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.
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A client with depression is experiencing anhedonia. Which statement by the client reflects this symptom?
- A. I feel so anxious all the time.
- B. I don't enjoy the things I used to love.
- C. I can't concentrate on anything.
- D. I have trouble sleeping through the night.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure from activities usually found enjoyable. The statement 'I don't enjoy the things I used to love' directly reflects this symptom as the client is expressing a lack of pleasure from previously enjoyable activities. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically relate to anhedonia but rather indicate symptoms of anxiety, concentration difficulties, and sleep disturbances, respectively.
A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should the nurse implement to reduce the client's anxiety?
- A. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
- B. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy sessions.
- C. Encourage the client to engage in relaxation techniques.
- D. Encourage the client to maintain a daily journal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce anxiety for clients with PTSD. These techniques promote relaxation and help manage stress responses, contributing to a sense of calmness and improved coping mechanisms in dealing with anxiety triggers associated with PTSD. Avoiding discussing the traumatic event (Choice A) may hinder the client's progress in processing and coping with the trauma. While group therapy (Choice B) can be beneficial, relaxation techniques are more specific for reducing anxiety in this context. Maintaining a daily journal (Choice D) may be helpful for some clients but might not directly address anxiety reduction as effectively as relaxation techniques.
A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia states, 'The FBI is watching me. I see their agents everywhere.' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. You shouldn't worry about that. It's not real.
- B. I don't see any FBI agents, but it sounds like you're feeling frightened.
- C. Let's talk about something else to take your mind off of it.
- D. Why do you think the FBI is watching you?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
- B. I need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. I should take this medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- D. This medication may cause weight gain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Risperidone should be taken consistently as prescribed and should not be stopped abruptly. It is essential to educate the client that discontinuing the medication without medical advice can lead to a worsening of symptoms or potential relapse. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate understanding of important considerations when taking risperidone, such as avoiding alcohol, taking it with food to reduce stomach upset, and being aware of the potential side effect of weight gain. Choice A suggests a misconception that the medication can be discontinued once the client feels better, which is incorrect and requires further clarification to ensure treatment adherence and effectiveness.
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is exhibiting negative symptoms. Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Apathy
- D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a lack of interest or motivation. Negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, such as emotions, motivation, or socialization, rather than the presence of abnormal behaviors like hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations (choice A) and delusions (choice B) are positive symptoms, which involve the presence of abnormal behaviors. Disorganized speech (choice D) is an example of a disorganized symptom, not a negative symptom.