The nurse is assessing a client who was just admitted to the psychiatric unit. The client says, 'You won't have to worry about me much longer.' Which meaning should the nurse interpret from this statement?
- A. An intention of suicide
- B. An expression of depression
- C. An intention of self-mutilation
- D. An expression of hopelessness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A client who is at risk for suicide who says, 'You won't have to worry about me much longer,' is making an expression of a suicidal intent. Although depression, self-mutilation, and hopelessness may relate to violence to oneself, the statement that he or she will not be around is a direct comment about the act of suicide.
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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 perinatal home care nurse has just assessed the fetal status of a client with a diagnosis of partial placental abruption of 20 weeks' gestation. The client is experiencing new bleeding and reports less fetal movement. The nurse informs the client that the primary health care provider will be contacted for possible hospital admission. The client begins to cry quietly while holding her abdomen with her hands. She murmurs, 'No, no, you can't go, my little man.' The nurse should recognize the client's behavior as an indication of which psychosocial reaction?
- A. Fear of hospitalization
- B. Fear of loss and the death of the fetus
- C. Grief due to potential loss of the fetus
- D. Cognitive confusion as a result of shock
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grief occurs when a client has knowledge of an impending loss, such as when signs of fetal distress accelerate. The first stages of grieving may be characterized by shock; emotional numbness; disbelief; and strong emotions such as tears, screaming, or anger. The remaining options are not focused on the mother's expressed concerns.
A client was just told by the primary care primary health care provider that he will have an exercise stress test to evaluate his status after recent episodes of severe chest pain. As the nurse enters the examining room, the client states, 'Maybe I shouldn't bother going. I wonder if I should just take more medication instead.' Which therapeutic response should the nurse make to the client?
- A. Can you tell me more about how you're feeling?'
- B. Don't you really want to control your heart disease?'
- C. Most people tolerate the procedure well without any complications.'
- D. Don't worry. Emergency equipment is available if it should be needed.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Anxiety and fear are often present before stress testing. The nurse should explore a client's feelings if concerns are expressed. Option 1 is open-ended and is the only choice that is phrased to engender trust and the sharing of concerns by the client. Eliminate options that are inappropriate statements and limit communication.
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.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with left-sided Bell's palsy. Which statement by the client shows a need for further teaching by the nurse?
- A. My left eye is tearing a lot.'
- B. I have trouble closing my left eyelid.'
- C. I don't know how I'll live with this stroke.'
- D. I can't feel anything on the left side of my face.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bell's palsy is an inflammatory condition that involves the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Although it results in facial paralysis, it is not the same as a stroke. Many clients fear that they have had a stroke when the symptoms of Bell's palsy appear, and they commonly believe that the paralysis is permanent. Symptoms resolve, although it may take several weeks. The remaining options are expected assessment findings of the client with Bell's palsy.
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