Nursing Elites

1. In an acute mental health facility, a nurse is communicating with a client. The client states, “I can’t sleep. I stay up all night.” The nurse responds, “You are having difficulty sleeping?” Which of the following therapeutic communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?

• A. Offering general leads
• B. Summarizing
• C. Focusing
• D. Restating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse is using the restating technique, where the nurse paraphrases or repeats the main idea expressed by the client to show understanding and encourage further communication. Restating helps clarify the client's message and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Choice A, offering general leads, involves encouraging the client to continue talking with nonverbal or minimal verbal prompts. Summarizing (Choice B) involves condensing and organizing the client's message. Focusing (Choice C) involves centering the conversation on a key element or topic.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
• B. Provide a safe, calm environment.
• C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
• D. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to provide a safe, calm environment. This action is crucial as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety and creates a sense of security, which can aid in managing the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, administering medication, or teaching deep breathing exercises can be beneficial interventions, but creating a safe and calm environment takes precedence in addressing the immediate needs of the patient during a panic attack.

3. What must be considered when preparing the teaching plan for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is being prescribed lithium therapy?

• A. Caffeine and alcohol can affect lithium levels.
• B. Lithium should be taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
• C. Regular blood tests are required to monitor lithium levels.
• D. Lithium can cause weight gain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing a teaching plan for a patient prescribed lithium therapy for bipolar disorder, it is crucial to emphasize the need for regular blood tests to monitor lithium levels. Monitoring levels is essential to ensure the drug's effectiveness and to manage potential side effects. While factors like caffeine and alcohol intake, taking lithium with meals, and the risk of weight gain may be relevant considerations, the primary focus should be on the necessity of regular blood tests for effective management of lithium therapy. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it addresses a critical aspect of lithium therapy management.

4. A patient with schizophrenia is being educated about the significance of medication adherence. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?

• A. I will take my medication only when I feel symptoms returning.
• B. I understand that taking my medication regularly is important to manage my symptoms.
• C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
• D. I should take my medication on an as-needed basis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because acknowledging the importance of consistently taking medication is crucial for effectively managing symptoms of schizophrenia. It is essential for patients with schizophrenia to adhere to their medication regimen to stabilize their condition and prevent symptom exacerbation. Waiting for symptoms to return before taking medication, stopping medication once feeling better, or taking medications on an as-needed basis are not recommended practices for managing schizophrenia effectively.

5. Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

• A. Sertraline
• B. Diazepam
• C. Methylphenidate
• D. Clozapine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Methylphenidate is the correct answer. It is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in attention and impulse control. Sertraline is an antidepressant used for depression, anxiety, and other conditions, not ADHD. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine mainly prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, not ADHD. Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used for schizophrenia when other medications are ineffective, not for ADHD.

Similar Questions