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A healthcare professional is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the professional expect? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Anhedonia
- B. Hypersomnia
- C. Fatigue
- D. Flight of ideas
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In major depressive disorder, common findings include anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Flight of ideas, characterized by racing thoughts and rapid speech, is more commonly associated with bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. Therefore, 'Flight of ideas' does not apply to the expected findings in major depressive disorder.
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Which of the following are potential side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Short-term memory loss
- B. Headache
- C. Confusion
- D. Tardive dyskinesia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Potential side effects of ECT include short-term memory loss, headache, confusion, and nausea. Tardive dyskinesia is not a side effect of ECT; it is associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications, particularly antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors over time. ECT is primarily used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, and certain psychotic disorders. The other choices, short-term memory loss, headache, and confusion, are known side effects of ECT and are usually short-term and manageable.
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is being educated by a nurse about the use of antidepressants. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I should not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client stating, 'I can stop taking my medication once I feel better,' indicates a need for further teaching. It is crucial for clients with major depressive disorder to understand that they should continue taking their medication as prescribed even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a relapse of symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements. Avoiding alcohol while taking antidepressants helps prevent interactions and side effects. Understanding that it may take several weeks for the medication to show its full effect is important for managing expectations. Additionally, not discontinuing the medication abruptly is crucial to prevent withdrawal effects or a recurrence of depressive symptoms.
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.
A healthcare provider is assessing a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the provider expect the client to exhibit?
- A. A lack of remorse for wrongdoing
- B. A fear of gaining weight
- C. A need for constant reassurance
- D. A willingness to take responsibility for actions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder typically exhibit a lack of remorse for their actions. They may disregard the rights of others, engage in deceitful and manipulative behaviors, and show a consistent pattern of irresponsibility and disregard for social norms. This behavior is a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical behaviors associated with antisocial personality disorder. Fear of gaining weight is more indicative of an eating disorder rather than antisocial personality disorder. Needing constant reassurance is not a common trait of individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, individuals with this disorder often avoid taking responsibility for their actions.
Which is a correct evaluation of the new psychiatric nurse's statement regarding a client's use of defense mechanisms?
- A. Defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and need not be eliminated.
- B. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt by the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated.
- C. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged but not eliminated.
- D. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct evaluation is that defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and do not necessarily need to be eliminated. These mechanisms serve the purpose of reducing anxiety during times of stress. While some defense mechanisms may be maladaptive, they can also help individuals cope with challenging situations. It is essential for the nurse to recognize that addressing defense mechanisms should be done sensitively, as they may be crucial for the client's emotional regulation. Encouraging the development of healthy coping skills while acknowledging the role of defense mechanisms in managing stress is a balanced approach in psychiatric care. Choice B is incorrect because completely eliminating defense mechanisms is not always feasible or beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the relationship between defense mechanisms and ego integrity. Choice D is incorrect as it misrepresents the role of defense mechanisms in ego functions.