The most effective method of predicting that a mental patient will commit an act of violence is by
- A. psychological tests
- B. psychiatric interviews
- C. psychological interviews
- D. There is no effective method
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: No single method reliably predicts violence in mental patients due to its complexity and variability.
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A 79-year-old white male tells a nurse, 'I have felt very sad lately. I do not have much to live for. My family and friends are all dead, and my own health is failing.' The nurse should analyze this comment as:
- A. normal pessimism of the elderly
- B. evidence of risks for suicide
- C. a call for sympathy
- D. normal grieving
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient describes loss of significant others, economic security, and health. He describes mood alteration and voices the thought that he has little to live for. Combined with his age, sex, and single status, each is a risk factor for suicide. Elderly white males have the highest risk for completed suicide.
A client who has been diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia is highly suspicious and delusional. He hears voices telling him terrorists are plotting to assassinate him. He refuses to eat, saying the food is poisoned. The nursing action that best addresses his needs is to:
- A. Explain that others eat the food and are not harmed
- B. Allow client to select food from vending machines
- C. Assist client with personal hygiene and grooming
- D. Not allow client to verbalize delusional thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow client to select food from vending machines. This option respects the client's autonomy and addresses his delusion about the food being poisoned. By allowing the client to choose food from vending machines, it acknowledges his concerns and promotes a sense of control over his environment. This approach can help build trust and rapport with the client, as forcing him to eat regular hospital food might exacerbate his paranoia and resistance.
A: Explaining that others eat the food and are not harmed may not be effective as it disregards the client's beliefs and could further alienate him.
C: Assisting with personal hygiene and grooming is important but does not directly address the client's primary concern of refusing to eat due to delusional beliefs.
D: Not allowing the client to verbalize delusional thoughts is counterproductive as it suppresses communication and does not address the underlying issue of the client's fear of being poisoned.
A patient received maintenance doses of fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) 25 mg IM every 2 weeks for 2 years. The clinic nurse notes the patient is grimacing and seems to be constantly smacking her lips. On the next clinic visit, the patient's neck and shoulders twist in a slow, snakelike motion. The nurse should suspect the presence of ______ and should ______.
- A. agranulocytosis"¦check the patient's complete blood count for changes
- B. tardive dyskinesia"¦administer the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
- C. Tourette's syndrome"¦consult the patient's physician about a neuro evaluation
- D. anticholinergic effects"¦consult the physician about possible medication changes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The patient is showing signs of abnormal movements like lip smacking, grimacing, and snakelike motions, which are indicative of tardive dyskinesia (TD).
Step 2: TD is a side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, such as fluphenazine decanoate.
Step 3: The Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale is a validated tool to assess the severity of TD.
Step 4: Administering the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale will help confirm the diagnosis of TD.
Step 5: Prompt recognition of TD is crucial as it may be irreversible and can worsen over time if not addressed.
Summary:
- A: Agranulocytosis is a condition characterized by low white blood cell count, not related to the patient's symptoms.
- C: Tourette's syndrome presents with different symptoms and requires specialized evaluation.
- D: Anticholinergic effects do not typically manifest as the described
Which situation would be most likely to serve as a trigger to a catastrophic reaction in a client with stage 2 Alzheimer's disease?
- A. Participating in singing 'Happy Birthday' to another client at dinner
- B. Being scolded by an aide for spilling a glass of milk
- C. Listening to Big Band music from the 1940s
- D. Eating cupcakes in the activities room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because being scolded for spilling milk can trigger feelings of shame, embarrassment, and confusion in a person with Alzheimer's stage 2. This negative interaction can lead to heightened agitation, aggression, or emotional distress due to the client's impaired ability to process and regulate emotions. In contrast, choices A, C, and D involve positive or neutral activities that are less likely to evoke such strong negative emotions or reactions in someone with Alzheimer's disease.
A client who has been diagnosed as having bulimia nervosa is hospitalized for treatment of electrolyte imbalance. Just before lunch is finished, the client leaves the table and walks quickly in the direction of the bathroom. The nurse should say:
- A. No one is allowed to leave the dining room during meals.'
- B. I must accompany you when you go to the bathroom.'
- C. I think I understand your plan, and I cannot permit you to carry it out.'
- D. Wouldn't it be preferable to exercise rather than vomit?'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because accompanying the client to the bathroom is essential to prevent purging behavior associated with bulimia nervosa. By doing so, the nurse can provide support, monitor the client, and intervene if necessary to ensure the client's safety. Choice A is incorrect as it may come across as punitive and restrictive. Choice C is incorrect as it may escalate the situation and lead to confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests an alternative behavior without addressing the immediate concern of potential purging. Accompanying the client to the bathroom is the most appropriate and therapeutic response in this situation.
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