Nursing Elites

1. During an exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms, which intervention should the nurse prioritize for a client with a history of schizophrenia?

• A. Encourage adherence to the medication regimen.
• B. Increase social interactions with peers.
• C. Provide a high-stimulation environment.
• D. Assess for safety risks related to the exacerbation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During an exacerbation of schizophrenia symptoms, the nurse should prioritize assessing for safety risks. This is critical because individuals with schizophrenia may experience heightened risks to themselves or others during this period. Encouraging adherence to the medication regimen (Choice A) is important but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Increasing social interactions with peers (Choice B) and providing a high-stimulation environment (Choice C) can potentially exacerbate symptoms and should be avoided during an exacerbation.

2. A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) engages in repetitive hand washing that lasts for several hours. Which strategy should the nurse use to manage this behavior?

• A. Encourage the client to continue the behavior to alleviate anxiety.
• B. Establish a routine schedule for hand washing.
• C. Gradually reduce the amount of time spent on the behavior.
• D. Ignore the behavior as much as possible.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it's crucial to gradually reduce the compulsive behavior to help the client learn to manage anxiety in a structured manner. Encouraging the client to continue the behavior (Choice A) would reinforce the cycle of compulsions. While establishing a routine schedule (Choice B) may provide some structure, it doesn't address the core issue of excessive hand washing. Ignoring the behavior (Choice D) may lead to worsening symptoms and does not help the client in managing their OCD effectively.

3. A male adult is admitted because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. After transfer to the mental health unit, the client is told he has liver damage. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the client’s discharge plan?

• A. Eat a high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-protein diet.
• B. Do not take any over-the-counter medication.
• C. Call the crisis hotline if feeling lonely.
• D. Avoid exposure to large crowds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to include in the client’s discharge plan is to not take any over-the-counter medication. This is crucial because over-the-counter medications can potentially interact with the damaged liver and worsen the condition. Choices A, C, and D are not as critical in the context of liver damage from an acetaminophen overdose. While diet is important for overall health, specifically for liver damage, avoiding over-the-counter medications takes precedence. Calling the crisis hotline for loneliness and avoiding exposure to large crowds are important considerations but are not directly related to the client's liver damage from the acetaminophen overdose.

4. A mental health worker (MHW) is caring for a client with escalating aggressive behavior. Which action by the MHW warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Attempting to physically restrain the client.
• B. Telling the client to go to the quiet area of the unit.
• C. Using a loud voice to talk to the client.
• D. Remaining at a distance of 4 feet from the client.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Attempting to physically restrain the client. Physical restraint should only be performed by trained professionals in a safe manner to prevent harm to the client and staff. In this scenario, the mental health worker should not attempt physical restraint, as it can escalate the situation and potentially lead to harm. Choices B, C, and D do not pose an immediate risk and can be part of de-escalation strategies. Choice B suggests guiding the client to a quiet area, choice C involves using a loud voice for better communication, and choice D indicates maintaining a safe distance, which are appropriate interventions to manage escalating aggressive behavior.

5. A client tells the RN that he has an IQ of 400+ and is a genius and an inventor. He also reports that he is married to a female movie star and thinks that his brother wants a sexual relationship with her. What is the priority nursing problem for admission to the psychiatric unit?

• A. Ineffective sexual patterns.
• B. Impaired environmental interpretation.
• C. Disturbed sensory perception.
• D. Compromised family coping.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing problem for admission to the psychiatric unit is 'Disturbed sensory perception.' This choice is correct because the client's delusional beliefs about having an IQ of 400+, being a genius and an inventor, being married to a movie star, and suspecting his brother of wanting a sexual relationship with her indicate a significant disturbance in sensory perception. The client's perceptions are not based in reality, indicating a need for immediate intervention to address these distorted beliefs. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: 'Ineffective sexual patterns' is not the priority as the client's delusions go beyond just sexual relationships, 'Impaired environmental interpretation' does not capture the primary issue of distorted perceptions, and 'Compromised family coping' is not the priority concern in this scenario compared to the severe sensory perception disturbances displayed by the client.

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