The nurse is assessing a client who has schizophrenia and is exhibiting symptoms of paranoia. Which behavior would the nurse most likely observe?
- A. The client is seen as unmotivated and withdrawn.
- B. The client is preoccupied with a fear of being harmed.
- C. The client displays a blunted affect and lacks emotional response.
- D. The client avoids group activities and shows decreased appetite.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with paranoia, they typically exhibit an intense fear of being harmed, persecuted, or targeted by others. This fear often dominates their thoughts and can significantly impact their daily functioning and interactions. Choice A, being unmotivated and withdrawn, is more indicative of negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as avolition and social withdrawal. Choice C, displaying a blunted affect and lacking emotional response, is associated with flat affect, a symptom commonly seen in schizophrenia but not specific to paranoia. Choice D, avoiding group activities and showing decreased appetite, may be related to various symptoms or side effects, but it is not a defining characteristic of paranoia in schizophrenia.
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After receiving treatment for anorexia, a student asks the school nurse for permission to work in the school cafeteria as part of the school's work-study program. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Recommend assignment to the receptionist's office.
- B. Suggest that the student work in the athletic department.
- C. Refer the student to a psychiatrist for further discussion.
- D. Determine the parents' opinion of the work assignment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clients with anorexia are often fixated on food and exercise, which can exacerbate their condition. By recommending assignment to the receptionist's office, the nurse provides an environment that minimizes exposure to food-related triggers. Working in the cafeteria may intensify the student's preoccupation with food, making it an unsuitable choice. Referring the student to a psychiatrist without exploring less triggering work options first may not be necessary. Determining the parents' opinion is important, but in this context, the focus should be on selecting a work environment that supports the student's recovery.
When preparing to administer a domestic violence screening tool to a female client, which statement should the RN provide?
- A. If your partner is abusing you, I need to ask these questions.
- B. State law mandates that I ask if you are a victim of domestic violence.
- C. The healthcare provider needs to know if you are experiencing any domestic abuse.
- D. All clients are screened for domestic abuse because it is common in our society.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because screening all clients for domestic abuse helps normalize the process and reduces the stigma, encouraging honest responses. Choice A is not the best option as it may come off as accusatory and can deter the client from being open. Choice B, mentioning state law, may create fear or pressure, affecting the client's response. Choice C focuses on the healthcare provider's needs rather than emphasizing the client's well-being, which may not facilitate open communication.
The healthcare professional is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the antipsychotic medication was discontinued several days ago. Which medication should also be discontinued?
- A. Alprazolam (Xanax)
- B. Benztropine (Cogentin)
- C. Magnesium (Milk of Magnesia)
- D. Lithium (Lithotabs)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an antipsychotic medication is discontinued, medications like Benztropine (Cogentin), which are given to reduce extrapyramidal side effects associated with traditional antipsychotic medications, should also be discontinued. Alprazolam (Xanax) is not directly related to antipsychotic medication use in this context. Magnesium (Milk of Magnesia) is a laxative and not typically indicated for bipolar disorder. Lithium (Lithotabs) is a mood stabilizer commonly used in bipolar disorder, and its discontinuation should be carefully managed under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent relapse of symptoms.
A female client with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is admitted to the hospital for a cardiac catheterization. The afternoon before the procedure, the client begins to keep detailed notes of the nursing care she is receiving and reports her findings to the RN at bedtime. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Explain to the client that her behavior invades the rights of the nursing staff.
- B. Ask the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care.
- C. Teach the client strategies to control her obsessive-compulsive behavior.
- D. Encourage the client to express her feelings regarding the upcoming procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asking the client to explain why she is keeping a detailed record of her nursing care is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation. Understanding the client's motivations for keeping detailed records can provide insight into her obsessive-compulsive behaviors and help manage them effectively. Choice A is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and not address the underlying reasons for the behavior. Choice C is incorrect as teaching strategies to control behavior should be done after understanding the client's motives. Choice D is incorrect as it does not directly address the behavior of keeping detailed records.
A client with schizophrenia is being discharged home after an extended stay in a psychiatric hospital. Which statement by the client indicates that further teaching about medication management is needed?
- A. "I will take my medication only when I feel like it."
- B. "I need to follow up with my psychiatrist regularly."
- C. "I will notify my healthcare provider if I experience side effects."
- D. "I should avoid alcohol while on my medication."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. This statement indicates a lack of understanding about medication management for schizophrenia. Medications for schizophrenia should be taken consistently as prescribed for optimal effectiveness, regardless of how the client feels. Choice B is a correct statement as regular follow-up with a psychiatrist is important for monitoring progress and adjusting treatment. Choice C demonstrates good awareness of potential side effects and the need for communication with healthcare providers. Choice D reflects appropriate knowledge as alcohol can interact with medications and may reduce their effectiveness.