A patient is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The patient repeatedly mistakes one of the nursing staff for a family member. The nurse documents that this patient is experiencing a disturbance in which area of functioning?
- A. Consciousness
- B. Attention
- C. Perception
- D. Cognition
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Perception. In this scenario, the patient's repeated mistake of identifying a nursing staff as a family member indicates a disturbance in perception, specifically in the recognition and interpretation of sensory information. This confusion is not related to consciousness (A), as the patient is awake and aware. It is also not solely an issue of attention (B), as attention involves the ability to focus on specific stimuli rather than the interpretation of those stimuli. While cognition (D) encompasses various mental processes, such as memory and problem-solving, the primary issue in this case is the misinterpretation of sensory input, aligning with the disturbance in perception.
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A 65-year-old woman has a two-year history of mucous diarrhoea due to a large villous adenoma of the rectum. She is also taking digoxin and diuretics for chronic congestive failure. Which of the following investigations would be the most helpful prior to surgery?
- A. Serum chloride.
- B. Serum digoxin.
- C. Serum calcium.
- D. Serum potassium.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Villous adenomas cause potassium loss via diarrhea, and diuretics exacerbate this, risking hypokalemia, which is dangerous with digoxin (toxicity risk). Serum potassium (D) is critical pre-surgery.
An older adult patient who lives with a daughter and attends the Alzheimer day hospital program exhibits bilateral bruising for the second time on both upper outer arms. When the nurse questions the patient about the bruising, the patient starts to cry and pleads, 'Please don't say anything. It's not my daughter's fault. I just bruise easily.' Which intervention reflects the best management of this situation?
- A. Call the daughter to discuss both the bruising and her parent's reaction.
- B. Report the elder abuse, and inform the patient and the daughter of your intention.
- C. Notify the patient's social worker of the bruising after a complete assessment has been completed.
- D. Inform the patient and the daughter of your intention to document the bruising and arrange for appropriate counseling.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report the elder abuse and inform the patient and the daughter of your intention. This is the best intervention as it prioritizes the safety and well-being of the older adult. Here's the rationale:
1. The patient's repeated bruising and fear of disclosure indicate potential abuse.
2. Reporting elder abuse is mandatory to ensure protection for the patient.
3. Informing the patient and daughter shows transparency and involves them in the process.
4. It is crucial to address the situation promptly to prevent further harm.
Summary:
A: Calling the daughter may escalate the situation and compromise the patient's safety.
C: Notifying the social worker without addressing the abuse directly may delay necessary action.
D: Counseling may be beneficial, but addressing the abuse is a priority to ensure the patient's safety.
The mother of a teenager diagnosed with an eating disorder asks, 'How long will my daughter have this problem?' The nurse answers with the knowledge that:
- A. recovery is usual after one severe episode.
- B. less than 30% show improvement after 5 years.
- C. weight restoration is sufficient for recovery.
- D. long-term therapy combined with medication results in the best outcomes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because long-term therapy combined with medication results in the best outcomes for individuals with eating disorders. Therapy helps address underlying psychological issues, while medication can help manage symptoms. Recovery is a complex process that often requires ongoing support. Choice A is incorrect as recovery is not always guaranteed after one severe episode. Choice B is incorrect as many individuals do show improvement over time. Choice C is incorrect as weight restoration alone may not address all aspects of the disorder.
The client tells the nurse, 'My husband left to go bowling with his buddies, so I had to cut myself.' The nurse using the SET method of communication will use as the initial response:
- A. Tell me what made you think of that action.'
- B. It concerns me to hear that you took that action.'
- C. You should have called your psychiatrist.'
- D. What can I do to help you now that you're here?'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "It concerns me to hear that you took that action." The rationale for this is that this response demonstrates empathy and concern for the client's well-being, which is essential in building a therapeutic relationship. It acknowledges the client's statement without judgment and opens the door for further exploration of the client's feelings and reasoning behind the self-harm.
Choice A: "Tell me what made you think of that action" may come across as too direct and could be perceived as insensitive or confrontational, potentially shutting down communication.
Choice C: "You should have called your psychiatrist" is dismissive and fails to address the client's emotional needs or offer support.
Choice D: "What can I do to help you now that you're here?" is forward-thinking and assumes the client is seeking help, which may not be the case. It also does not directly address the concerning behavior of self-harm.
Which statement by the nurse indicates a good understanding of postpartum blues?
- A. You need to get involved with taking care of this baby.
- B. You are lucky to have a healthy baby. The patient in the next room would give anything to be in your place.
- C. You look tired. Why dont you rest for a bit and I will come back later to start some teaching.
- D. I will call the social worker to check into alternate caregiving for the new baby.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response (C) indicates understanding that postpartum blues is transient and that time and rest are major healers. The other responses (A, B, D) are judgmental or inappropriate.
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