The nurse counsels the spouse of a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder about how to cope with the client's anxiety. Which statement, made by the spouse, indicates that teaching is successful?
- A. Anxiety is a conscious means of resolving conflict.
- B. Anxiety represents an unconscious conflict of needs.
- C. I should confront my spouse when I notice signs of anxiety.
- D. Defense mechanisms increase anxiety.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Recognizing anxiety as an unconscious conflict of needs demonstrates understanding of its psychological basis, indicating successful teaching. Other statements are incorrect or promote unhelpful actions like confrontation.
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A client who experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) 4 days ago refuses to dangle at the bedside, saying, 'If my doctor tells me to do it, I will. Otherwise, I won't.' Which behavior should the nurse determine that the client is displaying?
- A. Anger
- B. Denial
- C. Depression
- D. Dependency
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients may experience numerous emotional and behavioral responses after an MI. Dependency is one response that may be manifested by the client's refusal to perform any tasks or activities unless specifically approved by the primary health care provider. Although the client's statement may express anger to some degree, it most specifically addresses dependency. There are no data in the question to support denial or depression.
The nurse evaluates the client response to a 2-week trial of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Which data indicates to the nurse that treatment is successful?
- A. The client no longer experiences phobias and anxiety.
- B. The client no longer counts objects out loud.
- C. The client is no longer mute and withdrawn.
- D. The client no longer displays overreaction to events.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: ECT is primarily used for severe depression or catatonia. A client no longer being mute and withdrawn indicates improved engagement and mood, suggesting successful treatment. Other options are less directly associated with ECT outcomes.
A young female client hospitalized on the inpatient psychiatric unit receives treatment for anorexia nervosa. Which statement made by the client to the nurse best indicates improvement?
- A. The client states, 'I realize I am too thin and that it is not good for me, but I do not know how to eat more without getting fat.'
- B. The client requests a sanitary pad, saying, 'I did not think to bring anything with me. I have not had a period for months.'
- C. The client states, 'Either the food here is getting better or my appetite is coming back, but lately I find myself looking forward to meals.'
- D. The client asks for her discharge date to be delayed and says, 'I do not feel ready yet to deal with the tension in my family and their demands for perfection.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Looking forward to meals indicates improved appetite and a positive shift in attitude toward eating, a key sign of progress in anorexia treatment. Other statements reflect awareness, physical changes, or anxiety, but do not directly indicate improved eating behavior.
A new mother is trying to decide whether to have her baby boy circumcised. The nurse should make which statement to assist the mother with making the decision?
- A. Discuss the procedure with the male members of your family.'
- B. Circumcision is a difficult decision, but your primary health care provider is the best, and it's better to get it done now than later.'
- C. You know they say it prevents cancer and sexually transmitted infections, so I would definitely have my son circumcised.'
- D. Circumcision is a difficult decision. Here, read this pamphlet that discusses the pros and cons, and we will talk about any questions that you have after you read it.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Informed decision making is the strategic point when answering this question. The nurse should provide educational materials and answer questions pertaining to the education of the mother. Providing written information to the mother will give her the information she needs to make an educated and informed decision. The nurse's personal thoughts and feelings should not be part of the educational process. The remaining options are not well focused on answering the mother's concerns.
The nurse is caring for an 11-year-old child who has been physically abused. Which therapeutic action should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Encouraging the child to confront the abuser
- B. Providing a care environment that fosters trust
- C. Teaching the child to make wise choices when faced with possible abuse
- D. Reinforcing for the child that not all adults are capable of abusing children
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Providing a safe and trusting environment is critical for a child who has experienced physical abuse, as it helps the child feel secure and supported, facilitating emotional healing. Encouraging the child to confront the abuser is inappropriate and could be traumatic, especially for a young child. Teaching the child to make wise choices in potentially abusive situations places an unrealistic burden on the child, who may not have the capacity to protect themselves. Reinforcing that not all adults are abusive is less immediate and does not directly address the child's need for a safe and trusting care environment.