What behavior signals that a nurse caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa is experiencing rescue feelings? The nurse:
- A. Makes nonjudgmental comments.
- B. Refers the patient to a self-help group for persons with eating disorders.
- C. Teaches the patient about signs of increased anxiety and ways to intervene.
- D. Determines the patient has poor eating habits and provides a diet to follow.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because providing a diet to follow indicates a rescuer mentality, where the nurse is assuming the role of fixing the patient's eating habits without addressing the underlying emotional issues. A, B, and C focus on supportive and empowering approaches which are more appropriate for helping the patient with bulimia nervosa.
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An 82-year-old widow with Alzheimer's disease lives with her daughter's family, which owns a catering business. During the week, the patient attends a daycare center for patients. During the evenings, members of the family care for the patient. One day, the nurse at the daycare center notices the patient's appearance is disheveled and that she has bruises on her wrists and back when escorted to the bathroom. What most likely explains the nurse's observations?
- A. The patient is being neglected and abused within the family.
- B. The dementia is progressing, reducing self-care and increasing falls.
- C. The patient is experiencing normal aging symptoms.
- D. The patient is suffering from a new medical condition.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the nurse's observations of disheveled appearance, bruises, and signs of physical abuse indicate possible neglect and abuse within the family. This is supported by the presence of Alzheimer's disease, vulnerability due to age, and the patient's living situation with family members who own a catering business. Choice B is incorrect as it does not explain the bruises and neglect observed. Choice C is incorrect as normal aging symptoms would not typically include bruises and neglect. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication of a new medical condition causing these specific observations.
Which statement best describes postpartum blues?
- A. A rare condition that impacts bonding between mother and baby.
- B. A transient, self-limiting period of sadness after the birth of the baby.
- C. A psychiatric diagnosis similar to dysthymia.
- D. A transient period of sadness that usually moves into postpartum depression.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This definition of postpartum blues (B) differentiates it from dysthymia and postpartum depression. It occurs in 70 percent of new mothers, making it common, transient, and self-limiting.
A 17-year-old patient with anorexia nervosa has just been released from the hospital. To facilitate recovery at home, the psychiatric-mental health nurse instructs the family to:
- A. discourage the patient from sneaking food between meals, by unobtrusively reducing access to the kitchen
- B. encourage the patient's interest in menu planning, food magazines, and cooking lessons, by leaving information and materials around the house
- C. permit the patient to eat her meals privately to discourage family preoccupation with meals
- D. recommend that the patient joins in routine family meals and clears the dishes after dinner, even if they do not eat
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Involving the patient in family meals normalizes eating behavior and provides structure, supporting recovery without enabling secrecy or avoidance.
A patient was admitted in a semistuporous catatonic state. Family states that the patient has neither left the apartment nor attended to personal hygiene for several weeks. The patient's last 48 hours have been spent lying in bed, mute and motionless. The nursing diagnosis that should be considered the priority is:
- A. self-care deficit.
- B. situational low self-esteem.
- C. disturbed thought processes.
- D. impaired verbal communication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: self-care deficit. The patient's symptoms indicate a lack of ability to perform self-care activities, which poses a risk to their health and well-being. This is a priority as addressing this issue will directly impact the patient's physical health and overall functioning. Situational low self-esteem (B) is not the priority as it focuses on the patient's emotional state rather than their immediate physical needs. Disturbed thought processes (C) and impaired verbal communication (D) may be present but are not the priority over the patient's inability to perform self-care activities.
During occupational therapy a young patient diagnosed with schizophrenia sits staring at a piece of paper. Which response is most therapeutic at this time?
- A. If you prefer to sit and stare for a time, it is acceptable for you to leave.'
- B. You seem immobilized by anxiety. Is there anything I can do to help?'
- C. Are you having trouble deciding where you want to glue that piece?'
- D. Rub the glue stick on the back of the paper.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides a clear and simple directive that guides the patient on what to do next, promoting engagement in the therapeutic activity. By instructing the patient to rub the glue stick on the back of the paper, it helps redirect their focus and encourages participation in the task.
Choice A is incorrect as it allows the patient to disengage from the activity, which does not promote therapeutic progress. Choice B assumes the patient is anxious without evidence and may not address the core issue. Choice C is incorrect as it may not be relevant to the patient's current state and may further confuse or frustrate them.