A family member is seeking advice about an elderly parent who seems to worry unnecessarily about everything. The family member states, Should I seek psychiatric help for my mother? Which is an appropriate nursing reply?
- A. My mother also worries unnecessarily. I think it is part of the aging process.
- B. Anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning.
- C. From what you have told me, you should get her to a psychiatrist as soon as possible.
- D. Anxiety is a complex phenomenon and is effectively treated only with psychotropic medications.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a clear and accurate explanation of when anxiety is considered abnormal. It states that anxiety is abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning. This response shows understanding of the situation and suggests seeking professional help based on specific criteria.
Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the concerns as part of the aging process without addressing the possibility of abnormal anxiety. Choice C is incorrect as it jumps to the conclusion of seeking psychiatric help without evaluating the level of anxiety or impairment. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies anxiety treatment by suggesting it can only be treated with medications, ignoring the importance of therapy and other interventions.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client has made the decision to leave her alcoholic husband. She is feeling very depressed. Which nontherapeutic statement by the nurse conveys sympathy?
- A. You are feeling very depressed. I felt the same way when I decided to leave my husband.
- B. I can understand you are feeling depressed. It was a difficult decision. Ill sit with you.
- C. You seem depressed. It was a difficult decision to make. Would you like to talk about it?
- D. I know this is a difficult time for you. Would you like a prn medication for anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy by sharing a personal experience to connect with the client emotionally. It validates the client's feelings and normalizes them. Choice B doesn't convey personal experience, and choice C lacks the personal touch. Choice D offers medication instead of emotional support, which is not therapeutic in this situation.
After fasting from 10 p.m. the previous evening, a client finds out that the blood test has been canceled. The client swears at the nurse and states, You are incompetent! Which is the nurses best response?
- A. Do you believe that I was the cause of your blood test being canceled?
- B. I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me.
- C. Have you ever thought about ways to express anger appropriately?
- D. Ill give you some space. Let me know if you need anything.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I see that you are upset, but I feel uncomfortable when you swear at me." This response acknowledges the client's emotion while setting a boundary against inappropriate behavior. It demonstrates empathy towards the client's feelings without condoning the swearing. It also communicates the nurse's discomfort with the behavior, which can help in de-escalating the situation.
A: Choice A deflects responsibility and may come off as defensive, not addressing the client's emotions directly.
C: Choice C shifts the focus away from the client's immediate distress and may not be well-received in the heat of the moment.
D: Choice D, while giving space, doesn't address the behavior directly and may not effectively address the client's emotions or the impact of their actions on the nurse.
A psychiatric nurse uses Sullivans theories in group and individual therapy. According to Sullivan and other theorists like him, how are client symptoms viewed behaviors that are maintained because they are reinforced?
- A. Client symptoms are viewed as responses to anxiety arising from interpersonal relationships.
- B. Client symptoms are viewed as internal conflicts arising from early childhood trauma.
- C. Client symptoms are viewed as the misinterpretations of experiences.
- D. Client symptoms are viewed as learned
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Sullivan and other theorists like him believe that client symptoms are viewed as internal conflicts arising from early childhood trauma. Sullivan emphasized the impact of early relationships on personality development, suggesting that unresolved conflicts from childhood can manifest as symptoms in adulthood. This perspective aligns with psychodynamic theories that emphasize the role of unconscious processes and early experiences in shaping behavior.
Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on anxiety arising from interpersonal relationships, which is more aligned with interpersonal theories rather than Sullivan's emphasis on childhood experiences. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests misinterpretations of experiences, which does not fully capture the depth of internal conflicts highlighted by Sullivan. Choice D is incorrect as it simplifies client symptoms as learned behaviors without considering the underlying emotional conflicts rooted in early childhood experiences, as emphasized by Sullivan.
In the role of milieu manager, which activity should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Setting the schedule for the daily unit activities
- B. Evaluating clients for medication effectiveness
- C. Conducting therapeutic group sessions
- D. Searching newly admitted clients for hazardous objects
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, searching newly admitted clients for hazardous objects. As a milieu manager, ensuring the safety of clients is a top priority. Searching for hazardous objects upon admission is crucial to prevent harm. Setting schedules (A) can be important but not as urgent as ensuring safety. Evaluating medication effectiveness (B) is important but not the primary role of a milieu manager. Conducting group sessions (C) is valuable for therapy but ensuring physical safety takes precedence.
Which is the most significant consequence of the excessive use of defense mechanisms?
- A. Emotions will be experienced intensely.
- B. Problem-solving will be limited.
- C. The superego will be suppressed.
- D. Learning and the ability to grow will be enhanced.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because excessive use of defense mechanisms can hinder problem-solving skills by avoiding facing reality and finding constructive solutions. Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously use to cope with anxiety and protect the ego. By relying too heavily on these mechanisms, individuals may overlook important issues, leading to limited problem-solving abilities. This can result in difficulties in adapting to challenges and impede personal growth. Emotions being experienced intensely (A) is not the most significant consequence as it is a natural response to certain situations and does not directly relate to defense mechanisms. The superego being suppressed (C) is not a direct consequence of defense mechanisms but may occur as a result of unresolved conflicts. Learning and growth being enhanced (D) is incorrect as excessive defense mechanisms can actually hinder learning and personal development.