A nurse is reviewing the medical records for clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a risk factor for violent behavior?
- A. Schizoid personality disorder
- B. Alcohol intoxication
- C. Dysthymic disorder
- D. Long-term isolation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Alcohol intoxication. Alcohol intoxication can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and increase aggression, leading to a higher risk of violent behavior. Schizoid personality disorder (A) is characterized by social detachment, not necessarily violence. Dysthymic disorder (C) involves chronic low mood but not a direct risk for violent behavior. Long-term isolation (D) may contribute to mental health issues but does not directly indicate violent behavior.
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A nurse is developing a behavioral contract with a client who has antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following client goals should the nurse include in the contract?
- A. Use projection during group therapy
- B. Increase self-esteem
- C. Use bargaining skills for behavioral consequences
- D. Decrease the number of verbal outbursts
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decrease the number of verbal outbursts. For a client with antisocial personality disorder, managing impulsivity and aggression is crucial. Decreasing verbal outbursts helps improve social interactions and relationships. Using projection (A) can exacerbate manipulative behavior. Increasing self-esteem (B) may not address the core issues of the disorder. Using bargaining skills (C) might reinforce manipulative tendencies rather than promoting genuine change in behavior.
A nurse is evaluating the medication response of a client who takes naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. The nurse should identify that which of the following is a therapeutic effect of this medication.
- A. Blocks aldehyde dehydrogenase
- B. Prevents the anxiety of abstinence
- C. Reduces substance craving
- D. Decreases the likelihood of seizures
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reduces substance craving. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist that helps reduce the craving for alcohol by blocking the euphoric effects associated with alcohol consumption. This medication does not block aldehyde dehydrogenase (choice A), which is involved in alcohol metabolism. It also does not prevent the anxiety of abstinence (choice B) or decrease the likelihood of seizures (choice D). Naltrexone specifically targets reducing the desire to drink, making choice C the most appropriate therapeutic effect in this scenario.
A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and engages in repeated handwashing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Encourage the client to stop washing hands
- B. Allow the client additional time to complete rituals
- C. Set strict time limits on compulsions
- D. Ignore the client’s compulsive behavior
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow the client additional time to complete rituals. This approach is known as a harm reduction strategy in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. By allowing the client additional time to complete rituals, the nurse can help reduce the client's anxiety and provide a sense of control. Encouraging the client to stop washing hands (A) may increase anxiety and worsen symptoms. Setting strict time limits on compulsions (C) can also increase anxiety and lead to distress. Ignoring the client's compulsive behavior (D) can be harmful as it may reinforce the behavior. It is important for the nurse to be supportive and understanding of the client's struggles while working towards more effective coping strategies.
A nurse is caring for a client who has a lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Withhold the next dose of lithium
- B. Repeat the lithium level test
- C. Administer the next dose of lithium
- D. Recommend a low sodium diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the next dose of lithium. A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L), so the nurse should continue the medication as prescribed. Withholding the dose (choice A) can lead to subtherapeutic levels and ineffective treatment. Repeating the test (choice B) is unnecessary as the current level is within the therapeutic range. Recommending a low sodium diet (choice D) is not directly related to lithium therapy.
A nurse in a psychiatric unit is providing discharge teaching to a client who has major depressive disorder and a new prescription for fluoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication in the morning
- B. Expect improvement within 24 hours
- C. Discontinue the medication when symptoms improve
- D. Avoid foods high in tyramine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication in the morning. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression. Taking it in the morning helps prevent insomnia, a common side effect. Option B is incorrect as improvement may take weeks, not 24 hours. Option C is wrong as stopping abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Option D is irrelevant as tyramine interactions are associated with MAOIs, not SSRIs.