Nursing Elites

1. A client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which behavior should the nurse prioritize in the care plan?

• A. Self-harming behavior.
• B. Difficulty with interpersonal relationships.
• C. Impulsive spending and substance abuse.
• D. Inconsistent adherence to the treatment regimen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Self-harming behavior is the priority in the care plan for a client with borderline personality disorder. This behavior poses an immediate risk to the client's safety and requires prompt intervention. Difficulty with interpersonal relationships, impulsive spending, and substance abuse are also common in borderline personality disorder; however, self-harming behavior takes precedence due to its potential for severe harm. Inconsistent adherence to the treatment regimen, though important, is not as urgent as addressing the immediate safety concerns related to self-harm.

2. A client with postpartum depression receives a prescription for sertraline (Zoloft). What information is most important to include in client teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in tyramine, such as processed meats, red wine, and Swiss cheese.
• B. Contact the healthcare provider immediately if suicidal thoughts occur.
• C. Increase activity level to include regular exercise.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider immediately if muscle stiffness occurs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most critical information to include in client teaching for a client with postpartum depression starting sertraline (Zoloft) is to contact the healthcare provider immediately if suicidal thoughts occur. This is vital for the client's safety as antidepressants, including sertraline, can sometimes increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially at the start of treatment. Choices A, C, and D are not the most crucial information in this scenario. Choice A about avoiding foods high in tyramine is not directly related to sertraline use. Choice C about increasing activity level is important but not as critical as addressing suicidal ideation. Choice D about muscle stiffness is a potential side effect of sertraline but is not as urgent as monitoring for suicidal thoughts.

3. The nurse accepts a transfer to the mental health unit and understands that the client is distractible and is exhibiting a decreased ability to concentrate. The nurse has only 15 minutes to talk with the client. To develop a treatment plan for this client, which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. Motivation for treatment
• B. History of substance use
• C. Medication compliance
• D. Mental status examination

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A mental status examination is the most important assessment for the nurse to obtain in this scenario. It provides a comprehensive view of the client's current cognitive functioning, including their level of alertness, orientation, memory, attention, and thought process. Understanding the client's mental status is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan. The other options, such as motivation for treatment, history of substance use, and medication compliance, are important aspects to consider but may not directly address the client's current cognitive state and immediate treatment needs as effectively as a mental status examination.

4. A middle-aged female client with no previous psychiatric history is seen in the mental health clinic because her family describes her as having paranoid thoughts. On assessment, she tells the nurse, “I want to find out why these people are stalking me.” Which response should the nurse provide?

• A. It sounds like this experience is frightening for you.
• B. What makes you think people are stalking you?
• C. I know you are frightened, but no one is stalking you.
• D. Do you think someone is trying to harm you?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse to provide is option A: 'It sounds like this experience is frightening for you.' This response acknowledges the client's feelings and emotions without directly challenging the delusion of being stalked. Option B is incorrect as it directly questions the client's belief, which can lead to increased defensiveness. Option C is incorrect as it denies the client's belief without addressing the underlying fear and can cause the client to feel misunderstood. Option D is incorrect as it directly asks about harm, which may not be the primary concern of the client at this moment.

5. A client with depression remains in bed most of the day, declines activities, and refuses meals. Which nursing problem has the greatest priority for this client?

• A. Loss of interest in diversional activities.
• B. Social isolation.
• C. Refusal to address nutritional needs.
• D. Low self-esteem.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Refusal to address nutritional needs.' In this scenario, the client's refusal to eat and address their nutritional needs poses an immediate threat to their physical health. Without proper nutrition, the client is at risk of malnutrition and its associated complications. While addressing social isolation, low self-esteem, and loss of interest in diversional activities are important aspects of holistic care for a client with depression, ensuring proper nutrition takes precedence due to the critical impact it has on the client's physical well-being. Therefore, the priority is to address the client's refusal to eat and address their nutritional needs to prevent further deterioration of their health.

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