The nurse who assesses a patient previously diagnosed as having paranoid personality disorder is most likely to describe the patient as:
- A. superficially charming.
- B. intense and impulsive.
- C. guarded and distant.
- D. friendly and open.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: guarded and distant. This is because individuals with paranoid personality disorder typically exhibit suspiciousness, mistrust, and a reluctance to confide in others. They tend to be hypervigilant and wary of others, leading them to appear guarded and distant.
A: Superficially charming is incorrect because individuals with paranoid personality disorder are more likely to be cautious and suspicious rather than charming.
B: Intense and impulsive is incorrect as this description is more characteristic of individuals with borderline personality disorder, not paranoid personality disorder.
D: Friendly and open is incorrect because individuals with paranoid personality disorder are more likely to be reserved and cautious in their interactions.
In summary, the correct answer is C because individuals with paranoid personality disorder typically exhibit guarded and distant behavior due to their suspicious and mistrustful nature.
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The client has been taking lithium and fluoxetine (Prozac) for almost a week. During today's assessment, the nurse notes a temperature of 39°C, muscle rigidity, and confusion. The client's signs and symptoms suggest:
- A. Dystonic reactions
- B. Bradykinesic side effects
- C. Extrapyramidal side effects
- D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This is indicated by the client's elevated temperature, muscle rigidity, and confusion, which are classic symptoms of NMS. NMS is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition associated with the use of antipsychotic medications like lithium and fluoxetine. The onset of NMS is often rapid and can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Dystonic reactions (choice A) involve sudden and involuntary muscle contractions, which are not consistent with the client's symptoms. Bradykinesic side effects (choice B) refer to slowed movements, which are not present in this case. Extrapyramidal side effects (choice C) typically include symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and restlessness, but do not encompass the combination of symptoms seen in NMS.
A patient is currently in an abusive relationship with the father of her only child and tells a nurse that her partner 'is really sorry for hitting me and wants to come back and be part of the family again.' The nurse should provide which intervention?
- A. Share with the patient that abusers seldom voluntarily stop abusing.
- B. Identify groups that focus on treatment for individuals who are abusive.
- C. Tell the patient to continue the relationship, but focus on how to minimize the abuse.
- D. Tell the patient's partner that any continued abuse will be reported to the police.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Identify groups that focus on treatment for individuals who are abusive. This intervention is appropriate because it addresses the root cause of the abusive behavior, which is the partner's abusive tendencies. By connecting the abuser to groups that specialize in treating abusive behavior, there is a chance for change and rehabilitation.
A: Sharing with the patient that abusers seldom voluntarily stop abusing may not be helpful as it does not provide a proactive solution to address the abusive behavior.
C: Telling the patient to continue the relationship and focus on minimizing the abuse is dangerous as it normalizes and enables the abusive behavior, putting the patient at further risk.
D: Threatening the patient's partner with reporting to the police may escalate the situation and put the patient at higher risk of harm. It does not address the underlying issue of the partner's abusive behavior.
A client who is hospitalized with anorexia nervosa states during a one-to-one session with the nurse, 'I'm freaking out. I'm losing it.' Which nurse response would be most therapeutic at this time?
- A. Would you feel better if I called your parents?'
- B. Just sit here and relax and maintain control.'
- C. Let me sit with you for a while.'
- D. Tell me what thoughts are going through your head.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings, aiding in the therapeutic process. This response promotes open communication and allows the nurse to assess the client's mental state. Choice A may not address the client's immediate distress and could potentially escalate anxiety. Choice B dismisses the client's feelings and does not address the issue. Choice C offers support but does not actively encourage the client to verbalize their thoughts, which is crucial in addressing underlying issues.
A community mental health nurse is assigned to investigate the frequent school absences of an 11-year-old child. The nurse finds the child home alone, caring for his 1- and 3-year-old siblings. The house is cluttered and dirty, and both parents are at work. The child tells the nurse that whenever his mother is called to work at her part-time job, he must watch the kids because the family cannot afford a babysitter. Based on the information obtained thus far, what preliminary assessment can be made?
- A. The child is coping well with a difficult situation.
- B. The child and his siblings are experiencing neglect.
- C. The children are at high risk for sexual abuse.
- D. The children are experiencing physical abuse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The child and his siblings are experiencing neglect. Neglect is defined as failure to provide for a child's basic needs, such as supervision, food, shelter, and medical care. In this scenario, the child is left alone to care for his younger siblings, indicating a lack of appropriate supervision and care from the parents. The house being cluttered and dirty further suggests neglect in terms of living conditions.
Choice A is incorrect because the child is not coping well; rather, he is forced into a caretaker role beyond his developmental capacity. Choice C is incorrect as there is no information provided to suggest sexual abuse. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence of physical abuse in the scenario.
In DSM-IV-TR intellectual disabilities are divided into a number of degrees of severity, depending primarily on the range of IQ score provided by the sufferer. One of these is Moderate Mental Retardation, represented by an IQ score between:
- A. 60-65 - to 70-75
- B. 35-40 to 50-55
- C. 80-85 to 90-95
- D. 20-25 to 30-35
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate Mental Retardation: Defined by DSM-IV-TR as an IQ score between 35-40 to 50-55.