The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question shouldn't the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate?
- A. Is the patient expressing suicidal thoughts?
- B. Does the patient have intact judgment and insight into his situation?
- C. Does the patient have experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities?
- D. Does the patient require a therapeutic environment to support the management of psychotic symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing suicidal thoughts, judgment, insight, and the need for a therapeutic environment are crucial factors in determining the appropriate treatment setting for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Past experiences with mental healthcare facilities do not play a direct role in deciding between a community outpatient or inpatient setting.
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Which characteristic in an adolescent female is sometimes associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?
- A. Constantly afraid another student will steal her belongings.
- B. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics.
- C. Demonstrates no interest in athletics or organized sports.
- D. Appears more comfortable among males.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, individuals may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or interests. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics may be a sign of cognitive disturbances that can precede the onset of schizophrenia. While the other choices may also be observed in adolescents, an unusual interest in numbers and specific topics is more specifically linked to potential prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia.
A woman was abducted and raped at gunpoint by an unknown assailant. When found, she was confused and disoriented. The nurse makes the following observations about the client. She is talking rapidly in disjointed phrases, is unable to concentrate, and is indecisive when asked to make simple decisions. The client's level of anxiety can be assessed as
- A. moderate
- B. severe
- C. mild
- D. nonexistent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client's presentation, including rapid and disjointed speech, inability to concentrate, and indecisiveness, are indicative of severe anxiety. These symptoms suggest a high level of distress and impairment in cognitive functioning, which aligns with severe anxiety rather than mild or moderate levels. The traumatic experience of being abducted and raped at gunpoint would likely contribute to such a severe level of anxiety.
In pediatric mental health, there is a lack of sufficient numbers of community-based resources and providers, and there are long waiting lists for services. This has resulted in: Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Children of color and poor economic conditions being underserved
- B. Increased stress in the family unit
- C. Markedly increased funding
- D. Premature termination of services
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The lack of resources in pediatric mental health leads to underserved populations, increased stress in the family unit, and premature termination of services. However, markedly increased funding does not align with the negative consequences of resource shortages; instead, it would be a potential solution to address the lack of resources and providers in pediatric mental health.
When should healthcare professionals be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient?
- A. Change of shift reports
- B. Admission interviews
- C. One-to-one conversations with patients
- D. Conversations with patient families
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Healthcare professionals should be most alert to the possibility of communication errors resulting in harm to the patient during change of shift reports. This is a critical time when information is transferred between healthcare providers, and any errors in communication during this handover can lead to adverse outcomes for the patient.
An individual who has survived incest and is receiving treatment at the mental health clinic feels relief upon understanding that her anxiety and depression are:
- A. Going to be eradicated with treatment
- B. Normal and will soon pass
- C. Abnormal but will pass
- D. A normal reaction to posttraumatic events
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: It is important to recognize that anxiety and depression are common responses to traumatic events like incest. Understanding that these feelings are normal reactions can help validate the individual's experiences and reduce stigma. By acknowledging that anxiety and depression are expected outcomes of posttraumatic events, the mental health clinic can provide appropriate support and treatment to help the survivor cope and heal. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it reflects a compassionate and informed approach to addressing the survivor's emotional struggles.