The single most common symptom of autism is:
- A. Inability to grasp reality
- B. Impaired social interaction
- C. Acting out behaviors
- D. Diminished affect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Though all of these behaviors may occur at some time in autism, impaired social interaction is the overriding symptom that occurs in this disorder.
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Which of the following is a priority intervention for a patient with bulimia nervosa who is experiencing electrolyte imbalances?
- A. Encourage the patient to drink fluids and increase food intake.
- B. Monitor the patient's heart rate and electrolyte levels closely.
- C. Provide high-protein foods to help restore energy.
- D. Instruct the patient to avoid any form of physical exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Monitoring the patient's heart rate and electrolyte levels closely is crucial in managing electrolyte imbalances in patients with bulimia nervosa. Electrolyte imbalances, often caused by purging behaviors, can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Close monitoring allows for timely interventions such as electrolyte replacement therapy to prevent cardiac issues.
A: Encouraging the patient to drink fluids and increase food intake is not the priority when dealing with electrolyte imbalances as it may worsen the imbalance.
C: Providing high-protein foods may be beneficial for overall nutrition but does not address the immediate need to correct electrolyte imbalances.
D: Instructing the patient to avoid physical exercise is not directly related to managing electrolyte imbalances and may not address the underlying issue effectively.
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.
The nurse is assisting a victim of spousal abuse to create a plan for escape if it becomes necessary. What components should the plan include? Select all that apply.
- A. A code word to signal children that it is time to leave.
- B. Phone numbers for the nearest shelter and crisis hotline.
- C. Telling the spouse that she has a plan and will leave.
- D. Collecting birth certificates and other essential documents.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A code word to signal children that it is time to leave. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of the victim and their children without alerting the abuser. Other choices like B, providing phone numbers for shelters, are important but may not always be feasible in an emergency. Choice C, informing the spouse about the plan, can escalate the situation. Choice D, collecting essential documents, is important but may not always be the immediate priority in a dangerous situation. Having a code word ensures a discreet and quick escape if needed.
A 25-year-old individual was brought by ambulance to the emergency room. The patient's sensorium alternates between clouded and clear, and the patient becomes agitated both physically and verbally when approached. The patient's cognitive impairment is most consistent with:
- A. Delirium
- B. Dementia
- C. Sundown syndrome
- D. Early-onset Alzheimer disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Delirium. Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating course, altered level of consciousness, and cognitive impairment. In this case, the patient's alternating sensorium and agitation suggest an acute confusional state, which is typical of delirium. Delirium is often caused by underlying medical conditions, medications, or substance abuse.
Summary of other choices:
B: Dementia is a chronic, progressive cognitive decline that does not typically present with acute onset and fluctuating symptoms like delirium.
C: Sundown syndrome refers to worsening of symptoms in the evening and is often seen in patients with dementia, not in this acute and fluctuating presentation.
D: Early-onset Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that typically has a more insidious onset and does not present with acute fluctuations in cognition like delirium.
What is the main issue for adolescents with anorexia?
- A. Anxiety.
- B. Control.
- C. Body image.
- D. Appropriate behavior.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Control. Adolescents with anorexia often have a strong desire for control over their lives, including their body and food intake. This need for control can manifest in restrictive eating behaviors. Anxiety (choice A) may be a symptom but is not the main issue. Body image (choice C) is a contributing factor, but not the primary issue. Appropriate behavior (choice D) is too broad and not specific to the core issue of control seen in anorexia.