The severe feeling of restlessness produced by some psychotropic medications, which is often misinterpreted by patients as anxiety or a recurrence of psychiatric symptoms, is known as:
- A. akathisia
- B. akinesia
- C. bradykinesia
- D. dystonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Akathisia is a common side effect of antipsychotics, characterized by restlessness often mistaken for worsening psychiatric symptoms.
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When analyzing the behaviors of a 23-year-old who meets the criteria for antisocial personality disorder, the nurse recognizes that the following nursing diagnosis would be pertinent to his care:
- A. Risk for self-mutilation
- B. Disturbed personal identity
- C. Impaired social interaction
- D. Social isolation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C (Impaired social interaction) being the correct answer:
1. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a lack of regard for others and a pattern of violating their rights.
2. Individuals with this disorder often have difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
3. Impaired social interaction reflects the challenges the individual faces in relating to others.
4. This nursing diagnosis would address the core issue of social dysfunction in individuals with antisocial personality disorder.
Summary of why the other choices are incorrect:
A. Risk for self-mutilation - Not typically associated with antisocial personality disorder, more common in other mental health conditions.
B. Disturbed personal identity - Not a primary concern in antisocial personality disorder, which is more about behavior than identity.
D. Social isolation - While individuals with antisocial personality disorder may isolate themselves, impaired social interaction is a more direct and specific issue to address in their care.
The patient on the mental health unit who should be assessed as being at highest risk for directing violent behavior toward others is the patient who has:
- A. Obsessive-compulsive disorder and performs many rituals.
- B. Paranoid delusions of being followed by the Mafia.
- C. Severe depression with feelings of worthlessness and self-loathing.
- D. Completed alcohol withdrawal and is now in a rehabilitation program.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because paranoid delusions of being followed by the Mafia indicate a high level of suspiciousness and potential for harm to others. This patient may act out violently in self-defense or as a reaction to perceived threats. Choice A is incorrect as OCD rituals are typically not associated with violent behavior. Choice C is incorrect as severe depression is more likely to result in self-harm rather than harm towards others. Choice D is incorrect as completed alcohol withdrawal and entering a rehabilitation program do not inherently indicate an increased risk of violent behavior towards others.
A patient receiving risperidone (Risperdal) reports severe muscle stiffness midmorning. During lunch he has difficulty swallowing food and speaking, and when vital signs are taken 30 minutes later, he is noted to be stuporous and diaphoretic, with a temperature of 38.8° C, pulse of 110 beats/min, and blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg. The nurse should suspect ______ and should ______.
- A. neuroleptic malignant syndrome"¦place him in a cooling blanket and transfer to ICU
- B. anticholinergic toxicity"¦check vital signs and prepare to use a cooling blanket stat
- C. relapse of his psychosis"¦administer PRN antipsychotic drugs and notify his physician
- D. agranulocytosis"¦hold his antipsychotic and draw blood for a complete blood count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). The patient's symptoms align with NMS, a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications like risperidone. The severe muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, altered mental status, diaphoresis, and elevated temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are all indicative of NMS. The nurse should suspect NMS and take immediate action by placing the patient in a cooling blanket to lower the temperature and transfer him to the ICU for close monitoring and further management.
Choice B is incorrect because anticholinergic toxicity typically presents with different symptoms such as dry mouth, dilated pupils, and confusion. Choice C is incorrect as there are no signs of a psychotic relapse, and administering more antipsychotic medication could worsen the NMS. Choice D is incorrect as agranulocytosis presents with symptoms like fever and sore throat, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.
An 18-year-old referred to the mental health center often cooks gourmet meals but eats only tiny portions. The patient wears layers of loose clothing saying, "I like the style." The patient's weight dropped from 130 to 95 pounds. She has amenorrhea. Which diagnosis is most likely?
- A. Eating disorder not otherwise specified
- B. Anorexia nervosa
- C. Bulimia nervosa
- D. Binge eating
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct diagnosis is B: Anorexia nervosa. This patient exhibits key symptoms such as restrictive eating leading to significant weight loss, wearing layers of clothing to hide body shape, and amenorrhea. These symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa. The other choices are incorrect because they do not fully capture the combination of symptoms present in this case. Choice A (Eating disorder not otherwise specified) is too broad and does not specify the severity of the symptoms. Choice C (Bulimia nervosa) typically involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, which is not indicated in this case. Choice D (Binge eating) focuses solely on overeating without the restrictive eating and weight loss seen in anorexia nervosa.
Sudden temporary amnesia or instances of multiple personality are disorders
- A. dissociative
- B. anxiety
- C. psychotic
- D. schizophrenic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dissociative disorders include amnesia and multiple personalities, linked to identity disruption.