Nokea
A patient with schizophrenia refuses to take his medication because he believes he is not ill. What phenomenon most likely underlies this presentation?
- A. The patient is unable to face having an illness and is in denial.
- B. Stigma causes the patient to refuse to admit his mental illness.
- C. The illness itself is preventing the patient from realizing he is ill.
- D. Command hallucinations are instructing him to deny the illness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because anosognosia, a symptom of schizophrenia, can prevent patients from recognizing they are ill due to the illness itself affecting their insight and awareness. Anosognosia is a neurocognitive deficit common in schizophrenia, where the brain's ability to recognize one's own illness is impaired. This leads the patient to genuinely believe they are not ill, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.
Choice A: Denial is a psychological defense mechanism, not a symptom of schizophrenia.
Choice B: Stigma might influence perceptions of mental illness, but it does not directly cause anosognosia in schizophrenia.
Choice D: Command hallucinations can influence behavior, but they typically involve auditory commands unrelated to recognizing one's illness.
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What is the priority assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa who is experiencing frequent purging behaviors?
- A. Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
- B. Assess for any weight gain and increase exercise habits.
- C. Encourage the patient to express feelings about food and body image.
- D. Monitor for compulsive eating behaviors and binge episodes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. This is the priority assessment for a patient with bulimia nervosa who is experiencing frequent purging behaviors because purging can lead to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, which can result in serious health complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and renal issues. Monitoring electrolyte levels and hydration status is crucial for the patient's safety and well-being.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect because focusing on weight gain and exercise habits is not the priority when dealing with the immediate health risks of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
- Choice C is incorrect as expressing feelings about food and body image is important for therapy but not the priority in this acute situation.
- Choice D is incorrect as monitoring for compulsive eating behaviors and binge episodes is more relevant for patients with binge eating disorder rather than bulimia nervosa with frequent purging behaviors.
A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect ______ and should ______.
- A. neuroleptic malignant syndrome"¦place him in a cooling blanket and transfer to ICU
- B. anticholinergic toxicity"¦check vital signs and prepare to use a cooling blanket stat
- C. relapse of his psychosis"¦administer PRN antipsychotic drugs and notify his physician
- D. agranulocytosis"¦hold his antipsychotic and draw blood for a complete blood count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The patient's symptoms align with NMS, a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, and elevated temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are all indicative of NMS. The nurse should suspect NMS and take immediate action by placing the patient in a cooling blanket to lower the temperature and transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and further management.
Choice B is incorrect because anticholinergic toxicity typically presents with different symptoms such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, and confusion. Choice C is incorrect as there are no signs of a psychotic relapse, and administering more antipsychotic medication could worsen the NMS. Choice D is incorrect as agranulocytosis presents with symptoms like fever and sore throat, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.
A patient who has been hospitalized for 2 days remains delusional and anxious and does not yet appear to be ready to give up the delusions. What intervention will best help the patient focus less on the delusion?
- A. Schedule time for the patient to read and listen to music.
- B. Plan activities that require physical skills and constructive use of time.
- C. Begin planning for discharge by engaging the patient in psychoeducation.
- D. Discuss personal goals related to improved socialization with the patient.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because engaging in activities that require physical skills and constructive use of time can help the patient shift their focus away from the delusions. Physical activities can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of accomplishment, which can help distract the patient from the delusions. It also promotes a sense of normalcy and routine, which can aid in grounding the patient in reality.
Choice A is incorrect because reading and listening to music may not actively engage the patient in a way that helps them shift their focus from the delusions. Choice C is incorrect because planning for discharge may be premature and may not address the immediate need to distract the patient from the delusions. Choice D is incorrect because discussing personal goals related to improved socialization may not be effective in helping the patient focus less on the delusions at this stage.
A nursing diagnosis for a patient with bulimia nervosa is Ineffective coping related to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as evidenced by use of overeating and self-induced vomiting to comfort self. Select the best outcome related to this diagnosis. Within 2 weeks, the patient will:
- A. Appropriately express angry feelings.
- B. Verbalize two positive things about self.
- C. Verbalize the importance of eating a balanced diet.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Patient's diagnosis indicates coping issues, not anger expression or self-esteem.
2. Patient's coping mechanism involves overeating and vomiting, not diet.
3. Outcome should focus on coping skills improvement, not unrelated goals.
4. None of the choices address the root issue of coping with loneliness and isolation.
5. Thus, the correct answer is D, as none of the options directly address the patient's ineffective coping mechanism.
A patient was admitted to the mental health unit after arguing with co-workers and threatening to kill them. He is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. On the unit he is aloof and suspicious. He mentioned that two physicians he saw talking were plotting to kill him. On the basis of data gathered at this point, which two primary nursing diagnoses should the nurse consider?
- A. Disturbed thought processes and Risk for other-directed violence
- B. Spiritual distress and Social isolation
- C. Risk for loneliness and Knowledge deficit
- D. Disturbed personal identity and Nonadherence
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disturbed thought processes and Risk for other-directed violence.
1. Disturbed thought processes: The patient's delusions (believing physicians are plotting to kill him) indicate disorganized thinking, a hallmark of paranoid schizophrenia.
2. Risk for other-directed violence: The patient's threatening behavior towards co-workers suggests a potential for violence towards others.
Incorrect choices:
B: Spiritual distress and Social isolation - Not directly related to the patient's current symptoms of paranoid delusions and threat of violence.
C: Risk for loneliness and Knowledge deficit - The patient's issues are more severe than loneliness or knowledge deficit.
D: Disturbed personal identity and Nonadherence - While these issues may be relevant in schizophrenia, they are not the primary concerns presented in this scenario.