When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?
- A. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet
- B. Yelling at their son for slouching in his chair
- C. Burning dinner on purpose
- D. Saying to the spouse, 'I don't drink too much!'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize the client's statement 'I don't drink too much!' as the use of the defense mechanism of denial. This response indicates the client's refusal to acknowledge the reality of excessive alcohol consumption, which is a key characteristic of denial. By denying the problem, the client avoids facing the negative consequences and feelings associated with their alcohol abuse. Choices A, B, and C do not exhibit denial but rather represent different defense mechanisms. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet might indicate the defense mechanism of concealment, yelling at their son for slouching in his chair could reflect displacement, and burning dinner on purpose might suggest passive-aggressive behavior.
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While assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her parents can't afford horseback riding lessons, how should the nurse interpret the student's reaction to her perceived problem?
- A. The problem is endangering her well-being.
- B. The problem is personally relevant to her.
- C. The problem is based on immaturity.
- D. The problem is exceeding her capacity to cope.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the student being overly concerned about not being able to afford horseback riding lessons indicates that the problem is personally relevant to her. Psychological stressors related to self-esteem and self-image are influenced by how an individual perceives a situation or event. Adolescents, in particular, place significance on self-image and feeling entitled to experiences that other adolescents have, which can lead to distress when such desires are not met. Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication that the student's physical well-being is at risk. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the issue by attributing it solely to immaturity. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence provided that the problem is beyond the student's coping abilities.
Which of the following interventions should a nurse include in the care plan for a client with major depressive disorder? Select one that is not appropriate.
- A. Encourage participation in activities
- B. Promote adequate nutrition and hydration
- C. Discourage verbalization of feelings
- D. Monitor for suicidal ideation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Interventions for a client with major depressive disorder should focus on encouraging participation in activities, promoting adequate nutrition and hydration, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and providing a structured daily schedule. Discouraging verbalization of feelings goes against the therapeutic approach as expressing and discussing feelings is crucial in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Clients with major depressive disorder often benefit from talking about their emotions and experiences, as it can help in processing their feelings and promoting recovery. Therefore, discouraging verbalization of feelings would hinder the client's progress and is not an appropriate intervention.
A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse not implement?
- A. Agree with the client's delusions to avoid confrontation.
- B. Monitor for signs of suicidal ideation
- C. Promote a regular sleep schedule
- D. Discourage the expression of negative feelings
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, it is crucial not to agree with the client's delusions to avoid reinforcing false beliefs. Monitoring for signs of suicidal ideation is essential for safety. Promoting a regular sleep schedule can help stabilize mood. Discouraging the expression of negative feelings is not recommended as it is important to allow clients to express their emotions and feel heard.
A client is being taught relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Which of the following techniques should the instructor include in the teaching? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Deep breathing exercises
- B. Progressive muscle relaxation
- C. Mindfulness meditation
- D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Relaxation techniques commonly used to manage anxiety include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and guided imagery. Cognitive restructuring, on the other hand, is a cognitive-behavioral technique aimed at identifying and changing negative thought patterns rather than a specific relaxation technique. Therefore, cognitive restructuring does not fall under the category of relaxation techniques and is not typically used to manage anxiety.
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient psychiatric unit would require priority intervention by a nurse?
- A. A client rudely complaining about limited visiting hours
- B. A client exhibiting aggressive behavior toward another client
- C. A client stating that no one cares
- D. A client verbalizing feelings of failure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs are considered fundamental and must be addressed before higher-level needs. When a client exhibits aggressive behavior toward another client, it poses an immediate threat to safety and requires priority intervention by the nurse to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved. Clients who are rude in their complaints (Choice A), express feelings of failure (Choice D), or state that no one cares (Choice C) are addressing higher-level needs related to social interactions, esteem, and self-actualization, respectively, which can be addressed once safety needs are secured.