Nokea
The family of a patient with schizophrenia who has been stable for a year reports to the community mental health nurse that the patient reports feeling tense and having difficulty concentrating. He sleeps only 3 to 4 hours nightly and has begun to talk about creatures called 'volmers' hiding in the warehouse where he works and undoing his work each night. This information most likely suggests:
- A. medication nonadherence.
- B. a need for psychoeducation.
- C. the chronic nature of his illness.
- D. relapse of his schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: relapse of his schizophrenia. The patient is displaying symptoms such as feeling tense, difficulty concentrating, disturbed sleep, and delusional thoughts about creatures hiding in his workplace. These symptoms indicate a return of psychotic features characteristic of schizophrenia, suggesting a relapse. This is supported by the patient's history of schizophrenia and the sudden onset of symptoms after a period of stability. Medication nonadherence (choice A) could be a possible cause, but the patient's symptoms are more indicative of a relapse. While psychoeducation (choice B) is important, the patient's current symptoms require immediate attention for relapse management. The chronic nature of his illness (choice C) is a general characteristic of schizophrenia and does not explain the current symptoms.
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A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect _____ and should _____.
- A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome"¦place him in a cooling blanket and transfer to ICU
- B. Anticholinergic toxicity"¦check vital signs and prepare to use a cooling blanket stat
- C. Relapse of his psychosis"¦administer PRN antipsychotic drugs and notify his physician
- D. Agranulocytosis"¦hold his antipsychotic and draw blood for a complete blood count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The patient is exhibiting symptoms consistent with NMS, a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, elevated temperature, and vital sign changes are classic signs of NMS. Treatment includes immediate cooling to lower the body temperature and transfer to the intensive care unit for close monitoring and supportive care.
Choice B: Anticholinergic toxicity does not fit the patient's presentation as there are no specific signs of anticholinergic toxicity such as dry mucous membranes, dilated pupils, or tachycardia.
Choice C: Relapse of psychosis is unlikely to present with the same constellation of symptoms, including altered mental status, fever, and vital sign changes.
Choice D: Agranulocytosis is characterized by a severe drop in white blood cells, leading to increased risk of infection, but it does
When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?
- A. Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity
- B. The patient's level of motor activity
- C. Medications the patient has recently taken
- D. Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications the patient has recently taken. This information is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. By reviewing the patient's recent medications, healthcare providers can identify potential drug-induced delirium and adjust treatment accordingly. Spasticity or flaccidity (choice A) is more indicative of neurologic conditions, not delirium. The patient's level of motor activity (choice B) may provide some insight but is not as specific to delirium as medication history. The level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms (choice D) is more relevant to other psychiatric conditions and does not directly help in distinguishing delirium.
Which of the following is a characteristic of bulimia nervosa?
- A. Severe caloric restriction and weight loss.
- B. Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting.
- C. Extreme preoccupation with body image and excessive exercise.
- D. Refusal to eat any food and self-imposed starvation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or fasting. This behavior helps individuals to control their weight and manage guilt associated with binge eating. Choice A is incorrect as bulimia is not associated with severe caloric restriction and weight loss. Choice C is more characteristic of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia. Choice D describes anorexia nervosa, where individuals refuse to eat and engage in self-imposed starvation.
A patient has not come out of her room for breakfast. The nurse finds the patient moving restlessly about her room in a disorganized manner. The patient is talking to herself, and her verbal responses to the nurse are nonsensical and suggest disorientation. The nurse notices that the patient's skin is hot and dry, and her pupils are somewhat dilated. All these symptoms are significant departures from the patient's recent presentation. The patient is likely experiencing ______, and the nurse should ______.
- A. anticholinergic toxicity"¦check vital signs and prepare to use a cooling blanket stat
- B. relapse of her psychosis"¦administer PRN antipsychotic drugs and notify her physician
- C. neuroleptic malignant syndrome"¦contact her physician for a transfer to intensive care
- D. agranulocytosis"¦hold her antipsychotic and draw blood for a complete blood count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anticholinergic toxicity. The patient's symptoms align with this diagnosis due to the disorganized behavior, nonsensical speech, disorientation, hot and dry skin, dilated pupils, and recent presentation changes. Anticholinergic toxicity can cause confusion, delirium, hyperthermia, and dilated pupils. Checking vital signs and preparing to use a cooling blanket are appropriate actions to manage the symptoms.
Choice B (relapse of psychosis) is incorrect because the symptoms are not typical of a psychotic relapse. Choice C (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) is incorrect as the symptoms do not completely align with this syndrome, which typically includes muscle rigidity and autonomic dysfunction. Choice D (agranulocytosis) is incorrect because it presents with low white blood cell count and not the symptoms described in the scenario.
A person who is the caregiver of a parent with early-to-middle-stage Alzheimer disease is concerned about possible episodes of incontinence. What strategy should the nurse suggest?
- A. Limiting the patient's fluid intake to 1000 ml daily
- B. Discussing the use of an indwelling catheter with the physician
- C. Putting plastic coverings on the beds, upholstered chairs, and sofas
- D. Taking the patient to the bathroom at least every 2 hours when the patient is awake
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Taking the patient to the bathroom at least every 2 hours when the patient is awake. This strategy helps prevent episodes of incontinence by ensuring the patient has regular opportunities to void. It promotes continence through scheduled toileting, maintaining the patient's dignity and preventing accidents.
Choice A is incorrect as restricting fluid intake can lead to dehydration and other health issues. Choice B is incorrect because indwelling catheters are not recommended for managing incontinence in Alzheimer's patients due to the risk of urinary tract infections. Choice C is incorrect as it only addresses the aftermath of incontinence, not the prevention of it.