A patient states, "I'm not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?
- A. Self-esteem–building activities
- B. Anxiety self-control measures
- C. Sleep enhancement activities
- D. Suicide precautions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates suicidal ideation and intent. Priority is to ensure immediate safety. Suicide precautions involve continuous monitoring, removing harmful objects, and providing a safe environment. A: Self-esteem activities, B: Anxiety measures, and C: Sleep enhancement are important, but not the priority when a patient is at risk of self-harm.
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A nurse on an acute med-surgical unit is performing assessments on a group of clients. Which is the highest priority?
- A. The client has surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign.
- B. A client who has Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea
- C. A client who is experiencing acute kidney injury and has urine with a low specific gravity
- D. The client who has oral cancer and reports a sore on his gums
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign indicates a potential life-threatening condition due to hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures and tetany. This client needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B is incorrect because while Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea requires prompt treatment, it is not as immediately life-threatening as hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as well, as although acute kidney injury is serious, a low specific gravity alone does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's life. Choice D is also incorrect as oral cancer with a sore on the gums, while concerning, is not an immediate priority compared to the potential life-threatening complications of hypocalcemia.
A nursing student is assigned to care for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. When talking about this patient in a clinical postconference, the student would use which terminology when referring to the patient?
- A. Committed patient
- B. Schizophrenic
- C. Schizophrenic patient
- D. Person with schizophrenia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Person with schizophrenia. This terminology aligns with person-first language, which emphasizes the individuality and humanity of the patient over their diagnosis. It is important to use person-first language to promote respect and reduce stigma. Using terms like "committed patient" (A) can be stigmatizing and inaccurate, as not all patients with schizophrenia are committed involuntarily. "Schizophrenic" (B) and "schizophrenic patient" (C) both label the individual by their diagnosis, which can be dehumanizing and reduce their identity to just their condition. In contrast, "person with schizophrenia" (D) acknowledges the personhood of the individual first and foremost.
A twenty-eight-year-old client enters the family therapy meeting clutching a blanket and holds the blanket throughout the session while rocking back and forth in the chair. What defense mechanism is the client demonstrating?
- A. denial
- B. projection
- C. undoing
- D. regression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: regression. The client clutching a blanket and rocking back and forth indicate a return to an earlier stage of development to cope with stress or anxiety. Regression involves reverting to behaviors from a less mature stage. Denial (A) involves refusing to acknowledge reality, projection (B) involves attributing one's feelings onto others, and undoing (C) involves trying to undo or reverse an unacceptable action or thought. These defense mechanisms do not align with the client's behavior of regression.
A patient whose history includes experiences with abusive partners is being treated for major depressive disorder. The patient's care plan includes rape-trauma syndrome among its nursing diagnoses. What goal is directly associated with this diagnosis?
- A. Remains free from self-harm
- B. Wears appropriate clothing
- C. Reports feeling stronger and having a sense of hopefulness
- D. Demonstrates appropriate affect for both positive and negative emotions
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports feeling stronger and having a sense of hopefulness. This goal is directly associated with rape-trauma syndrome as it focuses on the patient's emotional healing and empowerment. By reporting feeling stronger and having hope, the patient is demonstrating progress towards recovery from the trauma. Choice A is incorrect because remaining free from self-harm is more related to monitoring safety rather than addressing the emotional impact of the trauma. Choice B is irrelevant as wearing appropriate clothing does not directly address the emotional healing process. Choice D is incorrect as demonstrating appropriate affect does not specifically target the psychological aspect of overcoming trauma.
Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events?
- A. I attend my therapy sessions regularly.
- B. Those intrusive memories are hidden for a reason and should stay hidden.
- C. Keeping busy is the key to getting mentally healthy.
- D. I've agreed to move in with my parents so I'll get the support I need.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because attending therapy sessions regularly is a key component of treatment for managing the effects of traumatic events. Regular therapy sessions help individuals process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing. Choice B is incorrect as suppressing intrusive memories can worsen mental health. Choice C is incorrect as keeping busy may serve as a distraction but does not address the root cause of trauma. Choice D is incorrect as moving in with parents for support is helpful, but therapy is the evidence-based treatment for trauma management.
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