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During an exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms, which intervention should the nurse prioritize for a client with a history of schizophrenia?
- A. Encourage adherence to the medication regimen.
- B. Increase social interactions with peers.
- C. Provide a high-stimulation environment.
- D. Assess for safety risks related to the exacerbation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During an exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms, the nurse should prioritize assessing for safety risks. This is critical because individuals with schizophrenia may experience heightened risks to themselves or others during this period. Encouraging adherence to the medication regimen (Choice A) is important but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Increasing social interactions with peers (Choice B) and providing a high-stimulation environment (Choice C) can potentially exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided during an exacerbation.
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What is the most appropriate intervention by the RN to address a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who repeatedly checks to see if the door is locked and asks for reassurance?
- A. Set a specific limit on the number of times the client can check the door.
- B. Help the client find an alternative activity to perform.
- C. Provide consistent reassurance that the door is locked.
- D. Ignore the checking behavior and focus on other behaviors.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Setting a specific limit on the checking behavior is the most appropriate intervention for a client with OCD who repeatedly checks the door and seeks reassurance. This approach helps the client gradually reduce the compulsive behavior, promotes independence, and supports progress in treatment. Choice B is not the most suitable intervention as it does not directly address the compulsive checking behavior. Choice C, providing consistent reassurance, may reinforce the compulsive behavior and hinder treatment progress. Choice D of ignoring the behavior does not actively assist the client in managing their symptoms and addressing the underlying disorder.
The RN is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. Which medication should also be discontinued?
- A. Lithium (Lithotabs).
- B. Benztropine (Cogentin).
- C. Alprazolam (Xanax).
- D. Magnesium (Milk of Magnesia).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is Benztropine (Cogentin). Benztropine is commonly prescribed to manage side effects of antipsychotic medications. Therefore, if the antipsychotic medication is discontinued, there would be no need for Benztropine. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder, not directly related to antipsychotic use. Alprazolam is an anxiolytic, and Magnesium (Milk of Magnesia) is a laxative, neither of which is typically associated with antipsychotic medication use.
The nurse is completing the admission assessment of an underweight adolescent admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of depression. Which finding requires notification to the healthcare provider?
- A. Body mass index of 21
- B. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dL
- C. WBC count of 10,000/mm3
- D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dL is critically low and requires immediate notification to the healthcare provider as it indicates a potential electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and other complications. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges or not indicative of immediate life-threatening issues. A body mass index of 21 may be considered normal for some individuals, a WBC count of 10,000/mm3 is slightly elevated but not an urgent concern, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within normal limits for an adolescent.
An adolescent with anorexia nervosa is undergoing nutritional therapy. Which finding best indicates that the client is making progress in treatment?
- A. Client gains 2 pounds in a week.
- B. Client describes a positive body image.
- C. Client engages in recreational activities.
- D. Client begins to talk about future goals.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Weight gain is a crucial indicator of progress in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. In individuals with anorexia, restoring and maintaining a healthy weight is a primary goal to address the underlying nutritional deficiencies and health complications associated with the disorder. While choices B, C, and D are positive developments in the client's overall well-being and recovery journey, they are not as directly linked to the core issue of nutritional rehabilitation in anorexia nervosa. Describing a positive body image, engaging in recreational activities, and talking about future goals are important aspects of psychological and emotional recovery, but weight gain is a more immediate and objective measure of progress in treating anorexia nervosa.
A client with schizophrenia is exhibiting visual and auditory hallucinations. What should be the RN's initial intervention?
- A. Instruct the client to ignore the hallucinations.
- B. Encourage the client to describe the hallucinations in detail.
- C. Assess the client's perception of the hallucinations.
- D. Provide reassurance that the hallucinations are not real.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial intervention for a client with schizophrenia exhibiting visual and auditory hallucinations is to assess the client's perception of the hallucinations. This step is crucial as it helps the RN determine the severity of the hallucinations and the best course of action for management and intervention. Instructing the client to ignore the hallucinations (Choice A) may not be effective as the hallucinations may be distressing and overwhelming. Encouraging the client to describe the hallucinations in detail (Choice B) may potentially worsen the symptoms or trigger further distress. Providing reassurance that the hallucinations are not real (Choice D) may not be appropriate as the client may genuinely believe in their reality, and this reassurance may not address the underlying issues causing the hallucinations.