Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this symptom?

• A. Encourage the client to discuss the voices.
• B. Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices.
• C. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
• D. Distract the client from the voices.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to discuss the voices is the most appropriate nursing intervention when a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. By discussing the voices, the client can feel heard, understood, and supported. It allows the client to express their experiences, which can help in processing and coping with the hallucinations. This intervention promotes therapeutic communication and builds a trusting nurse-client relationship, which is essential in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because instructing the client to listen to music to drown out the voices does not address the underlying issue and may not be effective in managing auditory hallucinations. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client that the voices are not real can invalidate the client's experiences and feelings, leading to further distress. Choice D is incorrect as solely distracting the client from the voices does not help in addressing the hallucinations or supporting the client in dealing with their symptoms.

2. Ted, a former executive, is now unemployed due to manic episodes at work. He was diagnosed with bipolar I 8 years ago. Ted has a history of IV drug abuse, which resulted in hepatitis C. He is taking his lithium exactly as scheduled, a fact that both Ted's wife and his blood tests confirm. To reduce Ted's mania, the psychiatric nurse practitioner recommends:

• A. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• D. Lurasidone (Latuda)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be an effective treatment for reducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder who have not responded to medication. In Ted's case, where he has a history of bipolar I disorder, lithium treatment, and manic episodes, ECT may be recommended by the psychiatric nurse practitioner to help manage his symptoms.

3. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Encourage participation in activities
• B. Promote adequate nutrition and hydration
• C. Monitor for suicidal ideation
• D. Discourage verbalization of feelings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Interventions for a client with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode include encouraging participation in activities, promoting adequate nutrition and hydration, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and providing a structured daily schedule. Discussing feelings is an essential part of therapy for clients with bipolar disorder, thus discouraging verbalization of feelings is not therapeutic and should not be implemented. Choice D is incorrect because it goes against the principles of therapeutic communication and emotional expression, which are crucial in managing bipolar disorder.

4. Which response by a 15-year-old demonstrates a common symptom observed in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder?

• A. I'm so restless. I can't seem to sit still.
• B. I spend most of my time studying. I have to get into a good college.
• C. I'm not trying to diet, but I've lost about 5 pounds in the past 5 months.
• D. I go to sleep around 11 p.m. but I'm always up by 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sleep disturbances, such as early morning awakening, are common symptoms of major depressive disorder.

5. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the effective use of newly prescribed lithium to manage bipolar mania? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. I remind myself to consistently drink six 12-ounce glasses of fluid every day.
• B. I discussed the diuretic prescribed by my cardiologist with my psychiatric care provider.
• C. Lithium may help me lose the few extra pounds I tend to carry around.
• D. I take my lithium on an empty stomach to help with absorption.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper hydration, discussing other medications, and taking lithium with or without food are important for effective and safe use of lithium. However, lithium is not prescribed for weight loss, and its usage should not be associated with losing extra pounds.

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