When patients diagnosed with schizophrenia suffer from anosognosia, they often refuse medication, believing that:
- A. Medications provided are ineffective.
- B. Nurses are trying to control their minds.
- C. The medications will make them sick.
- D. They are not actually ill.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anosognosia is a lack of insight that affects patients with schizophrenia, leading them to deny or lack awareness of their illness. This lack of awareness often results in patients refusing medication because they genuinely believe they are not ill and do not need treatment. It is crucial for healthcare providers to approach such situations with understanding and empathy, recognizing the impact of anosognosia on treatment adherence.
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Which characteristic identified during an assessment serves to support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Female
- B. 7 years old
- C. Comorbid autism diagnosis
- D. Outbursts occur at least once a week
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Characteristics such as age, frequency of outbursts, and occurrence in multiple settings support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. While comorbid conditions like autism can coexist with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, it is not a characteristic that serves to support a diagnosis of this specific disorder.
Which characteristic in an adolescent female is sometimes associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?
- A. Constantly afraid another student will steal her belongings.
- B. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics.
- C. Demonstrates no interest in athletics or organized sports.
- D. Appears more comfortable among males.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, individuals may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or interests. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics may be a sign of cognitive disturbances that can precede the onset of schizophrenia. While the other choices may also be observed in adolescents, an unusual interest in numbers and specific topics is more specifically linked to potential prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia.
To provide effective care for the patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, the nurse should frequently assess for which associated condition? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Alcohol use disorder
- B. Major depressive disorder
- C. Stomach cancer
- D. Polydipsia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Schizophrenia is often associated with comorbid conditions such as alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, polydipsia, and metabolic syndrome. Stomach cancer is not a common associated condition with schizophrenia and would not be a typical focus of assessment in managing a patient with this mental health disorder.
Substance abuse is often present in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Laura, a 28-year-old with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, chooses to drink alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nurse caring for this patient recognizes that:
- A. Anxiety may be present.
- B. Alcohol ingestion is a form of self-medication.
- C. The patient is lacking a sufficient number of neurotransmitters.
- D. The patient is using alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms. This behavior is often seen as an attempt to manage mood swings and alleviate distress. It is important for healthcare providers to address and manage substance abuse issues in patients with bipolar disorder to ensure proper treatment and overall well-being.
When explaining one of the main differences between narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, what should the nurse mention?
- A. Symptoms of the two diagnoses are essentially the same, making it difficult to differentiate between them.
- B. People with narcolepsy awaken from a nap feeling rested and replenished.
- C. People with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome can experience temporary paralysis during naps.
- D. Naps are contraindicated for clients with narcolepsy due to their association with catatonia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep, while obstructive sleep apnea syndrome involves the obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. One of the main differences is that people with narcolepsy often experience refreshing naps, feeling rested and replenished upon waking, which is not the case for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. This distinction is important for healthcare providers to understand as it helps differentiate between these two sleep disorders.