Nursing Elites

1. A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia states, 'The FBI is watching me. I see their agents everywhere.' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?

• A. You shouldn't worry about that. It's not real.
• B. I don't see any FBI agents, but it sounds like you're feeling frightened.
• C. Let's talk about something else to take your mind off of it.
• D. Why do you think the FBI is watching you?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Validating the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusion is important. This response acknowledges the client's fear without agreeing with the delusion. It shows empathy and understanding towards the client's emotions while not validating the delusional belief.

2. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas's nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

• A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
• B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
• C. Anxiety and depression.
• D. The ability to express his needs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to excessive alcohol consumption as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. This maladaptive coping mechanism can exacerbate the challenges associated with schizophrenia and may hinder effective treatment outcomes. Recognizing the presence of anxiety and depression alongside alcohol abuse is crucial for providing holistic care and support to individuals with schizophrenia.

3. A healthcare provider is providing education to the family of a client who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. The client should avoid all stressful situations.
• B. Encourage the client to get plenty of rest.
• C. Make sure the client takes prescribed medications regularly.
• D. Provide the client with information about support groups.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Make sure the client takes prescribed medications regularly.' Consistent medication adherence is crucial in managing the symptoms and stabilizing mood in individuals with bipolar disorder. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all stressful situations is often not feasible and not the primary treatment approach for bipolar disorder. Choice B, while important, is not as critical as ensuring medication compliance. Choice D is helpful but not as essential as medication adherence for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

4. When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?

• A. Provide a well-lit environment.
• B. Administer antipsychotic medication as prescribed.
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs closely.
• D. Encourage the client to express their feelings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is essential during alcohol withdrawal as it can help them cope with the emotional and psychological stress associated with the process. This intervention promotes open communication, allows the client to verbalize their emotions, and may prevent escalating anxiety or agitation, ultimately reducing the risk of complications. Providing a well-lit environment (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing complications of alcohol withdrawal. Administering antipsychotic medication (Choice B) is not the standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal; medications such as benzodiazepines are more commonly used. While monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important, encouraging the client to express their feelings (Choice D) directly addresses emotional well-being, which is crucial during this vulnerable time.

5. A client states, 'I am the only one who can hear voices.' Which is the nurse's best response?

• A. Tell me more about these voices.
• B. Let's explore these voices together.
• C. How long have you been hearing these voices?
• D. Have you told anyone else about these voices?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to encourage the client to talk about their experiences with hearing voices. By asking the client to share more details about the voices, the nurse can gain insight into the nature of the auditory hallucinations and better understand the client's condition. This open-ended question allows the client to express themselves freely and helps build rapport and trust between the client and the nurse. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the client's statement or encourage further elaboration, making them less effective responses in this context.

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