Nursing Elites

1. A female client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that she believes her brain is controlled by the CIA. The nurse recognizes this as which type of delusion?

• A. Somatic delusion
• B. Paranoid delusion
• C. Persecutory delusion
• D. Grandiose delusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Persecutory delusion. Persecutory delusions involve beliefs of being conspired against, watched, or harassed by others, which is a common symptom in schizophrenia. In this scenario, the client's belief that her brain is controlled by the CIA aligns with persecutory delusions as she feels targeted or manipulated by an external entity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Somatic delusions involve false beliefs about one's body functions or sensations, paranoid delusions involve irrational suspicions and mistrust of others, and grandiose delusions involve exaggerated beliefs of one's importance or abilities.

2. At the first meeting of a group of older adults at a daycare center for the elderly, the LPN/LVN asks one of the members what kinds of things she would like to do with the group. The older woman shrugs her shoulders and says, 'You tell me, you're the leader.' What is the best response for the nurse to make?

• A. Yes, I am the leader today. Would you like to be the leader tomorrow?
• B. Yes, I will be leading this group. What would you like to accomplish during this time?
• C. Yes, I have been assigned to be the leader of this group. I will be here for the next six weeks.
• D. Yes, I am the leader. You seem angry about not being the leader yourself.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is choice B: 'Yes, I will be leading this group. What would you like to accomplish during this time?' This response acknowledges the member's comment and encourages her to share her interests, promoting engagement and active participation in group activities. Choice A is not as inclusive and may not foster collaboration within the group. Choice C focuses more on the nurse's assignment rather than addressing the member's input. Choice D assumes emotions that were not expressed by the group member and does not encourage open communication.

3. A client with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium. The nurse should monitor the client for which early sign of lithium toxicity?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Tremors
• C. Polyuria
• D. Blurred vision

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Diarrhea is an early sign of lithium toxicity. When a client being treated with lithium presents with diarrhea, it can indicate the beginning of lithium toxicity. Monitoring for this symptom is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity if not addressed promptly. Tremors (choice B) are more commonly associated with the therapeutic effects of lithium rather than toxicity. Polyuria (choice C) is a common side effect of lithium, but it is not typically an early sign of toxicity. Blurred vision (choice D) is not a common early sign of lithium toxicity. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours checking and rechecking the locks on the doors. What is the best nursing intervention?

• A. Allow the client to continue the behavior to reduce anxiety.
• B. Encourage the client to discuss the thoughts and feelings behind the behavior.
• C. Prevent the client from checking the locks to break the cycle.
• D. Schedule specific times for the client to check the locks.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best nursing intervention for a client with OCD who spends excessive time checking locks is to encourage the client to discuss the thoughts and feelings behind the behavior. By exploring the underlying anxiety and triggers, the client can gain insight and work towards behavior modification. Choice A is incorrect because enabling the behavior does not address the underlying issues. Choice C is incorrect as it may lead to increased anxiety and distress. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the root cause of the behavior.

5. A client with schizophrenia is being discharged with a prescription for risperidone (Risperdal). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?

• A. You need to have regular blood tests while taking this medication.
• B. Report any muscle stiffness or unusual movements immediately.
• C. Avoid foods high in tyramine while taking this medication.
• D. This medication may cause weight loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Report any muscle stiffness or unusual movements immediately." This information is crucial because muscle stiffness or unusual movements may indicate extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), a potential side effect of risperidone that requires immediate attention. Choice A is less critical as regular blood tests are important but not as urgent as identifying EPS. Choice C is irrelevant as tyramine interactions are not associated with risperidone. Choice D is incorrect as weight gain is more common than weight loss with risperidone.

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