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A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Episodes of hypomania
- B. Periods of elevated mood
- C. Lack of interest in activities
- D. Feelings of detachment from one's body
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct finding the nurse should expect in a client diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a lack of interest in activities. This disorder is characterized by a chronic depressive mood lasting for at least two years, alongside symptoms such as changes in appetite, fatigue, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating. Clients with dysthymia do not typically experience hypomania, periods of elevated mood, or feelings of detachment from one's body, which are more commonly associated with other mood disorders. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect findings for a client with persistent depressive disorder.
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A client is being treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which intervention should be included in the care plan?
- A. Discourage the client from performing rituals.
- B. Allow the client to perform rituals in the early stages of treatment.
- C. Encourage the client to focus on their compulsions.
- D. Isolate the client to prevent performance of rituals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform rituals in the early stages of treatment is a common therapeutic approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Allowing the client to engage in rituals can help reduce anxiety by providing temporary relief. It is a part of exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to anxiety-provoking situations. As treatment progresses, the focus shifts to gradually reducing the frequency and intensity of rituals through interventions like exposure and response prevention therapy. Discouraging the client from performing rituals (Choice A) is not recommended as it may increase anxiety and resistance to treatment. Encouraging the client to focus on their compulsions (Choice C) may reinforce the behavior rather than helping to decrease it. Isolating the client (Choice D) is not therapeutic and can lead to feelings of abandonment and worsen symptoms.
A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention should the nurse implement to support the client's recovery?
- A. Encourage the client to engage in physical activity.
- B. Encourage the client to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- C. Encourage the client to set realistic goals for daily activities.
- D. Encourage the client to express feelings of sadness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, encouraging the client to set realistic goals for daily activities can be beneficial. Setting achievable goals can provide structure, a sense of accomplishment, and help in breaking tasks into manageable steps, which can support the client's recovery process. Options A and B, while important in managing bipolar disorder, may not directly address the client's depressive symptoms during this episode. Option D, encouraging the client to express feelings of sadness, is not as effective as setting achievable goals in providing structure and a sense of accomplishment during a depressive episode.
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is exhibiting negative symptoms. Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Apathy
- D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a lack of interest or motivation. Negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, such as emotions, motivation, or socialization, rather than the presence of abnormal behaviors like hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations (choice A) and delusions (choice B) are positive symptoms, which involve the presence of abnormal behaviors. Disorganized speech (choice D) is an example of a disorganized symptom, not a negative symptom.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends several hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to wash her hands less frequently.
- B. Set a time limit for hand washing.
- C. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
- D. Discourage the client from washing her hands.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an appropriate intervention for a client with OCD who spends excessive time on this compulsive behavior. By setting a time limit, the nurse can help the client gradually reduce the compulsive behavior, promoting a more manageable approach to hand washing without completely discouraging it. Encouraging the client to wash her hands less frequently (Choice A) may not address the root of the issue and could lead to increased anxiety. Teaching relaxation techniques (Choice C) may be helpful for overall anxiety management but may not directly address the excessive hand washing behavior. Discouraging the client from washing her hands (Choice D) may increase anxiety and resistance, making it a less effective intervention.
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which intervention should the nurse implement to address this symptom?
- A. Encourage the client to ignore the delusions.
- B. Provide reality-based feedback to the client.
- C. Distract the client from the delusions.
- D. Encourage the client to discuss the delusions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions, providing reality-based feedback is considered an effective intervention to address this symptom. This approach helps the client differentiate between what is real and what is not real, assisting them in managing their delusions and promoting their overall well-being. Choice A is incorrect because ignoring the delusions does not help the client in distinguishing reality from delusions. Choice C is incorrect as distraction may only provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging the client to discuss the delusions may reinforce or intensify them rather than help in managing them effectively.