior (Choice A). Dramatic expressions of emotion (Choice B) can be a feature of histrionic personality disorder, but it is not as characteristic as attention-seeking behavior. Seductive behavior (Choice C) may also be present in individuals with histrionic personality disorder, but it is not the primary behavior to expect. Dependency on others (Choice D) is not a core feature of histrionic personality disorder, although individuals with this disorder may seek attention and validation from others.
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Ask the client to describe the content of the hallucinations.
- B. Instruct the client to ignore the hallucinations.
- C. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication.
- D. Engage the client in reality-based activities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The initial intervention for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations, especially in schizophrenia, is to assess the content of the hallucinations. By asking the client to describe the hallucinations, the nurse can determine if they are command hallucinations that might pose a risk. This assessment is crucial in guiding further appropriate interventions to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Instructing the client to ignore the hallucinations (Choice B) may not be effective, as the hallucinations are real to the client. Administering antipsychotic medication (Choice C) may be necessary but should come after assessing the situation. Engaging the client in reality-based activities (Choice D) is important but not the first priority when dealing with auditory hallucinations.