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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.
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A Hispanic woman comes to the mental health center at the urging of her adult children. The patient has lost 5 pounds since her husband's death 6 months ago and says, "My husband comes to visit me in the night but I cannot understand what he says." How should the nurse analyze this situation? The patient is:
- A. Experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations.
- B. At high risk for imbalanced nutrition.
- C. Grieving the husband's death.
- D. Denying the husband's death.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Grieving the husband's death. The patient's statement about her deceased husband visiting her in the night and her weight loss following his death indicate a strong possibility of experiencing grief. This is a common manifestation of bereavement, where individuals may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss and experience hallucinations or illusions involving the deceased. The patient's symptoms are more aligned with the normal process of grieving rather than psychosis. Choices A and B are incorrect because the patient's experiences are likely related to grief rather than auditory and visual hallucinations or imbalanced nutrition. Choice D is incorrect as the patient's statements suggest she is aware of her husband's death but is struggling to cope with it emotionally.
What is the most important aspect of refeeding for a patient with anorexia nervosa?
- A. Refeeding should begin slowly to avoid complications.
- B. Rapid weight gain is essential to restore health.
- C. The patient should be encouraged to make independent food choices.
- D. Fluid intake should be restricted to avoid water retention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because refeeding should start slowly to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid electrolyte shifts. Gradually increasing caloric intake allows the body to adjust and reduces the risk of complications. Rapid weight gain (B) is not recommended as it can lead to medical complications. Encouraging independent food choices (C) may not be suitable initially as structured meal plans are often necessary. Restricting fluid intake (D) is not advisable as adequate hydration is crucial during refeeding.
A psychiatric technician mentions to the nurse, 'All these clients with Axis II problems! It makes me wonder how so many mothers could have been such poor parents and messed up their kids so badly!' The response by the nurse that helps put the development of personality disorders into perspective is:
- A. Parenting is the responsibility of fathers, too, so don't blame only mothers.'
- B. Personality disorder is often related to sexual abuse that occurs without parental knowledge.'
- C. There is some evidence to suggest a biologic component to personality disorders.'
- D. Peer interactions may be more important in child development than parental involvement.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for correct answer (C):
1. Personality disorders are complex and have multifactorial causes.
2. Research suggests a biological component to personality disorders, such as genetic predispositions.
3. This understanding helps to shift the blame away from solely poor parenting.
4. It aligns with the biopsychosocial model, which considers biological, psychological, and social factors.
5. This response promotes a holistic view of personality development.
Summary of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Shifts focus to gender roles, which is not directly relevant to the etiology of personality disorders.
B: Narrowly associates personality disorders with sexual abuse, ignoring other contributing factors.
D: Overemphasizes peer interactions over parental influence, which is not supported by extensive research on personality development.
A child, age 5, was admitted to the children's unit, having been sexually abused by an acquaintance of her family. The child refuses to talk and participate in unit activities, choosing to stay in her room with her stuffed animals. Which therapeutic intervention will best help the child release pent-up feelings about the abuse?
- A. Individual communication with the nurse
- B. Play therapy
- C. Family therapy
- D. Role-play with other children on the unit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Play therapy. Play therapy is the most suitable therapeutic intervention for a child in this scenario because it allows the child to express their feelings and experiences through play, which is a natural form of communication for children. Through play therapy, the child can act out their experiences using toys and create a safe space to process their emotions without having to verbally communicate. It helps the child release pent-up feelings and trauma in a non-threatening environment.
Summary of other choices:
A: Individual communication with the nurse may not be as effective as play therapy in this case as the child is not yet comfortable verbalizing their feelings.
C: Family therapy may not be appropriate at this stage as the child is not ready to engage with family members about the abuse.
D: Role-play with other children on the unit may not be beneficial as it can potentially trigger more anxiety and discomfort for the abused child.
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been rehospitalized after a relapse. A priority intervention in designing a discharge plan to prevent relapses will be:
- A. helping the patient's family develop tolerance for the cognitive symptoms.
- B. mobilizing the family to provide structure to reduce social dysfunction.
- C. working on self-concept to reduce abolition, anhedonia, and dysphoria.
- D. early identification of signs of impending relapse and coping strategies.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because early identification of signs of impending relapse and coping strategies are crucial in preventing relapses in schizophrenia. By recognizing early warning signs, the patient can receive timely intervention and support to prevent further deterioration. This proactive approach enables healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans and provide necessary resources, ultimately reducing the likelihood of rehospitalization.
Choice A is incorrect because developing tolerance for cognitive symptoms may be beneficial but not a priority in preventing relapses. Choice B is incorrect as family support is important but solely relying on family for structure may not address all factors contributing to relapse. Choice C is incorrect as working on self-concept may be helpful but not directly related to preventing relapses.