Nursing Elites

1. A client experiencing a manic episode is talking rapidly and jumping from one topic to another. Which term describes this symptom?

• A. Circumstantiality
• B. Flight of ideas
• C. Tangentiality
• D. Perseveration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a manic episode, 'Flight of ideas' is characterized by rapid speech, where the individual moves quickly between topics without a clear connection. This symptom reflects the racing thoughts and impulsivity often seen in manic episodes. Circumstantiality refers to unnecessary detail and delay in getting to the point, tangentiality involves going off on a tangent or unrelated topics, and perseveration is the persistent repetition of a response or behavior. Therefore, 'Flight of ideas' best describes the symptom of rapidly changing topics during a manic episode.

2. Which of the following are symptoms of a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Chest pain
• B. Normal breathing
• C. Dizziness
• D. Hot flashes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Symptoms of a panic attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and hot flashes. Normal breathing is not a symptom of a panic attack; instead, individuals experiencing a panic attack may often exhibit rapid or shallow breathing patterns. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are typical symptoms associated with panic attacks, making them incorrect answers.

3. Why is the DSM-5 useful in the practice of psychiatric nursing?

• A. It guides the nurse in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses.
• B. It represents progress toward a more holistic view of mind and body.
• C. It provides a framework for interdisciplinary communication.
• D. It provides a template for nursing care plans.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The DSM-5 is a crucial tool in psychiatric nursing as it guides nurses in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses of mental health conditions. Using the DSM-5 ensures that diagnoses are standardized, improving the quality and precision of care for clients. While the DSM-5 also supports a holistic view, interdisciplinary communication, and care plan development, its primary role in psychiatric nursing is to assist clinicians in diagnosing mental health conditions accurately.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with factitious disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Intentional production of false symptoms
• B. Lack of concern about symptoms
• C. Fear of gaining weight
• D. Unintentional production of false symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with factitious disorder deliberately fabricate or exaggerate symptoms to assume the sick role and garner attention. They may show a lack of concern about their symptoms, a phenomenon known as la belle indifférence. Fear of gaining weight is not typically associated with factitious disorder. Therefore, the correct behavior to expect in a client with factitious disorder is the intentional production of false symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lack of concern about symptoms and fear of gaining weight are not characteristic of factitious disorder. Additionally, factitious disorder involves the intentional, not unintentional, production of false symptoms.

5. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client reduce this behavior?

• A. Encourage the client to set a time limit for washing hands.
• B. Encourage the client to wash hands only when necessary.
• C. Encourage the client to use hand sanitizer instead of washing.
• D. Encourage the client to explore the reasons behind the hand washing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an effective intervention in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. By establishing boundaries around the behavior, the client can gradually work towards reducing the excessive hand washing and regaining control over the compulsion. Choice B is not as effective because it does not address the underlying compulsion. Choice C may not be helpful as it may not satisfy the client's need for cleanliness and could reinforce the behavior. Choice D, while important in therapy, may not be the most immediate intervention needed to address the excessive hand washing behavior.

Similar Questions