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Which of the following questions would be most helpful in beginning an initial assessment interview for a patient who has just been admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit?
- A. Have you had any previous psychiatric admissions?
- B. What brings you into the hospital today?
- C. Have you had any thoughts about trying to harm yourself?
- D. How would you describe your relationship with your spouse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial assessment interview aims to establish rapport and understand the patient?s primary reason for admission. Asking 'What brings you into the hospital today?' is open-ended, patient-centered, and elicits the patient?s perception of their problem, setting the stage for further assessment. Previous admissions, suicidal thoughts, and relationships are important but secondary to understanding the current reason for admission.
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The nurse is determining the success of a patient?s plan of care by evaluating outcome indicators. The nurse understands that these indicators are usually determined initially at which time?
- A. On the day of discharge
- B. During the assessment process
- C. At the initial interview
- D. With goal-setting process
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Outcome indicators are specific, measurable criteria established during the goal-setting process in the nursing plan of care. This occurs after assessment and diagnosis, aligning interventions with desired outcomes. Discharge, assessment, and initial interviews precede or inform goal-setting.
A patient is being admitted to the psychiatric unit. While explaining his reason for seeking admission, he describes how his 32-year-old son recently died of a heart attack. Which response by the nurse would enhance the effectiveness of this interview?
- A. How is your wife handling your son?s death?
- B. Do you have any other living children that can help you cope with this loss?
- C. This must be a very difficult time for you.
- D. I know exactly how you?re feeling; my 23-year-old son died unexpectedly last year.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A therapeutic response acknowledges the patient?s emotions and fosters rapport. 'This must be a very difficult time for you' reflects empathy and encourages further sharing. Options A and B shift focus to others, and option D involves inappropriate self-disclosure, which may detract from the patient?s needs.
The nurse is assessing a patient?s immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
- A. Questioning the patient about an event that has occurred within the past several months
- B. Giving the patient a simple scenario and having him identify what would be the best response
- C. Giving the patient three words and asking him to recite them now and then in 5 minutes
- D. Asking the patient to tell the nurse the date, time, and current location
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Testing immediate and short-term memory involves recalling information after a brief delay. Giving three words to recite now and in 5 minutes assesses both immediate recall and short-term memory. Past events test long-term memory, scenarios test judgment, and orientation tests cognitive status.
A patient was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt made after his daughter was killed in an automobile accident during which he had been driving and survived with only minor injuries. Even though the accident was unavoidable, he feels responsible. During the assessment interview, the patient begins to describe the last conversation he had with his daughter before he lost control of the automobile. As he speaks about his daughter, his voice trembles, and a silent tear rolls down his face. He makes a visible attempt to straighten up and smiles superficially at the nurse, stating, 'I?ll get over this. I just need to keep a stiff upper lip. I think all I need to do is stay overnight. I?ll be as good as new by tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. Tell me about your daughter. How would you describe the relationship you had with her?
- B. I?m sure you are right; a good night?s rest should make a big difference.
- C. As good as new?
- D. You made a serious attempt on your life; you will not be ready go home by tomorrow.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient?s statement reflects minimization or denial of his emotional distress and suicide attempt. Using reflection, 'As good as new?' prompts the patient to explore his feelings further without judgment. Option A shifts focus prematurely, option B reinforces denial, and option D is confrontational, potentially shutting down communication.
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about counseling interventions. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify counseling interventions as involving which of the following?
- A. Specific, time-limited intervention
- B. Focus on coping improvement
- C. Goal of regaining functional abilities
- D. Prevention of disability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Counseling interventions focus on improving coping (B), regaining function (C), and preventing disability (D), but they are not always specific or time-limited (A), as they may be ongoing or flexible. Identifying A as a key feature indicates misunderstanding.