When a patient asks the nurse, “How can jolting me with an electrical shock possibly do me any good?” the answer most reflective of current biologic theory would be:
- A. “ECT produces a change in brain chemistry that results in improved mood.
- B. “ECT provides you with external punishment so you can stop punishing yourself.”
- C. “ECT interrupts brain impulses that are causing hallucinations and delusions.”
- D. ECT shocks the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe depression and other mental health disorders.
Step 2: Current biological theory suggests that ECT produces changes in brain chemistry, specifically neurotransmitters, leading to improved mood.
Step 3: The correct answer (A) aligns with this theory by explaining how ECT impacts brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms.
Step 4: Answer B is incorrect as ECT is not used as punishment but as a therapeutic intervention.
Step 5: Answer C is incorrect as ECT is not primarily used to interrupt brain impulses causing hallucinations and delusions.
Step 6: Answer D is incorrect as ECT does not shock the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns but rather affects neurotransmitter levels.
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A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?
- A. Suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course.
- B. Antidepressant medications are contraindicated throughout the ECT course.
- C. Discourage expressions of hopelessness throughout the ECT course.
- D. Encourage a high-caloric diet throughout the ECT course.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. During ECT, the client may experience changes in mood and behavior, which could impact their risk of suicide. It is essential for the nurse to monitor and assess the client's suicidal ideation and intent regularly. This ongoing assessment helps in identifying any exacerbation of suicidal thoughts and allows for timely intervention to prevent self-harm.
Choice B is incorrect because antidepressant medications are not necessarily contraindicated throughout the ECT course. In some cases, a client may still require antidepressants in addition to ECT for optimal treatment outcomes.
Choice C is incorrect because it is important to acknowledge and validate the client's feelings of hopelessness rather than discouraging them. By addressing and exploring these feelings, the nurse can provide support and facilitate the client's emotional processing.
Choice D is incorrect because encouraging a high-caloric diet is not directly related to the critical intervention needed during
A physically frail elderly patient with mild cognitive impairments needs services of a facility that can provide supervision and safety as well as recreation and social interaction. The family cares for this patient during the evening and night. Which type of facility should the nurse suggest to meet this patient’s needs?
- A. Skilled nursing facility.
- B. Adult day care program.
- C. Partial hospitalization.
- D. Group home.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adult day care program. This option best meets the needs of the patient as it provides supervision, safety, recreation, and social interaction during the day while allowing the family to care for the patient during the evening and night. Adult day care programs offer a structured environment with trained staff to ensure the patient's safety and provide activities to stimulate cognitive function.
Explanation of other choices:
A: Skilled nursing facility - Not ideal as the patient does not require 24-hour nursing care.
C: Partial hospitalization - Typically for individuals needing intensive mental health services, not suitable for this patient's needs.
D: Group home - Usually for individuals who need more permanent residential care, not appropriate for the patient's situation.
Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?
- A. A teen who has always been one of the popular kids
- B. A widow who regularly states, I really loved my deceased wife
- C. A woman whose husband died as a result of a sudden, traumatic injury
- D. An adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over the years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because sudden, traumatic deaths can lead to complicated grief reactions. This type of loss can disrupt the individual's ability to process and accept the death, resulting in prolonged and intense emotional distress. The other choices, A, B, and D, do not inherently indicate a higher potential for dysfunctional grief as they do not involve the same level of suddenness or trauma. Teen popularity, expressing love for a deceased spouse, and experiencing multiple losses over time are common situations that may not necessarily lead to dysfunctional grief if appropriate support and coping mechanisms are in place.
A patient attending group therapy mentions, “In the beginning, I was so sick that everyone had to help me. For the last few days, it’s felt good to be able to give something back to the group.” This statement can be assessed as an example of Yalom’s factor of:
- A. Cohesiveness
- B. Imitative behavior
- C. Altruism
- D. Harmonizing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Altruism. This statement reflects the concept of altruism in group therapy, as the patient expresses the satisfaction of being able to give back to the group after receiving help in the beginning. Altruism refers to the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. In this case, the patient's experience of feeling good by being able to contribute positively to the group reflects a sense of altruism.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and unity within a group, which is not directly reflected in the patient's statement.
B: Imitative behavior involves mimicking the actions of others, which is not evident in the patient's statement.
D: Harmonizing refers to the process of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement, which is not explicitly mentioned in the patient's statement.
A patient states, "I’m not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?
- A. Self-esteem-building activities.
- B. Anxiety self-control measures.
- C. Sleep enhancement activities.
- D. Suicide precautions.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates they are experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. Suicide precautions should be the highest priority to ensure the patient's safety. This includes removing any potential means of self-harm, constant monitoring, and close supervision. Self-esteem-building activities (A) may be helpful in the long term but are not the immediate priority. Anxiety self-control measures (B) are important but addressing suicidal ideation takes precedence. Sleep enhancement activities (C) are also important but not the highest priority when dealing with suicidal thoughts.