Nokea
Serious mental illness is characterized as:
- A. any mental illness of more than 2 weeks duration
- B. a major long-term mental illness marked by significant functional impairments
- C. a mental illness accompanied by physical impairment and severe social problems
- D. a major mental illness that cannot be treated to prevent deterioration of cognitive and social abilities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Serious mental illness has replaced the term chronic mental illness. Global impairments in function are evident particularly social. Physical impairments may be present. Serious mental illness can be treated, but remissions and exacerbations are part of the course of the illness.
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A client is admitted to a day hospital following an episode in which he purchased a gun to use while standing guard over his property to prevent a neighbor from erecting a boundary fence. His wife describes him as distrustful of the motives of others and often interpreting others' motives as threats. She mentions that one time he accused her of having an affair with a neighbor with whom she chatted occasionally. The care plan will list the priority outcome as 'Client will:
- A. admit his action was excessive based on the circumstance.
- B. write the neighbor a letter of apology.
- C. demonstrate trust in the nurse.
- D. identify positive role models.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: demonstrate trust in the nurse. This is the priority outcome because the client's lack of trust and tendency to perceive threats need to be addressed first. By demonstrating trust in the nurse, the client can begin to develop a therapeutic relationship, which is essential for addressing his distrustful behavior and interpreting threats. This outcome focuses on building rapport and establishing a foundation for therapeutic interventions.
Choice A is incorrect because admitting his action was excessive may not address the underlying issues of distrust and misinterpretation of motives. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the client's core issues and may not be appropriate in this context. Choice D is also incorrect as identifying positive role models is not a priority when the client's trust and perception issues need immediate attention.
Which patient is at greatest risk for physical abuse by a family member?
- A. An 8-year-old who is mentally challenged and living with a foster family
- B. A 15-year-old who lives with a single parent in an inner city apartment complex
- C. A 30-year-old adult who shares a home with a homosexual partner
- D. A 79-year-old with chronic depression who lives with a grandchild
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 79-year-old with chronic depression who lives with a grandchild is vulnerable due to age, health condition, and dependency on the grandchild. Older adults with mental health issues are at a higher risk of abuse, especially when living with family members. The other choices are less likely to be at greatest risk for physical abuse. A, B, and C do not have the same level of vulnerability due to age, health condition, or dependency as the 79-year-old with chronic depression living with a grandchild.
A woman who is a victim of severe emotional violence tells the nurse that her husband abuses her most often when he is intoxicated, just as his father had beaten him and his mother. The woman is aware of the location of a safe house and has considered leaving home with her two children, but she cites being brought up to believe 'you keep quiet and stay together, no matter what happens.' She states the husband is always apologetic and remorseful after an incident. The nurse responds, 'You cannot live like this; you have to defend yourself and your children.' Which statement most accurately describes the nurse's response?
- A. It is an honest and direct response that will help build trust and rapport.
- B. It suggests that the nurse herself has been a victim of physical abuse.
- C. It is unprofessional, but it will likely help by motivating the patient.
- D. It is a human but unprofessional response and is not helpful.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse's response is not helpful. Here's a step-by-step rationale:
1. The nurse's response is human because she empathizes with the woman's situation.
2. However, the response is unprofessional as it is too directive and lacks a proper assessment or exploration of the woman's feelings and options.
3. Telling the woman to defend herself may put her at further risk and does not address the underlying issues of abuse and trauma.
4. The response fails to consider the complexities of the woman's situation, such as her cultural beliefs and the cycle of violence she is caught in.
5. Instead, a professional response would involve a more holistic approach, including safety planning, providing resources, and offering support without judgment or pressure.
The psychiatric-mental health nurse knows that the patient's spouse clearly understands the adverse effects of lithium carbonate (Eskalith), when they say:
- A. I should call the doctor if my spouse shakes badly'
- B. I should make sure my spouse drinks as much water as possible'
- C. My spouse must remain on a salt-free diet'
- D. When the lithium level is 1.6mEq\L, my spouse can go back to work'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tremors are a common lithium side effect requiring medical attention; other options reflect misunderstanding (e.g., salt-free diet increases toxicity risk, 1.6mEq\L is toxic).
A patient living in community housing for the elderly says, 'I dont go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past because thats all they can do.' The nurse analyzes these remarks to represent:
- A. failure to achieve developmental tasks
- B. thinking associated with ageism
- C. hypercritical behavior
- D. paranoid thinking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ageism is negative stereotyping and devaluation of people based on their age. Older adults might be as guilty of ageism as younger individuals. The other options are not substantiated by the information given in the scenario.