An elderly couple who lived in the same home for the past 50 years have moved into an
adult retirement center in a nearby town. Changes in lifestyle such as this couple is
experiencing should alert the nurse to the possibility of:
- A. Acute grief
- B. Traumatic grief
- C. Chronic sorrow
- D. Adventitious crisis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adventitious crisis. This type of crisis is triggered by external events such as moving to a retirement center after 50 years in the same home. The sudden change in environment can lead to distress and challenges for the elderly couple, causing an adventitious crisis. Acute grief (A) and traumatic grief (B) are typically associated with the loss of a loved one, not a change in lifestyle. Chronic sorrow (C) refers to ongoing grief related to a chronic illness or disability, which is not the case in this scenario.
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A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
- A. Implement suicide precautions.
- B. Offer high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently
- C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
- D. Observe the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Implement suicide precautions. This is the highest priority because the patient has a plan for suicide, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. Implementing suicide precautions involves ensuring the patient's environment is safe, removing any potential means of self-harm, and closely monitoring the patient to prevent any suicide attempts.
Choice B is incorrect because offering high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently addresses the physical aspect of weight loss but does not address the immediate safety concern of suicide.
Choice C is incorrect because assisting the patient to identify personal strengths is important for building self-esteem but is not the highest priority when the patient is at risk for suicide.
Choice D is incorrect because observing the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication is important but not as urgent as ensuring the patient's safety in the case of suicidal ideation.
The best response to the patient’s statement, "They frobitz me," would be:
- A. "That’s really too bad that you are being treated that way."
- B. "Who do you mean when you say everybody?"
- C. "What difference does frobitzing make?"
- D. "Why do they frobitz?"
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it seeks clarification and prompts the patient to specify who they are referring to when they say "everybody." This response shows active listening and encourages deeper communication. Choice A offers sympathy but doesn't address the issue directly. Choice C dismisses the significance of "frobitzing." Choice D asks for the reason behind "frobitzing" without seeking clarification on the people involved.
Which statement best defines the nurse’s initial role as the patient’s source of help in addressing interpersonal problems?
- A. “I’ll work with your doctor to help you get better.”
- B. “I’ll be working with you to help solve your marital troubles.”
- C. “Your medications will help you feel better as soon as they take effect.”
- D. To direct the patient to other professionals for addressing interpersonal issues
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it emphasizes the nurse's role in actively working with the patient to address interpersonal problems. The nurse's initial role is to provide support and assistance to the patient in resolving their issues collaboratively. Choice A focuses on medical treatment and collaboration with the doctor, not specifically addressing interpersonal problems. Choice C solely emphasizes the role of medications in improving the patient's well-being, neglecting the interpersonal aspect. Choice D suggests passing off the responsibility to other professionals, which contradicts the nurse's initial role as a source of help for the patient. In summary, choice B is correct because it highlights the nurse's active involvement in solving the patient's interpersonal problems.
When differentiating between bereavement symptoms and depression, the nurse will base the formulation on knowledge that in bereavement:
- A. Symptoms remit and exacerbate.
- B. Guilt feelings are overwhelming.
- C. Suicide thoughts are common.
- D. Psychomotor retardation is obvious.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because in bereavement, symptoms of grief and sadness tend to come and go, known as remitting and exacerbating, as the individual processes the loss over time. This is a normal part of the grieving process. On the other hand, in depression, symptoms are persistent and may not improve without intervention. Guilt feelings being overwhelming (B) is common in both bereavement and depression. Suicide thoughts being common (C) can occur in severe depression but are not a distinguishing factor between bereavement and depression. Psychomotor retardation being obvious (D) is a symptom more commonly associated with severe depression rather than bereavement.
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry
and states, Its not fair! How could he do this to me? This remark is assessed as:
- A. A plea for help
- B. An explosive episode
- C. An expression of anger
- D. Fear of making decisions alone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, an expression of anger. The woman's statement "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" indicates feelings of anger and resentment towards her husband for leaving her unexpectedly. This response does not show a plea for help (A), as she is expressing her emotions rather than seeking assistance. It is also not an explosive episode (B) as there is no indication of sudden outbursts or intense emotional reactions. Similarly, it is not about fear of making decisions alone (D) as her statement focuses on her feelings of unfairness and betrayal. In summary, the woman's remark reflects her anger and sense of injustice following her husband's accidental death.