A patient with schizophrenia tells the nurse 'I don't know, it's just all the same. You never know. It comes, it goes, it blows away. Get it?' The best response for the nurse to make would be:
- A. Nothing you are saying is clear; you are not making sense.'
- B. Yes, life can be like that sometimes, very confusing.'
- C. Try to organize your thoughts and then tell me again.'
- D. I am having difficulty understanding what you are saying.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it reflects active listening and acknowledges the patient's communication difficulties without being dismissive. By stating difficulty in understanding, the nurse shows empathy and openness to further clarification. Choice A is incorrect as it may be perceived as judgmental. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the patient's communication challenges. Choice C is incorrect as it places the responsibility solely on the patient without offering support.
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Care planning requires that a nurse recognize that the dynamic focus directing a patient with anorexia nervosa is:
- A. managing weight gain.
- B. controlling personal stressors.
- C. maintaining a sense of control.
- D. avoiding social interactions.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
Step 2: Patients often use strict control over food intake as a way to cope with underlying emotional issues.
Step 3: Maintaining a sense of control is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa as it addresses the core psychological aspects driving the disorder.
Step 4: Managing weight gain (A) is not the primary focus as patients may resist gaining weight due to their fear.
Step 5: Controlling personal stressors (B) may be important but does not address the underlying issue of control related to food and body.
Step 6: Avoiding social interactions (D) does not address the core psychological need for control and can further isolate the patient.
A client is admitted to a day hospital following an episode in which he purchased a gun to use while standing guard over his property to prevent a neighbor from erecting a boundary fence. His wife describes him as distrustful of the motives of others and often interpreting others' motives as threats. She mentions that one time he accused her of having an affair with a neighbor with whom she chatted occasionally. The care plan will list the priority outcome as 'Client will:
- A. admit his action was excessive based on the circumstance.
- B. write the neighbor a letter of apology.
- C. demonstrate trust in the nurse.
- D. identify positive role models.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: demonstrate trust in the nurse. This is the priority outcome because the client's lack of trust and tendency to perceive threats need to be addressed first. By demonstrating trust in the nurse, the client can begin to develop a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for addressing his distrustful behavior and interpreting threats. This outcome focuses on building rapport and establishing a foundation for therapeutic interventions.
Choice A is incorrect because admitting his action was excessive may not address the underlying issues of distrust and misinterpretation of motives. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the client's core issues and may not be appropriate in this context. Choice D is also incorrect as identifying positive role models is not a priority when the client's trust and perception issues need immediate attention.
A PET scan involves the injection of
- A. radioactive sugar
- B. iodine
- C. metal particles
- D. xenon gas
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: PET scans use radioactive glucose (sugar) to measure brain activity, aiding in diagnosing mental disorders.
After being raped, a woman was told by her aunt, 'I'm not surprised that happened to you. You were asking for it.' A few days later, a friend told her, 'Well after all, he took you to dinner. He expected something in return.' The victim states, 'I can't believe that people can think that way.' The rape crisis nurse correctly hypothesizes that the client is:
- A. Experiencing cognitive dissonance.
- B. In denial about the rape.
- C. Seeking validation from others.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Experiencing cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance refers to the mental discomfort or conflict that occurs when a person's beliefs or attitudes are inconsistent with their actions or experiences. In this scenario, the woman is facing conflicting beliefs - she knows she did not ask for or deserve to be raped, yet the comments from her aunt and friend suggest otherwise. This leads to the woman feeling disbelief and distress.
Summary:
B: In denial about the rape - This choice does not address the conflicting beliefs the woman is experiencing.
C: Seeking validation from others - While seeking validation may be a natural response, it does not capture the essence of cognitive dissonance in this context.
A patient with borderline personality disorder has been making steady progress but one day gets a phone call from her boyfriend, who breaks off their relationship. Although she has not self-injured in over 2 months, she makes repeated lacerations on her forearm. Which statement about this and most maladaptive behaviors seen in personality disorders is most accurate?
- A. People with personality disorders rarely achieve lasting improvement.
- B. However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope.
- C. People with personality disorders are at the mercy of others' actions.
- D. What appears to be improvement can be manipulation instead.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: However dysfunctional, most behavior is the person's best effort to cope.
Rationale:
1. People with borderline personality disorder often struggle with intense emotions and unstable relationships.
2. Self-injury is a maladaptive coping mechanism used to manage overwhelming emotions or distress.
3. In this scenario, the patient resorts to self-injury as a coping strategy after the breakup triggers intense emotional pain.
4. Despite being maladaptive, the behavior serves as a coping mechanism to regulate emotions.
5. Understanding that maladaptive behaviors are often the individual's best attempt to cope helps in providing non-judgmental support and promoting healthier coping strategies.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. People with personality disorders can make progress with appropriate treatment and support.
C: Incorrect. While external factors may trigger behaviors, individuals with personality disorders have agency in their actions.
D: Incorrect. Improvement in behavior should not always be viewed as manipulation; it can indicate genuine progress in coping skills.