Nokea
A novice nurse tells the assigned mentor, 'I admitted a patient today who has several bizarre delusions. I wanted to tell the patient that the ideas and conclusions simply are not logical. What do you think will happen if I do?' Which reply by the mentor is best?
- A. I think you'll give the patient something to think about.'
- B. The patient will probably incorporate you into the delusions as a persecutor.'
- C. Develop trust using empathy and calmness before pointing out discrepancies.'
- D. Initially, it would be better to go along with the patient's thinking to gain cooperation.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it emphasizes the importance of developing trust and rapport with the patient before addressing their delusions. By using empathy and calmness, the nurse can create a safe environment for the patient to feel understood and supported. This approach can help the patient be more receptive to feedback about the discrepancies in their thinking.
Choice A is incorrect because simply giving the patient something to think about may not address the underlying issues causing the delusions.
Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the patient will view the nurse negatively, which may not always be the case.
Choice D is incorrect as it suggests going along with the patient's delusions, which can potentially reinforce and perpetuate their false beliefs.
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A victim of spousal abuse comes to the emergency department for treatment of a broken arm. She appears hypervigilant and anxious and admits to sleep disturbance when the nurse questions the dark circles under her eyes. She reluctantly tells the nurse the abuse usually occurs when the husband has been drinking, although she concedes he is always jealous and controlling. She is a stay-at-home mother of two preschool children. The family has lived in this town for 1 month. The patient states she has fleetingly considered suicide but must stay alive to care for her children and work her way out of the abusive relationship. She denies any further suicidal thoughts. The nurse should document in the medical record that: (Select all that apply.)
- A. Signs of high anxiety and chronic stress are present.
- B. The patient relies on the perpetrator for basic needs.
- C. The patient has a history of suicidal ideation.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Signs of high anxiety and chronic stress are present.
Rationale:
1. The patient displaying hypervigilance, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and dark circles under her eyes are indicators of high anxiety and chronic stress, common in victims of abuse.
2. Mentioning abuse occurring when the husband drinks, his jealousy, and control further support the presence of chronic stress and anxiety.
3. The patient's fleeting suicidal thoughts are a response to the abusive situation, not indicative of a history of suicidal ideation.
Summary:
B: The patient relying on the perpetrator for basic needs is not supported by the information provided.
C: There is no indication of a history of suicidal ideation, as the patient's thoughts are tied to her children and escaping the abusive relationship.
Marie is 16 years old. She has been referred to the clinic by the nurse at her school because she started a fight with a younger girl and hurt her badly. The school nurse reports that Marie has been troublesome beforeskipping school, bullying, and smoking on school grounds on several occasions. Of the following, which diagnosis is most likely?
- A. Bipolar depression
- B. Paranoid schizophrenia
- C. Conduct disorder
- D. Dysthymic disorder
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Conduct disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggressive behavior and violating the rights of others, including defiance and rule breaking. The other responses are psychiatric disorders that would not be the most likely diagnosis given Maries behavior.
A salesman has had difficulty holding a job because he accuses co-workers of conspiring to take his sales. Today, he argued with several office mates and threatened to kill one of them. The police were called, and he was brought to the mental health center for evaluation. He has had previous admissions to the unit for stabilization of paranoid schizophrenia. When the nurse meets him, he points at staff in the nursing station and states loudly, 'They're all plotting to destroy me. Isn't that true?' Which would be the most appropriate response?
- A. No, that is not true. People here are trying to help you if you will let them.'
- B. Let's think about it: what reason would people have to want to destroy you?'
- C. Thinking that people want to destroy you must be very frightening.'
- D. That doesn't make sense; staff are health care workers, not murderers.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's feelings without agreeing with the delusion. By acknowledging the patient's fear, the nurse can establish trust and rapport, which are crucial in therapeutic communication. This response shows understanding and compassion, helping to de-escalate the situation and provide a supportive environment for the patient.
Choice A is incorrect as it denies the patient's belief and may lead to increased agitation. Choice B is incorrect as it challenges the patient's delusion, which can worsen the situation and lead to further confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's feelings and may cause the patient to become defensive or feel misunderstood.
The client has become unable to recognize formerly familiar objects and people in his environment. The client is experiencing:
- A. Affect "“ experienced feelings and emotions
- B. Agnosis "“ inability to recognize familiar objects or people
- C. Apraxia "“ difficulty carrying out purposeful, organized task that is somewhat complex (ex. dressing)
- D. Anhedonia "“ lack of pleasure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Agnosis - inability to recognize familiar objects or people. This is because the client's inability to recognize formerly familiar objects and people in his environment aligns with the definition of agnosis. Affect (choice A) refers to experienced feelings and emotions, which is not the issue described in the question. Apraxia (choice C) is difficulty carrying out purposeful tasks, not related to recognition of objects or people. Anhedonia (choice D) is a lack of pleasure, which is also not applicable to the client's situation. Therefore, the best fit for the client's experience is agnosis.
A nurse is anxious about assessing the sexual history of a patient who is considerably older than the nurse is. Which statement would be most appropriate for obtaining information about the patient's sexual practices?
- A. Some people are not sexually active, others have a partner, and some have several partners. What has been your pattern?
- B. Sexual health can reflect a number of medical problems, so I'd like to ask if you have any sexual problems you think we should know about.
- C. It's your own business, of course, but it might be helpful for us to have some information about your sexual history. Could you tell me about that, please?
- D. I would appreciate it if you could share your sexual history with me so I can share it with your health care provider. It might be helpful in planning your treatment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the diversity of sexual practices and respects the patient's autonomy in sharing their sexual history. It also allows the patient to openly discuss their pattern without feeling pressured.
Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on potential medical problems rather than directly asking about the patient's sexual practices.
Choice C is incorrect as it may come across as too intrusive and lacks a non-judgmental approach.
Choice D is incorrect as it implies the patient's information will be shared without their consent, which violates patient confidentiality.