A nurse in an alcohol treatment facility is caring for a client who states 'my job is so stressful that the only way I can cope is to drink.' The nurse should recognize that the client is displaying which of the following defense mechanisms?
- A. Repression
- B. Rationalization
- C. Introjection
- D. Intellectualization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rationalization. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where individuals justify their behaviors or feelings with logical reasoning or excuses. In this case, the client is justifying their drinking by attributing it to the stress of their job. This defense mechanism helps the individual avoid facing the real underlying issues causing their behavior.
Choice A: Repression involves pushing unwanted thoughts or feelings into the unconscious mind, which is not demonstrated by the client's statement.
Choice C: Introjection is the internalization of external beliefs or values, not applicable in this context.
Choice D: Intellectualization is the process of focusing on facts and logic to avoid dealing with emotions, which is not evident in the client's statement.
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A nurse is assessing a client who has opioid withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Hyperthermia
- C. Insomnia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insomnia. Opioid withdrawal often presents with symptoms like insomnia due to increased sympathetic activity. Hypotension (A) is less likely as opioids can cause hypertension. Hyperthermia (B) is not typically associated with opioid withdrawal. Bradycardia (D) is also less common, as opioid withdrawal can lead to tachycardia. Insomnia is a hallmark symptom of opioid withdrawal, making it the most appropriate choice.
A nurse is planning care for a client with acute delirium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Reinforce the clients orientation with the calendar
- B. Refute the clients perception of visual hallucinations
- C. Teach the client assertive techniques
- D. Assign the client to a different caregiver each shift
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reinforce the client's orientation with the calendar. This is because in acute delirium, the client may experience confusion and disorientation. Using a calendar can help provide structure and aid in orientation. Choice B is incorrect as refuting hallucinations may worsen the client's agitation. Choice C is incorrect as assertive techniques are not typically used in managing acute delirium. Choice D is incorrect as consistency in caregivers is important for continuity of care in delirium management.
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is planning care for a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Encourage group therapy participation
- B. Avoid challenging the client’s paranoid beliefs
- C. Maintain eye contact during conversations
- D. Use humor to reduce the client’s anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid challenging the client’s paranoid beliefs. This is essential because challenging the client's beliefs can lead to increased defensiveness and mistrust. Instead, the nurse should validate the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusions. Encouraging group therapy (choice A) may exacerbate paranoia by increasing feelings of being scrutinized. Maintaining eye contact (choice C) may be perceived as threatening. Using humor (choice D) could be misinterpreted and lead to further distrust.
A nurse is assessing a client who has opioid intoxication. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Pinpoint pupils
- B. Hyperreflexia
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Dilated pupils
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pinpoint pupils. Opioid intoxication causes miosis, resulting in constricted or pinpoint pupils. This occurs due to the suppression of the sympathetic nervous system. Hyperreflexia (B) is not typically associated with opioid intoxication; it is more common in conditions like spinal cord injury. Opioids depress the respiratory system, leading to decreased respiratory rate (C), not increased. Dilated pupils (D) are more indicative of stimulant intoxication, such as amphetamines.
A nurse is leading a grief support group for bereaved clients. Which of the following client statements should the nurse report to the provider as an indication of clinical depression?
- A. I don’t know how I could cope if I didn’t have my family’s support
- B. It’ll be a long time before I’m happy again
- C. I don’t feel anything but numbness anymore
- D. I feel like I’m angry at the whole world right now
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I don’t feel anything but numbness anymore." This statement indicates a significant emotional numbness, which is a common symptom of clinical depression. It suggests a lack of normal emotional responses, which can be concerning.
Choice A does not specifically indicate clinical depression but rather expresses a need for support. Choice B reflects a natural response to grief and does not necessarily indicate depression. Choice D suggests anger, which can also be a normal part of the grieving process.
In summary, Choice C is the correct answer as it directly points to a key symptom of clinical depression, while the other choices reflect common emotional responses to grief that may not necessarily indicate depression.