Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A new psychiatric nurse states, 'This client's use of defense mechanisms should be eliminated.' Which is a correct evaluation of this nurse's statement?

  • 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 help individuals reduce anxiety during times of stress. It is crucial for the nurse to understand that defense mechanisms serve a purpose and can be a normal part of coping. However, if defense mechanisms significantly hinder the client's ability to develop healthy coping skills, they should be addressed and explored. Eliminating defense mechanisms entirely without considering the individual's overall coping strategies can be counterproductive and may lead to increased distress for the client. Choice B is incorrect because not all defense mechanisms are maladaptive; some can be adaptive and helpful. Choice C is incorrect because labeling individuals as having weak ego integrity based on their use of defense mechanisms is stigmatizing and oversimplified. Choice D is incorrect because fostering and encouraging defense mechanisms without differentiation can lead to maladaptive behaviors and reliance on these mechanisms instead of healthier coping strategies.

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A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that doesn't apply.

  • A. Amenorrhea
  • B. Lanugo
  • C. Hypotension
  • D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Findings in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances often lead to hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, due to malnutrition and potential purging behaviors. Hyperkalemia, high potassium levels, is not a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?

  • A. Flashbacks
  • B. Excessive worry
  • C. Hallucinations
  • D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

A patient presents in the Emergency Department immediately following a shooting incident in a school where she has been teaching. There is no evidence of physical injury, but she appears very hyperactive and talkative. Which of these symptoms manifested by the patient are common initial biological responses to stress? Select one that doesn't apply.

  • A. Constricted pupils
  • B. Watery eyes
  • C. Unusual food cravings
  • D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When faced with stress, the body can react in various ways. Symptoms such as constricted pupils, increased heart rate, and increased respirations are commonly seen as initial biological responses to stress. In this case, the presence of constricted pupils is not typically associated with stress responses. Dilated pupils are more commonly linked to the Fight or Flight response. Watery eyes and increased heart rate are typical responses to stress. Unusual food cravings are not considered a typical biological response to stress.

Which statement reflects an accurate understanding of the concepts of mental health and mental illness?

  • A. The concepts are rigid and religiously based.
  • B. The concepts are multidimensional and culturally defined.
  • C. The concepts are universal and unchanging.
  • D. The concepts are unidimensional and fixed.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Understanding mental health and mental illness as multidimensional and culturally defined is essential for healthcare professionals. Mental health varies across cultures and is influenced by various dimensions such as biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Recognizing these differences helps in providing culturally competent care and understanding the diverse expressions of mental health and illness.

Choice A is incorrect because mental health and mental illness are not rigid or solely based on religion. Choice C is incorrect because mental health and mental illness are not universally experienced in the same way and can change over time. Choice D is incorrect because mental health and mental illness are not unidimensional; they involve various factors and are not fixed in nature.

During an assessment of a client with suspected substance use disorder, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that doesn't apply.

  • A. Feelings of hopelessness
  • B. Increased tolerance to the substance
  • C. Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
  • D. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In clients with substance use disorder, common findings include increased tolerance to the substance, withdrawal symptoms when not using it, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Feelings of hopelessness are not typically a direct manifestation of substance use disorder. Instead, feelings of hopelessness may be associated with other mental health conditions or situational factors. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are all expected findings in clients with substance use disorder.

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