A newly admitted patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia is hypervigilant and constantly scans the environment. He states that he saw two doctors talking in the hall and knows they were plotting to kill him. When charting, how should the nurse identify this behavior?
- A. Idea of reference
- B. Delusion of infidelity
- C. Auditory hallucination
- D. Echolalia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct identification for the behavior described is "A: Idea of reference." This term refers to the belief that neutral events are directed at oneself. In this case, the patient's belief that the doctors were plotting to kill him is an example of a false idea of reference. Delusion of infidelity (choice B) involves false beliefs about a partner's unfaithfulness, not relevant here. Auditory hallucination (choice C) pertains to false perceptions of hearing sounds, not applicable. Echolalia (choice D) is the repetition of words spoken by others, not seen in this scenario. Identifying the behavior as an idea of reference helps the nurse understand the patient's distorted perception of reality.
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An 11-year-old child stays home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, is demeaned by his father, and has negative self-perceptions. Which indicator would suggest that nursing interventions are succeeding?
- A. The child attends school regularly.
- B. The child is observed playing calmly.
- C. The father rarely speaks during nurse visits.
- D. The mother corrects negative comments by the child.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because regular school attendance indicates the child's improved well-being and ability to prioritize education over caregiving responsibilities.
B: Playing calmly does not necessarily indicate overall improvement in the child's situation.
C: The father's silence during nurse visits does not directly reflect the child's well-being or progress.
D: The mother correcting negative comments by the child is positive but does not directly address the child's caregiving responsibilities or self-perceptions.
A depressed patient tells the nurse, "The bad things that happen are always my fault." How should the nurse respond to assist the patient to reframe this overgeneralization?
- A. I really doubt that one person can be blamed for all the bad things that happen.
- B. You are being exceptionally hard on yourself when you imply you are a jinx.
- C. What about the good things that happen; are any of those ever your fault?
- D. Let's look at one bad thing that happened to see if another explanation exists.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it encourages the patient to challenge the overgeneralization by exploring alternative explanations for a specific event. By examining one bad thing in detail, the patient can see that not everything is their fault, promoting a more balanced perspective.
A is incorrect because it simply doubts the patient's statement without providing a constructive way to reframe it. B is incorrect as it introduces the idea of being a jinx, which may further reinforce the patient's negative self-perception. C is incorrect as it diverts the focus to good things, which does not address the patient's negative beliefs about themselves.
A person diagnosed with serious mental illness has frequent relapses, usually precipitated by situational stressors such as running out of money or the absence of key staff at the mental health center. Which interventions would the nurse suggest to reduce the risk of stressors to cause relapse? Select one tha does not apply.
- A. Discourage potentially stressful activities such as groups or volunteer work
- B. Develop written plans that will help the patient remember what to do in a crisis
- C. Help the patient identify and anticipate events that are likely to be overwhelming
- D. Encourage health-promoting activities such as exercise and getting adequate rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Basic interventions for coping with crises involve anticipating crises where possible and then developing a plan with specific actions to take when faced with an overwhelming stressor. Written plans are helpful; it can be difficult for anyone, especially a person with cognitive or memory impairments, to develop or remember steps to take when under overwhelming stress. Health-promoting activities enhance a persons ability to cope with stress. As the name suggests, support groups help a person develop a support system, and they provide practical guidance from peers who learned from experience how to deal with issues the patient may be facing. Groups and volunteer work may involve a measure of stress but also provide benefits that help persons cope and should not be discouraged unless they are being done to excess.
A health care provider writes these new prescriptions for a resident in a skilled nursing facility: 2G sodium diet, Restraint as needed, Limit fluids to 1800~mL daily, Continue antihypertensive medication, Milk of magnesia 30~mL PO once if no bowel movement for 3 days. The nurse should:
- A. question the fluid restriction
- B. question the order for restraint
- C. transcribe the prescriptions as written
- D. assess the residents bowel elimination
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restraints may be imposed only on a written order of the health care provider that specifies the duration during which the restraints can be used. The Joint Commission guidelines and Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act regulations also mandate a number of other conditions that must be considered and documented before restraints are used. The other prescriptions are appropriate.
Which of these nursing communications best reflects the nurse's use of an empowerment model with an individual who has been abused?
- A. Let me share with you my knowledge of what happens psychologically to individuals who have been abused.'
- B. I know you feel that your partner will change, but the current research does not validate your thinking.'
- C. It's up to you to end the violence. You are the only one who can set limits on how your partner is allowed to treat you.'
- D. Let's consider what you believe your options are in terms of your relationship with your partner in light of the behavior toward you.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer, D, reflects the nurse's use of an empowerment model because it focuses on exploring the individual's beliefs and options, empowering them to make informed decisions. The nurse is not imposing their own knowledge or opinions but instead facilitating the individual's self-reflection and decision-making process. This approach respects the individual's autonomy and promotes empowerment by helping them identify and evaluate their own choices.
Choice A focuses on the nurse sharing knowledge, which may come across as patronizing and disempowering. Choice B dismisses the individual's feelings and relies on research rather than empowering the individual to make their own decisions. Choice C places the responsibility solely on the individual to end the violence, which may feel overwhelming and lacking in support or guidance.