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A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Implement suicide precautions.
- B. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently
- C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
- D. Observe the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Implement suicide precautions. This is the highest priority because the patient has a plan for suicide, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. Implementing suicide precautions involves ensuring the patient's environment is safe, removing any potential means of self-harm, and closely monitoring the patient to prevent any suicide attempts.
Choice B is incorrect because offering high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently addresses the physical aspect of weight loss but does not address the immediate safety concern of suicide.
Choice C is incorrect because assisting the patient to identify personal strengths is important for building self-esteem but is not the highest priority when the patient is at risk for suicide.
Choice D is incorrect because observing the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication is important but not as urgent as ensuring the patient's safety in the case of suicidal ideation.
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The nurse is assessing a child with autism. Which of the following behaviors would the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Referring to their imaginary friend, Skipper
- B. Asking to telephone my friends on the weekends
- C. Repeating, milk, milk, milk, milk until given a drink.
- D. Is insistent that a dim light be left on in the bedroom at night
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repeating, milk, milk, milk, milk until given a drink. This behavior is a characteristic of children with autism, known as echolalia. Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, often used by individuals with autism to communicate or self-soothe. This behavior is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder and is indicative of language difficulties and communication challenges.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically relate to behaviors typically observed in children with autism. Referring to an imaginary friend (A) is not exclusive to autism, asking to telephone friends on weekends (B) is a social behavior that can be seen in children without autism, and insisting on a dim light in the bedroom (D) is a preference that does not directly relate to the core characteristics of autism.
When a patient asks the nurse, “How can jolting me with an electrical shock possibly do me any good?” the answer most reflective of current biologic theory would be:
- A. “ECT produces a change in brain chemistry that results in improved mood.
- B. “ECT provides you with external punishment so you can stop punishing yourself.”
- C. “ECT interrupts brain impulses that are causing hallucinations and delusions.”
- D. ECT shocks the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe depression and other mental health disorders.
Step 2: Current biological theory suggests that ECT produces changes in brain chemistry, specifically neurotransmitters, leading to improved mood.
Step 3: The correct answer (A) aligns with this theory by explaining how ECT impacts brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms.
Step 4: Answer B is incorrect as ECT is not used as punishment but as a therapeutic intervention.
Step 5: Answer C is incorrect as ECT is not primarily used to interrupt brain impulses causing hallucinations and delusions.
Step 6: Answer D is incorrect as ECT does not shock the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns but rather affects neurotransmitter levels.
A patient attending group therapy mentions, “In the beginning, I was so sick that everyone had to help me. For the last few days, it’s felt good to be able to give something back to the group.” This statement can be assessed as an example of Yalom’s factor of:
- A. Cohesiveness
- B. Imitative behavior
- C. Altruism
- D. Harmonizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Altruism. This statement reflects the concept of altruism in group therapy, as the patient expresses the satisfaction of being able to give back to the group after receiving help in the beginning. Altruism refers to the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. In this case, the patient's experience of feeling good by being able to contribute positively to the group reflects a sense of altruism.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and unity within a group, which is not directly reflected in the patient's statement.
B: Imitative behavior involves mimicking the actions of others, which is not evident in the patient's statement.
D: Harmonizing refers to the process of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement, which is not explicitly mentioned in the patient's statement.
When differentiating between bereavement symptoms and depression, the nurse will base the formulation on knowledge that in bereavement:
- A. Symptoms remit and exacerbate.
- B. Guilt feelings are overwhelming.
- C. Suicide thoughts are common.
- D. Psychomotor retardation is obvious.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in bereavement, symptoms of grief and sadness tend to come and go, known as remitting and exacerbating, as the individual processes the loss over time. This is a normal part of the grieving process. On the other hand, in depression, symptoms are persistent and may not improve without intervention. Guilt feelings being overwhelming (B) is common in both bereavement and depression. Suicide thoughts being common (C) can occur in severe depression but are not a distinguishing factor between bereavement and depression. Psychomotor retardation being obvious (D) is a symptom more commonly associated with severe depression rather than bereavement.
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry
and states, Its not fair! How could he do this to me? This remark is assessed as:
- A. A plea for help
- B. An explosive episode
- C. An expression of anger
- D. Fear of making decisions alone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, an expression of anger. The woman's statement "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" indicates feelings of anger and resentment towards her husband for leaving her unexpectedly. This response does not show a plea for help (A), as she is expressing her emotions rather than seeking assistance. It is also not an explosive episode (B) as there is no indication of sudden outbursts or intense emotional reactions. Similarly, it is not about fear of making decisions alone (D) as her statement focuses on her feelings of unfairness and betrayal. In summary, the woman's remark reflects her anger and sense of injustice following her husband's accidental death.