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.
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When developing a care plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which of the following interventions should not be included?
- A. Encourage the client to avoid anxiety-provoking situations.
- B. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
- C. Encourage the client to express their feelings.
- D. Provide a structured daily routine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations is not a recommended intervention in caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as it can reinforce the client's anxiety. Exposing the client gradually to feared situations can help reduce anxiety in the long term through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Teaching relaxation techniques helps the client manage stress and anxiety effectively. Encouraging the client to express their feelings promotes emotional processing and reduces internal tension. Providing a structured daily routine can offer predictability and stability, which are beneficial for individuals with GAD.
During a mental status examination, which of the following components should be included in the assessment? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Appearance and behavior
- B. Thought processes
- C. Mood and affect
- D. The greater the cultural distance from the mainstream of society, the greater the likelihood that the illness will be treated with sensitivity and compassion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a mental status examination, key components to be assessed include the client's appearance and behavior, thought processes, mood and affect, and cognitive function. These components help in evaluating the client's mental health status. The statement about cultural distance and illness treatment is not a part of a mental status examination and is not relevant to the assessment of mental health. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a mental status examination and contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's mental well-being.
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Agree with the client's delusions to avoid confrontation.
- B. Challenge the client's delusions directly.
- C. Encourage the client to discuss their delusions in detail.
- D. Present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the delusions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the nurse should present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the client's delusions. This approach helps the client maintain a connection to reality while feeling supported. Agreeing with the delusions may perpetuate false beliefs, while directly challenging them can lead to increased distress for the client. Encouraging the client to discuss their delusions in detail may further exacerbate their symptoms or reinforce their false beliefs. Therefore, the most therapeutic intervention is to gently present reality and provide reassurance to the client.
A client has experienced the death of a close family member and at the same time becomes unemployed. This situation has resulted in a 6-month score of 110 on the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. How should the nurse evaluate this client data?
- A. The client is experiencing severe distress and is at risk for physical and psychological illness.
- B. A score of 110 on the Miller and Rahe Recent Life Changes Questionnaire indicates no significant threat of stress-related illness.
- C. Susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be estimated without knowledge of coping resources and available supports.
- D. The client may view these losses as challenges and perceive them as opportunities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire is an expanded version of the Schedule of Recent Experiences and the Rahe-Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale. A 6-month score of 300 or more, or a year-score total of 500 or more, indicates high stress in a client's life. However, susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be accurately estimated without considering the individual's coping resources and available support systems. Positive coping mechanisms and strong social support can mitigate the risk of stress-related illnesses even in the face of significant life changes and losses. Choice A is incorrect because it makes a definitive statement about the client's state without considering individual coping mechanisms and support. Choice B is incorrect because a score of 110 does not necessarily mean no threat of stress-related illness, as individual factors play a crucial role. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes a positive outlook without acknowledging the potential impact of the experienced losses on stress levels.
Which statement about the concept of neuroses is most accurate?
- A. An individual experiencing neurosis is unaware of the distress they are experiencing.
- B. An individual experiencing neurosis feels helpless to change their situation.
- C. An individual experiencing neurosis is aware of psychological causes of their behavior.
- D. An individual experiencing neurosis has a loss of contact with reality.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neurosis involves feelings of distress and anxiety, but individuals experiencing neurosis are usually aware of their distress and its causes. They may recognize that their behaviors are maladaptive and are generally in contact with reality. The accurate statement about neurosis is that an individual feels helpless to change their situation. Choice A is incorrect because individuals with neurosis are usually aware of their distress. Choice C is incorrect because while individuals may be aware of psychological causes, it is not the defining characteristic of neurosis. Choice D is incorrect because a loss of contact with reality is more characteristic of psychosis, not neurosis.