A novice nurse who will be assessing a patient after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) asks her mentor, “What sort of memory impairment is present after several ECT treatments?” The best response for the mentor would be:
- A. “It’s hard to say. Treatment affects everyone differently.”
- B. “Usually the patient has severe difficulty remembering remote events.”
- C. “Patients have mild difficulty remembering recent events, like what waseaten for breakfast.”
- D. “Both recent and remote memory is affected, producing profound confused, cognitive
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the typical memory impairment after ECT treatments. ECT affects both recent and remote memory, leading to profound confusion and cognitive difficulties. This is due to the disruption of neural pathways involved in memory consolidation and retrieval.
Choice A is incorrect as ECT does have predictable effects on memory. Choice B is incorrect because patients typically have more difficulty with recent memory than remote memory. Choice C is also incorrect as patients usually experience more than just mild difficulty remembering recent events; the memory impairment is more severe than just forgetting what was eaten for breakfast.
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In response to the nurse’s statement, “Tell me about your family,” the patient became silent and displayed nonverbally that he is uncomfortable. Which statement by the nurse reflects sensitivity to the patient?
- A. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize your family was a problem for you.”
- B. “Learning to express negative feelings will assist you in getting well.”
- C. “Perhaps you can talk about your feelings to the physician next time you meet.”
- D. “That seems to be a difficult subject for you. We can discuss when you are
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's discomfort without making assumptions or judgments. By recognizing the difficulty the patient is facing and offering to discuss it when they are ready, the nurse shows empathy and respect for the patient's feelings.
Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the family is a problem for the patient. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on expressing negative feelings rather than addressing the patient's current discomfort. Choice C is incorrect because it deflects the conversation to the physician without addressing the patient's immediate needs.
An 85-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with the diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident and depression. The symptom that is unrelated to depression would be?
- A. Crying and refusing to perform task
- B. Answering I forgot to questions
- C. Having positive self-esteem
- D. Neglecting ADLs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Having positive self-esteem. This is unrelated to depression as depression typically involves feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem. A: Crying and refusing tasks, B: Answering "I forgot to" questions, and D: Neglecting ADLs are all commonly associated symptoms of depression such as apathy, memory issues, and lack of motivation for self-care. Therefore, choice C stands out as the symptom unrelated to depression due to its contradiction with the typical manifestations of the condition.
Which intervention should the nurse plan to reduce the patient's focus on delusional thinking?
- A. Confronting the delusion
- B. Refuting the delusion with logic
- C. Exploring reasons the patient has the delusion
- D. Focusing on feelings suggested by the delusion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because focusing on the feelings suggested by the delusion can help the patient process and manage their emotions underlying the delusion. By addressing the emotions, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into the delusion and reduce its intensity. Confronting the delusion (A) may lead to resistance and reinforcement. Refuting the delusion with logic (B) may further alienate the patient. Exploring reasons for the delusion (C) may not directly address the emotional component.
Which description is characteristic of an impulsive child?
- A. Running out into the street regardless of frequent instruction to look both ways first.
- B. Pacing and speaking in a very loud, disruptive voice
- C. Frequently talking about hearing voices telling him what to do
- D. Having a difficult time concentrating on reading since his attention is easily diverted
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. An impulsive child typically acts without thinking or considering consequences, such as running into the street without looking. This behavior is impulsive, risky, and disregards safety instructions. Choices B and C describe behaviors that are more indicative of other issues like hyperactivity or hallucinations. Choice D suggests difficulty concentrating, which is not directly related to impulsivity. In summary, the key characteristic of an impulsive child is acting quickly without considering potential dangers or instructions.
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.