A nurse is caring for a 48-year-old client who is grieving following the death of her husband seven months ago. The client reports that she has lost 30 lb and is having difficulty sleeping. Which of the following factors indicate the client is experiencing maladaptive grieving?
- A. The client is 48 years old.
- B. The client's husband died seven months ago.
- C. The client has lost 30 lb.
- D. The client is having difficulty sleeping.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The client has lost 30 lb. This indicates maladaptive grieving as significant weight loss is a common symptom of unresolved grief. This could be due to appetite changes, neglecting self-care, or depression. Losing a considerable amount of weight can impact physical health and well-being, indicating a need for intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to maladaptive grieving. Age (A) and the time since the husband's death (B) are not definitive indicators of maladaptive grieving. Difficulty sleeping (D) can be a common symptom of grief but is not as concerning as significant weight loss in this context.
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A nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?
- A. Delusions
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Social withdrawal
- D. Agitation
- E. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Social withdrawal. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia involve the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Social withdrawal is a common negative symptom, characterized by the client's lack of interest in social interactions. Delusions (A) and hallucinations (B) are positive symptoms, involving the presence of abnormal behaviors or perceptions. Agitation (D) is a symptom of increased motor activity, not a negative symptom. Flat affect (E) refers to a lack of emotional expression, which is also a negative symptom. In summary, social withdrawal aligns with the definition of negative symptoms in schizophrenia, making it the correct answer.
A nurse is caring for a client who requires a crisis intervention for acute anxiety. Which of the following actions is the highest priority?
- A. Protecting the client from injury.
- B. Determining the cause of the client’s anxiety.
- C. Ensuring that the client feels safe.
- D. Identifying the client’s coping skills.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protecting the client from injury. This is the highest priority because ensuring the client's physical safety takes precedence in a crisis situation. If the client is at risk of harming themselves or others, immediate action must be taken to prevent injury. Determining the cause of anxiety, ensuring the client feels safe, and identifying coping skills are important but secondary priorities once the client's safety is assured. In a crisis situation, physical safety is paramount before addressing underlying causes or providing emotional support.
A nurse in a drug and alcohol detoxification center is planning care for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?
- A. Helping the client identify positive personality traits
- B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest
- C. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms
- D. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing for adequate hydration and rest. The priority in caring for a client with alcohol use disorder is addressing physical needs like hydration and rest to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications. Hydration helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, while rest supports the body's healing process. Choices A, C, and D focus on psychological aspects, which are important but secondary to addressing immediate physical needs. Helping the client identify positive traits can come later in therapy, confronting denial and defense mechanisms can be addressed once the client is stabilized, and educating about consequences is important but not as urgent as ensuring hydration and rest.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a history of alcohol use disorder and has been hospitalized for detoxification. The nurse enters the room and finds the client shouting in a terrified voice, "Get these bugs off of me!” Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
- A. "I'm sure that the bugs you see will not harm you."
- B. "Tell me more about the bugs that you see in your room."
- C. "I don't see any bugs, but you seem very frightened."
- D. "I do not see anything. This is part of the withdrawal process."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Response C is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's feelings without confirming the presence of bugs. This response shows empathy and understanding while not reinforcing the client's hallucination. Response A dismisses the client's fear and may increase anxiety. Response B encourages the client to focus on the hallucination, worsening the distress. Response D invalidates the client's experience and may lead to distrust.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is in the manic phase. The client says he is bored. Which of the following activities is appropriate for the nurse to suggest to this client?
- A. Watching a video with a group in the day room
- B. Walking with the nurse in the courtyard
- C. Participating in a basketball game in the gym
- D. Joining a group discussion about a local election
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Walking with the nurse in the courtyard. During the manic phase, individuals with bipolar disorder may have high energy levels and increased impulsivity. Walking in the courtyard with the nurse provides a safe outlet for physical activity and helps to channel excess energy in a constructive manner. This activity also allows for one-on-one interaction, which can help the client focus and reduce boredom. Other options like watching a video with a group or participating in a basketball game may be too stimulating and could exacerbate manic symptoms. Joining a group discussion about a local election might be overwhelming and less effective in managing the client's energy level and attention.