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An elderly client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which assessment finding is most concerning for the nurse?
- A. Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week.
- B. Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities.
- C. Disorganized speech and thought processes.
- D. Severe fatigue and low energy levels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In an elderly client with major depressive disorder, disorganized speech and thought processes are the most concerning assessment finding for the nurse. These symptoms can suggest a more severe condition such as psychosis or cognitive impairment, which require immediate attention and intervention. Weight loss, lack of interest in activities, severe fatigue, and low energy levels are common symptoms of major depressive disorder but do not pose an immediate risk as disorganized speech and thought processes do.
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A client with schizophrenia is being discharged home after an extended stay in a psychiatric hospital. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching about medication management is needed?
- A. "I will take my medication only when I feel like it."
- B. "I need to follow up with my psychiatrist regularly."
- C. "I will notify my healthcare provider if I experience side effects."
- D. "I should avoid alcohol while on my medication."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This statement indicates a lack of understanding about medication management for schizophrenia. Medications for schizophrenia should be taken consistently as prescribed for optimal effectiveness, regardless of how the client feels. Choice B is a correct statement as regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is important for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment. Choice C demonstrates good awareness of potential side effects and the need for communication with healthcare providers. Choice D reflects appropriate knowledge as alcohol can interact with medications and may reduce their effectiveness.
A client in the emergency department presents with confusion, disorientation, and agitation after drinking alcohol. Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate to assess for potential complications?
- A. Complete blood count (CBC)
- B. Electrolyte panel
- C. Liver function tests
- D. Urinalysis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is an electrolyte panel. When a client presents with confusion, disorientation, and agitation after drinking alcohol, it indicates potential complications such as electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in these cases to detect and address abnormalities that may result from alcohol intake. While a complete blood count (choice A) may provide some valuable information, it is not the primary test to assess for alcohol-related complications presenting with these symptoms. Liver function tests (choice C) are more specific for assessing liver damage due to chronic alcohol use rather than immediate complications. Urinalysis (choice D) may help detect some issues but is not the most appropriate initial test to assess for potential complications in this scenario.
A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The nurse also determines that the client is homeless and slightly suspicious. This client's treatment plan should include what priority problem?
- A. Self-care deficit.
- B. Disturbed sensory perception.
- C. Ineffective community coping.
- D. Acute confusion.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Acute confusion.' In the given scenario, the client is disoriented, disorganized, and confused, indicating acute confusion. This is a priority issue to address for immediate safety and appropriate care. Option A, self-care deficit, is not the priority as the client's safety and mental status take precedence. Option B, disturbed sensory perception, does not align with the client's presentation of confusion. Option C, ineffective community coping, is not the immediate concern as the client's cognitive state needs urgent attention.
A male client comes to the emergency center with an erection that will not resolve. The client reports that he is taking trazodone (Desyrel) for insomnia. Which information is most important for the nurse to ask this client?
- A. Have you taken any medication for erectile dysfunction?
- B. Are you experiencing any other sexual dysfunctions or problems?
- C. When was the last time you consumed an alcoholic beverage?
- D. Do you have a history of angina or high blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most important question for the nurse to ask the client is whether he is experiencing any other sexual dysfunctions or problems. This inquiry is crucial as it can help in determining if the persistent erection is a side effect of trazodone. Asking about medication for erectile dysfunction (Choice A) may not provide relevant information in this case, as the focus is on the potential side effects of trazodone. Inquiring about the last time the client consumed alcohol (Choice C) is not directly related to the situation at hand. Questioning about a history of angina or high blood pressure (Choice D) is important for overall assessment but is not as directly relevant to the immediate concern of the persistent erection potentially caused by trazodone.
A female client, who is wearing dirty clothes and has a foul body odor, comes to the clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Assure the client that the healthcare provider will see her today.
- B. Recommend that the client talk with a social worker.
- C. Ask the client to describe why she is being stalked.
- D. Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important action for the nurse to take in this scenario is to offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her. The client's disheveled appearance and foul body odor suggest she may be in distress or facing challenging circumstances. By providing her with a safe and comfortable environment to relax, the nurse can help alleviate some of her distress and establish trust. This approach is crucial as the client is already feeling scared due to being stalked, indicating underlying mental health concerns. Assuring the client of a healthcare provider visit (choice A) may not address her immediate need for safety and comfort. Recommending she talk with a social worker (choice B) may be beneficial later but does not address the immediate need for a safe space. Asking the client to describe why she is being stalked (choice C) is not appropriate as the priority is ensuring her safety and comfort first.