The physician prescribes haloperidol (Haldol), a first-generation antipsychotic drug, for a patient with schizophrenia who displays delusions, hallucinations, apathy, and social isolation. Which symptoms should most be monitored to evaluate the expected improvement from this medication?
- A. Talking to himself, belief that others will harm him
- B. Flat affect, avoidance of social activities, poor hygiene
- C. Loss of interest in recreational activities, alogia
- D. Impaired eye contact, needs help to complete tasks
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because haloperidol is primarily used to target positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as delusions and hallucinations. Monitoring improvements in symptoms like talking to himself and belief that others will harm him will indicate the effectiveness of the medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on negative symptoms or general social withdrawal, which are less likely to show significant improvement with haloperidol, a first-generation antipsychotic drug that is more effective for positive symptoms. Monitoring these symptoms may not directly reflect the medication's effectiveness in treating the primary symptoms of schizophrenia in this case.
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Which statement by a patient with an eating disorder reflects a correct understanding of the condition?
- A. Gaining 1 pound is as much of a disaster as gaining 100 pounds.
- B. I was happy when I was a size 4, so I must diet to that size.
- C. I've been coping with my feelings by overeating.
- D. Binging is the only way I can soothe myself.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the emotional aspect of eating disorders. Coping with feelings by overeating indicates insight into using food to manage emotions, a common characteristic of eating disorders. This understanding is crucial for addressing the underlying issues contributing to the disorder.
A: Incorrect. This statement suggests an extreme and distorted view of weight gain, which is not reflective of a healthy understanding of an eating disorder.
B: Incorrect. This statement implies a fixation on a specific size for happiness, which may perpetuate disordered eating behaviors.
D: Incorrect. This statement indicates reliance on binging as the sole coping mechanism, overlooking the emotional aspect of the disorder.
A nursing colleague says, 'This patient was admitted claiming to have been raped by her boyfriend, but just look at the sexy clothes she's wearing.' Which response reflects an understanding of the most likely source of the colleague's comment?
- A. Have you ever cared for other sexual assault victims?'
- B. Your sister was raped when she was in college, wasn't she?'
- C. You have three unmarried brothers about the patient's age, don't you?'
- D. Do you think that wearing sexy clothes caused her to be sexually assaulted?'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it addresses the underlying misconception that a person's clothing choices can justify or provoke sexual assault. By asking if the colleague believes the victim's clothing caused the assault, it challenges victim-blaming and highlights the importance of understanding consent and boundaries.
Option A does not directly address the colleague's potentially victim-blaming statement. Option B brings up the colleague's personal experience, which is irrelevant and may not effectively challenge the problematic comment. Option C makes assumptions about the colleague's personal life, which is not relevant to the situation at hand.
A student nurse visiting a senior center says, 'It's depressing to see these old people. They are weak and frail. I doubt any of them can engage in a discussion.' The student is expressing
- A. reality
- B. ageism
- C. empathy
- D. vulnerability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ageism. The student nurse's statement demonstrates prejudice and discrimination based on age. Ageism is the negative stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination against individuals or groups based on their age. In this case, the student is making assumptions about the abilities and worth of older individuals solely based on their age. The statement does not reflect reality, as not all older people are weak or unable to engage in meaningful discussions. The other choices are incorrect as the statement is not reflective of reality (A), empathy (C), or vulnerability (D).
Which symptom reported by a client, age 35, who was sexually abused as a child reflects the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- A. Reexperiencing the traumatic event
- B. Refusing to go to public places from which escape may be difficult
- C. Seeking advice and guidance prior to making any significant decision
- D. Ruminating over the abuse with friends and acquaintances
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reexperiencing the traumatic event. This symptom is a key criterion for diagnosing PTSD according to the DSM-5. It includes flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. This symptom indicates that the client is experiencing distressing memories of the past abuse, which is a common feature of PTSD.
Choice B is incorrect because it describes agoraphobia, a separate anxiety disorder, not specific to PTSD. Choice C is incorrect as seeking advice is not a diagnostic criterion for PTSD. Choice D is incorrect because ruminating over the abuse with others may reflect coping mechanisms or seeking support, but it does not necessarily indicate PTSD.
A nurse observes a patient who is sitting alone in a room put hands over both ears and vigorously shake her head as though saying, 'No.' Later the patient cries and mutters, 'You don't know what you're talking about! Leave me alone.' What assessment should the nurse attempt to validate?
- A. The patient is seeking the attention of staff.
- B. The patient is inappropriately expressing emotion.
- C. The patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations.
- D. The patient is displaying negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The patient is experiencing auditory hallucinations. The patient's behavior of covering both ears and shaking her head as if responding to voices, along with muttering and crying, suggests a sensory perception that is not based on external stimuli. This aligns with the characteristic symptoms of auditory hallucinations, which are common in conditions like schizophrenia.
Choice A is incorrect because the patient's behavior is not necessarily seeking attention but rather responding to internal stimuli. Choice B is incorrect as the patient's emotional expression seems to be a result of the auditory hallucinations rather than being inappropriate. Choice D is incorrect as negative symptoms of schizophrenia typically involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, which is not clearly demonstrated in this scenario.