Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Which of the following side effects shouldn't the nurse monitor for?

• A. Tardive dyskinesia
• B. Decreased need for sleep
• C. Orthostatic hypotension
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Decreased need for sleep.' While antipsychotic medications can cause side effects like tardive dyskinesia, orthostatic hypotension, and hyperglycemia, a decreased need for sleep is not a common side effect. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client for the known side effects of antipsychotic medications to ensure early detection and appropriate management.

2. Which statement made by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of nonverbal communication?

• A. The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication is often different.
• B. When my patient responds to my question, I check for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication to help validate the response.
• C. If a patient is slumped in the chair, I can be sure he's angry or depressed.
• D. It's easier to understand verbal communication than nonverbal communication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking for congruence between verbal and nonverbal communication helps validate the patient's response.

3. Devastated by a divorce from an abusive husband, a wife completes grief counseling. Which statement by the wife should indicate to a nurse that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief?

• A. If only we could have tried again, things might have worked out.
• B. I am so mad that the children and I had to put up with him as long as we did.
• C. Yes, it was a difficult relationship, but I think I have learned from the experience.
• D. I still don't have any appetite and continue to lose weight.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief based on the statement 'Yes, it was a difficult relationship, but I think I have learned from the experience.' In this statement, the client is acknowledging the difficulty of the relationship but also expressing personal growth and learning from the experience, indicating acceptance. Choices A, B, and D do not reflect the acceptance stage of grief. Choice A shows a sense of regret and a wish for things to have turned out differently. Choice B demonstrates lingering anger towards the ex-husband. Choice D suggests ongoing physical manifestations of grief like loss of appetite and weight loss, which are more indicative of earlier stages of grief.

4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client manage compulsive behaviors?

• A. Encourage the client to suppress compulsive behaviors.
• B. Allow the client to perform compulsive behaviors with limits.
• C. Teach the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
• D. Discourage the client from performing compulsive behaviors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors with limits is a therapeutic intervention for managing OCD. This approach grants the client some autonomy while ensuring that the behaviors do not excessively disrupt daily life. Setting boundaries helps structure the behaviors, decreasing anxiety and distress associated with OCD. Encouraging the client to suppress compulsive behaviors (choice A) may lead to increased anxiety and potential worsening of symptoms. Teaching relaxation techniques (choice C) is beneficial for managing anxiety in general but may not directly address the compulsive behaviors. Discouraging the client from performing compulsive behaviors (choice D) without providing alternative strategies or support may increase distress and resistance.

5. During cognitive-behavioral therapy, a 12-year-old patient reports to the nurse practitioner:

• A. I was so mad I wanted to hit my mother.
• B. I thought that everyone at school hated me. That's not true. Most people like me and I have a friend named Todd.
• C. I forgot that you told me to breathe when I become angry.
• D. I scream as loud as I can when the train goes by the house.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy, recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is crucial for progress. Choice B demonstrates the patient's ability to identify and correct distorted thoughts, indicating positive advancement in therapy. This cognitive restructuring is a key component of cognitive-behavioral therapy, helping individuals develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.

Similar Questions