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A patient presents in the Emergency Department immediately following a shooting incident in a school where she has been teaching. There is no evidence of physical injury, but she appears very hyperactive and talkative. Which of these symptoms manifested by the patient is an uncommon initial biological response to stress?
- A. Constricted pupils
- B. Watery eyes
- C. Palpitations
- D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased lacrimal secretions, palpitations, and increased heart rate are common initial biological responses to stress. Constricted pupils are not typical in the initial response to stress and are more associated with the opposite response, the Rest and Digest system. Watery eyes, palpitations, and increased heart rate are indicative of the body's fight or flight response to stress. Unusual food cravings are not a typical biological response to stress.
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Which of the following are common symptoms of schizophrenia? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Delusions
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Organized speech
- D. Catatonia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Common symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and catatonia. Organized speech is not a typical symptom of schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, individuals often exhibit disorganized or incoherent speech patterns, rather than organized speech. Euphoria is not typically associated with schizophrenia, making it an incorrect choice.
A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to talk about the event during the day.
- B. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- C. Administer a prescribed sedative at bedtime.
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the client's therapist.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.
When assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Amenorrhea
- B. Lanugo
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, expected findings include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa; instead, hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, is more common. Hypokalemia can result from decreased intake of potassium-rich foods or excessive purging behaviors commonly seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Allow the client to perform rituals initially
- B. Set limits on the time allowed for rituals
- C. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings
- D. Provide a structured schedule of activities
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Interventions for a client with OCD should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Allowing the client to perform rituals is an essential part of managing OCD and should not be restricted in the initial stages of care. Setting limits on the time for rituals helps prevent excessive engagement in them. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings promotes emotional expression and processing. Providing a structured schedule of activities helps establish routine and predictability, which can be beneficial for individuals with OCD.
When assessing a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder who states, 'I feel like I can't go on,' which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Administer a prescribed antidepressant medication.
- B. Ask the client if they have a plan to commit suicide.
- C. Encourage the client to attend a support group.
- D. Contact the client's family to provide support.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's risk for suicide. By asking if the client has a plan to commit suicide, the nurse can determine the immediate safety of the client and take appropriate interventions to prevent harm. Administering antidepressant medication is not the first action to take in this situation as assessing the client's safety is the priority. Encouraging the client to attend a support group or contacting the client's family, although beneficial, are not immediate actions to ensure the client's safety in a crisis situation.