Nokea
A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, 'I know she wants me.' This statement reflects which defense mechanism?
- A. Displacement
- B. Projection
- C. Rationalization
- D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. The nurse should determine that the client's statement reflects the defense mechanism of projection. Projection involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person. By projecting these feelings onto someone else, the individual reduces their own anxiety. Displacement involves transferring feelings from one target to another, not attributing them to another person. Rationalization involves making excuses to justify behavior, not attributing feelings to others. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable drives or impulses into more constructive and acceptable activities, not attributing feelings to another person.
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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.
When assessing a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which finding should the nurse expect?
- A. Hypervigilance
- B. Insomnia
- C. Flashbacks
- D. Suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with PTSD commonly exhibit symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, flashbacks, difficulty concentrating, and increased irritability. Hypervigilance refers to an enhanced state of awareness and alertness, often seen in individuals with PTSD as they are constantly on guard for potential threats. Insomnia is a common sleep disturbance associated with PTSD, where individuals may have trouble falling or staying asleep. Flashbacks involve re-experiencing the traumatic event as if it is occurring in the present moment. Suicidal ideation, while a serious concern in mental health, is not a hallmark symptom specifically associated with PTSD. Therefore, the correct finding that the nurse should expect when assessing a client diagnosed with PTSD is hypervigilance.
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.
- A. What caused the stressful situation?
- B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
- C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
- D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The question 'Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?' is the most appropriate as it assesses the client's coping resources and encourages reflection on past experiences. This question can help the client consider alternative ways to deal with stress. Asking about the cause of the stressful situation may provide insight into the current situation but does not directly assess coping abilities. Inquiring about blame does not focus on coping strategies but may encourage negative thinking and a sense of victimization. Questioning why the client was fired is a nontherapeutic approach that can hinder communication by putting the client on the defensive.
Which of the following interventions are appropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Stay with the client and remain calm
- B. Encourage deep breathing
- C. Move the client to a quiet environment
- D. Mindfulness meditation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide immediate support to the client. Appropriate interventions include staying with the client and remaining calm, encouraging deep breathing, and moving the client to a quiet environment. However, mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment and may require a certain level of concentration, may not be feasible or effective during an acute panic attack. The priority is to help the client feel safe and supported, which the other interventions address more directly. Mindfulness meditation might not be suitable during a panic attack due to the heightened state of anxiety and the need for immediate calming techniques.
Why is the DSM-5 useful in the practice of psychiatric nursing?
- A. It guides the nurse in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses.
- B. It represents progress toward a more holistic view of mind and body.
- C. It provides a framework for interdisciplinary communication.
- D. It provides a template for nursing care plans.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The DSM-5 is a crucial tool in psychiatric nursing as it guides nurses in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses of mental health conditions. Using the DSM-5 ensures that diagnoses are standardized, improving the quality and precision of care for clients. While the DSM-5 also supports a holistic view, interdisciplinary communication, and care plan development, its primary role in psychiatric nursing is to assist clinicians in diagnosing mental health conditions accurately.