Which neurological deficit(s) would the nurse be most likely to encounter when assessing a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?
- A. Weakness and loss of function
- B. Droopy eyelids with reddened cornea
- C. Paralysis and diminished reflexes
- D. Increased blinking and impaired fine motor skills
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in schizophrenia, patients may exhibit increased blinking and impaired fine motor skills due to medication side effects or neurological changes. Weakness, loss of function, droopy eyelids with reddened cornea, paralysis, and diminished reflexes are not commonly associated with schizophrenia. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize these neurological deficits to provide appropriate care and support for the patient.
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A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has had multiple relapses. The patient usually responds quickly to antipsychotic medication but soon discontinues the medication. Discharge plans include follow-up at the mental health center, group home placement, and a psychosocial day program. Which strategy should apply as the patient transitions from hospital to community?
- A. Administer a second-generation antipsychotic to help negative symptoms.
- B. Use a quick-dissolving medication formulation to reduce checking.
- C. Prescribe a long-acting intramuscular antipsychotic medication.
- D. Involve the patient in decisions about which medication is best.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Involving the patient in medication decisions (D) builds trust and alliance, key to adherence. Other options (A, B, C) are useful but secondary to establishing this foundation.
Schizophrenia is most commonly found in
- A. adolescents
- B. young adults
- C. the middle aged
- D. the elderly
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Schizophrenia typically emerges in young adulthood, often in the late teens to early 20s.
A nurse is planning care for a patient with anorexia nervosa. What is the priority intervention?
- A. Encourage the patient to verbalize concerns about body image.
- B. Monitor the patient's weight and nutritional intake closely.
- C. Provide education on healthy eating and exercise.
- D. Offer emotional support to the patient regarding self-esteem.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Monitoring the patient's weight and nutritional intake closely is the priority intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa as it directly addresses the immediate health risks associated with the disorder, such as malnutrition and weight loss. By closely monitoring these parameters, healthcare providers can assess the patient's progress and make necessary adjustments to prevent further complications.
Choice A is incorrect because while addressing body image concerns is important in the long term, it is not the priority intervention when the patient's physical health is at risk.
Choice C is incorrect as providing education on healthy eating and exercise may not be effective if the patient is not yet in a stable physical condition to absorb and apply the information.
Choice D is incorrect as offering emotional support is valuable, but it is not the priority intervention in this case where the patient's physical health needs immediate attention.
A 35-year-old woman who is being interviewed by the advanced practice nurse indicates that she has few friends, fears criticism from others, and withholds information about her thoughts and feelings because she anticipates a negative reaction. Based on these data, the nurse suspects that Sarah may later be diagnosed as having:
- A. Borderline personality disorder
- B. Histrionic personality disorder
- C. Avoidant personality disorder
- D. Schizoid personality disorder
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoidant personality disorder. This is because the woman's fear of criticism, avoidance of sharing thoughts/feelings, and limited social circle are indicative of social inhibition and feelings of inadequacy, which are key features of avoidant personality disorder.
A: Borderline personality disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions, as well as impulsivity and fear of abandonment.
B: Histrionic personality disorder involves attention-seeking behavior, emotions that are shallow and rapidly shifting, and the need to be the center of attention.
D: Schizoid personality disorder is marked by social detachment, limited emotional expression, and preference for solitary activities.
Which of the following is a characteristic behavior in patients with anorexia nervosa?
- A. Binge eating followed by purging.
- B. Extreme weight loss due to excessive food restriction.
- C. Frequent overeating with a lack of control.
- D. Excessive weight gain through overeating and exercise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Extreme weight loss due to excessive food restriction. Patients with anorexia nervosa typically exhibit severe food restriction leading to significant weight loss. This behavior is driven by a distorted body image and fear of gaining weight. Binge eating followed by purging (choice A) is characteristic of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa. Frequent overeating with a lack of control (choice C) is a feature of binge eating disorder, not anorexia nervosa. Excessive weight gain through overeating and exercise (choice D) does not align with the weight loss seen in anorexia nervosa.