What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient?
- A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
- B. The patient is more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say and is not likely to be offended.
- C. Considering the patient's history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm.
- D. Most people with a mental illness have by necessity developed a high tolerance for forgiveness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct principle guiding nurse-patient communication is that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern. Choice A is the correct answer because showing genuine care and concern for the patient's situation fosters a positive and therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect as effective communication involves active listening and responding appropriately, not assuming the patient is only interested in talking. Choice C is incorrect because a patient's history does not guarantee immunity to harm from inappropriate comments. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes individuals with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly related to communication fears.
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A woman brings her 48-year-old husband to the outpatient psychiatric unit and describes his behavior to the admitting nurse. She states that he has been sleepwalking, cannot remember who he is, and exhibits multiple personalities. The nurse knows that these behaviors are often associated with:
- A. Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- B. Panic disorder.
- C. Dissociative identity disorder.
- D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Dissociative identity disorder. Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities, along with memory gaps beyond ordinary forgetfulness. The description of the husband sleepwalking, not recognizing his identity, and exhibiting multiple personalities aligns with the symptoms of DID. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Choice A) involves re-experiencing traumatic events, panic disorder (Choice B) is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Choice D) involves obsessions and compulsions. These conditions do not typically present with the specific symptoms described in the scenario.
Which actions are likely to help promote the self-esteem of a male client with major depression?
- A. Ask the client about his long-term goals.
- B. Discuss the challenges of his medical condition.
- C. Include the client in determining treatment protocol.
- D. Encourage the client to engage in recreational therapy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Including the client in determining the treatment protocol is the most suitable action to promote the self-esteem of a male client with major depression. This approach empowers the client, involves him in decision-making regarding his care, and fosters a sense of control and self-worth. Option A, asking about his long-term goals, may not directly address his immediate self-esteem needs related to his current condition. Option B, discussing the challenges of his medical condition, may inadvertently focus on negative aspects and potentially lower self-esteem. Option D, encouraging engagement in recreational therapy, is beneficial but may not directly address the client's sense of control and self-worth in decision-making related to his treatment.
Which client statement suggests that the client is using a defense mechanism of projection to deal with anxiety related to admission to a psychiatric unit?
- A. At least I hit the wall instead of hitting the psychiatric aide.
- B. I am here because the police thought I was doing something wrong.
- C. I want to be here because I know it is the best psychiatric facility.
- D. Don't believe everything my family tells you, I am not crazy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the client is projecting their own aggressive tendencies onto the psychiatric aide by suggesting hitting the wall instead of the aide. This statement reflects projection, a defense mechanism where one attributes their unacceptable feelings or impulses to others. Choice B reflects externalization rather than projection, Choice C reflects rationalization, and Choice D reflects denial.
The healthcare professional is developing a discharge plan for a client recovering from alcohol withdrawal. Which instruction should be included in the client's discharge teaching?
- A. Avoid all social situations involving alcohol.
- B. Continue taking prescribed medications.
- C. Contact a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
- D. Avoid using any over-the-counter medications.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is essential to include instructions for the client to contact a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous in their discharge teaching. Support groups play a vital role in providing ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement during the recovery process from alcohol withdrawal, helping to prevent relapse. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all social situations involving alcohol may not be practical or sustainable in the long term. Choice B is important but is not specific to the client's alcohol recovery needs. Choice D is not the top priority compared to the importance of connecting with a support group for ongoing assistance and accountability.
A young adult female visits the mental health clinic complaining of diarrhea, headache, and muscle aches. She is afebrile, denies chills, and all laboratory findings are within normal limits. During the physical assessment, the client tells the RN that her sister thinks she is neurotic and calls her a hypochondriac. Which response is best for the RN to provide?
- A. Unless your sister has a medical education, ignore her comments.
- B. I can hear that your sister comments are over-whelming you.
- C. Do you think it's possible that you might be a hypochondriac?
- D. Besides your sister's comments, what in your life is troubling you?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.