An older adult patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. A nurse at the outpatient medication clinic interviews this patient. Which communication strategy will be most helpful?
- A. Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no.
- B. Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language.
- C. Use silence often and let the patient take the lead.
- D. Use open-ended, indirect questions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Communication with individuals who have schizophrenia might be difficult because of their various thought disorders. The nurse can be most effective by using simple language, keeping to concrete concepts, and clarifying and validating as needed (B). Yes/no questions (A) limit information, silence (C) may not engage, and open-ended questions (D) may confuse.
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Some eating habits that seem to contribute to the incidence of cardiovascular disease are
- A. A diet that is high in fat
- B. A diet that is low in vegetables
- C. A diet that is low in fruits
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: High-fat, low-vegetable, and low-fruit diets all contribute to cardiovascular disease by increasing cholesterol and reducing nutrients.
An 83-year-old man becomes lost while driving. He pulls into a driveway to turn around and cannot figure out how to put his car in reverse, so he drives into the yard, makes a circle, and drives back out of the driveway. He is stopped by police, who take him to the emergency department. The physician diagnoses him with Alzheimer's disease and refers him to the neurology clinic for follow-up. Given this diagnosis, which behaviors should the clinic nurse anticipate?
- A. Does not know today's date.
- B. Unable to shower without help.
- C. Denial of mental impairment.
- D. None of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Does not know today's date. This behavior is commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease due to memory impairment. The inability to recall the current date is a key symptom of cognitive decline. In this case, the man's difficulty with reversing his car and getting lost are indicative of cognitive impairment.
Choice B, Unable to shower without help, is a functional impairment and not specific to Alzheimer's disease. Choice C, Denial of mental impairment, may occur in some individuals with Alzheimer's but is not a consistent behavior. Choice D, None of the above, is incorrect as memory deficits, such as not knowing the date, are commonly seen in Alzheimer's disease.
An elderly patient must be physically restrained. Who is responsible for the patient's safety?
- A. The nurse assigned to care for the patient
- B. Unlicensed assistive personnel who apply the restraint
- C. Family member who agrees to application of the restraint
- D. Health care provider who prescribed application of restraint
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The nurse assigned to care for the patient. The nurse is responsible for the patient's safety because they are the primary caregiver and have the training and knowledge to ensure proper application of restraints, monitor the patient's condition, and respond to any potential complications. Unlicensed assistive personnel (choice B) may apply restraints under the nurse's supervision but do not have the same level of training or accountability. Family members (choice C) and healthcare providers (choice D) may be involved in the decision-making process, but ultimate responsibility for patient safety lies with the nurse who directly cares for the patient.
Which of the following is a characteristic of anorexia nervosa?
- A. Binge eating followed by purging.
- B. Refusal to maintain a healthy weight and an intense fear of gaining weight.
- C. Frequent overeating episodes without purging behaviors.
- D. Extreme preoccupation with body image and excessive exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because anorexia nervosa involves a refusal to maintain a healthy weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. This disorder is characterized by restrictive eating habits leading to significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often perceive themselves as overweight despite being underweight. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they describe characteristics more closely associated with bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia, respectively. Binge eating followed by purging (A) is a behavior seen in bulimia nervosa, frequent overeating episodes without purging (C) is typical of binge eating disorder, and extreme preoccupation with body image and excessive exercise (D) may be seen in orthorexia or other eating disorders, but not specifically in anorexia nervosa.
Which aspect of assessment has priority when a nurse interviews a rape victim?
- A. Coping mechanisms the patient is using
- B. The patient's previous sexual experiences
- C. Adequacy of the patient's interpersonal relationships
- D. Whether the patient has ever had a sexually transmitted disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Coping mechanisms the patient is using. This aspect has priority because it helps the nurse assess the immediate emotional and psychological impact of the trauma on the victim. Understanding coping mechanisms can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and interventions. Choice B is incorrect as past sexual experiences are not as pertinent during the immediate assessment of a rape victim. Choice C is incorrect as assessing interpersonal relationships may not be a priority during the initial interview. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of a sexually transmitted disease is not the primary concern when assessing a rape victim.