Nursing Elites

1. A 72-year-old female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depression. Which statement by the client should be of greatest concern to the nurse and require further assessment?

• A. "I will die if my cat dies."
• B. "I don't feel like eating this morning."
• C. "I just went to my friend's funeral."
• D. "Don't you have more important things to do?"

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sometimes a client will use an analogy to describe themselves, and (A) would be an indication for conducting a suicide assessment. (B) could have a variety of etiologies, and while further assessment is indicated, this statement does not indicate potential suicide. The normal grief process differs from depression, and at this client's age, peer/cohort deaths are more frequent, so (C) would be within normal limits. (D) is an expression of low self-esteem typical of depression. Choices (B), (C), and (D) are examples of decreased energy and mood levels which would negate suicide ideation at this time.

2. The nurse suspects child abuse when assessing a 3-year-old boy and noticing several small, round burns on his legs and trunk that might be the result of cigarette burns. Which parental behavior provides the greatest validation for such suspicions?

• A. The parents' explanation of how the burns occurred is different from the child's explanation of how they occurred.
• B. The parents seem to dismiss the severity of the child's burns, saying they are very small and have not posed any problem.
• C. The parents become very anxious when the nurse suggests that the child may need to be admitted for further evaluation.
• D. The parents tell the nurse that the child was burned in a house fire which is incompatible with the nurse's observation of the type of burn.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: (D) provides the most validation for suspecting child abuse. The parent's explanation (subjective data) that the child was burned in a house fire is incompatible with the objective data observed by the nurse (small, round burns on the legs and trunk). (A) relies on subjective data, and the child's explanation might not accurately reflect the situation due to various factors like age or fear. The apparent lack of concern from the parents (B) is inconclusive as the nurse's interpretation of their reaction could be subjective. While parental anxiety (C) could hint at potential child abuse, it's important to note that most parents would naturally be anxious about their child's hospitalization, making it a less definitive indicator compared to the inconsistency in the explanation provided by the parents in option (D).

3. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly washes her hands throughout the day. What is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?

• A. Allow the client to continue the behavior to reduce anxiety.
• B. Encourage the client to talk about the underlying fears.
• C. Restrict the client's access to soap and water.
• D. Schedule a time for the client to perform the ritual.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to talk about the underlying fears is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client with OCD who repeatedly washes her hands. By discussing the fears, the client can gain insight into the behavior and work towards reducing the compulsion. Choice A is incorrect as allowing the client to continue the behavior can perpetuate the OCD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as restricting access to soap and water can lead to increased anxiety and distress. Choice D is incorrect as scheduling a time for the client to perform the ritual does not address the underlying fears driving the behavior.

4. A client with bipolar disorder is being discharged with a prescription for lithium. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Avoid foods high in sodium.
• B. Drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather.
• C. Take your medication with food.
• D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids, especially during hot weather. Maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for clients taking lithium as dehydration can lead to lithium toxicity. Choice A is incorrect because while it is important to monitor sodium intake, staying hydrated is more critical. Choice C is incorrect as lithium is usually recommended to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Choice D is also important but not the most crucial instruction compared to ensuring proper hydration.

5. Which statement about contemporary mental health nursing practice is accurate?

• A. There is one approved theoretical framework for psychiatric nursing practice.
• B. Psychiatric nursing has yet to be recognized as a core mental health discipline.
• C. Contemporary practice of psychiatric nursing is primarily focused on inpatient care.
• D. The psychiatric nursing client may be an individual, family, group, organization, or community.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The accurate statement about contemporary mental health nursing practice is that the psychiatric nursing client may be an individual, family, group, organization, or community. Mental health nursing extends beyond individual care to address the impact of psychiatric stressors on families, groups, and entire communities. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A is false as there are various theoretical frameworks used in psychiatric nursing, B is inaccurate as psychiatric nursing is a core discipline in mental health, and C is wrong as contemporary psychiatric nursing involves various settings beyond just inpatient care.

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