A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is exhibiting negative symptoms. Which of the following is an example of a negative symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Apathy
- D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apathy is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by a lack of interest or motivation. Negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, such as emotions, motivation, or socialization, rather than the presence of abnormal behaviors like hallucinations or delusions. Hallucinations (choice A) and delusions (choice B) are positive symptoms, which involve the presence of abnormal behaviors. Disorganized speech (choice D) is an example of a disorganized symptom, not a negative symptom.
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When assessing a client experiencing severe anxiety, which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Restlessness
- B. Rapid heart rate
- C. Sweating
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, a rapid heart rate is a common physiological response. This increased heart rate is due to the body's fight-or-flight response, where adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial in assessing and managing their anxiety. Restlessness (choice A) can also be present in anxiety but is more of a behavioral manifestation rather than a physiological symptom. Sweating (choice C) can occur in anxiety, but it is not as specific or consistent as a rapid heart rate. Dry mouth (choice D) is associated with anxiety but is not as immediate or directly linked to the body's physiological response to stress as a rapid heart rate.
A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which symptom should the healthcare professional expect to observe?
- A. Increased energy
- B. Weight gain
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Restlessness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Weight gain is a common symptom of major depressive disorder. Individuals with major depressive disorder often experience changes in appetite, leading to weight gain or loss. This symptom is related to disruptions in the individual's eating habits and metabolism, which are commonly associated with depression. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased energy, increased appetite, and restlessness are not typical symptoms of major depressive disorder. In fact, individuals with depression often experience fatigue, changes in appetite, and feelings of restlessness or agitation.
Which client action is an example of the defense mechanism of reaction formation?
- A. A woman who feels unattractive constantly praises the looks of others.
- B. A man who feels insecure about his masculinity exaggerates his strength.
- C. A person who feels guilty about cheating accuses others of being unfaithful.
- D. A child who feels neglected tries to win approval from teachers.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The defense mechanism of reaction formation involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings. In this case, the woman who feels unattractive praises the looks of others as a way to mask her own feelings of inadequacy. This behavior represents a form of overcompensation where the individual showcases an exaggerated opposite trait to conceal their true emotions. Choices B, C, and D do not align with reaction formation. Choice B describes compensation, where one overemphasizes a trait to make up for a perceived weakness. Choice C illustrates projection, where one attributes their feelings onto others. Choice D demonstrates a form of seeking attention or approval, which does not fit reaction formation.
A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
- B. I need to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. I should take this medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- D. This medication may cause weight gain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Risperidone should be taken consistently as prescribed and should not be stopped abruptly. It is essential to educate the client that discontinuing the medication without medical advice can lead to a worsening of symptoms or potential relapse. Choices B, C, and D demonstrate understanding of important considerations when taking risperidone, such as avoiding alcohol, taking it with food to reduce stomach upset, and being aware of the potential side effect of weight gain. Choice A suggests a misconception that the medication can be discontinued once the client feels better, which is incorrect and requires further clarification to ensure treatment adherence and effectiveness.
When evaluating a client's progress in psychotherapy, which outcome is appropriate for the client?
- A. The client will identify triggers for anxiety.
- B. The client will develop coping strategies.
- C. The client will decrease avoidance behaviors.
- D. The client will express feelings of anger.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In psychotherapy, identifying triggers for anxiety is a crucial step towards understanding and managing one's anxiety symptoms. By recognizing these triggers, clients can work on developing coping strategies and addressing the root cause of their anxiety, leading to improved mental health outcomes. Decreasing avoidance behaviors and expressing feelings of anger are also important aspects of therapy. However, identifying triggers for anxiety is a more specific and foundational goal in addressing anxiety disorders, making it the most appropriate outcome to evaluate a client's progress in psychotherapy.