Nursing Elites

1. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tells the nurse, 'I know my behavior is unreasonable, but I can't help it.' What response should the nurse provide?

• A. Your behavior is part of your illness, and it is important to work on changing it.
• B. It is important to understand why you feel the need to perform these behaviors.
• C. Let's figure out a way for you to control these behaviors.
• D. It sounds like you are feeling powerless to change your behavior.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client's awareness of the irrationality of their behavior and the feeling of powerlessness to change it. By reflecting the client's feelings, the nurse validates them and opens a discussion on strategies to manage the behavior effectively. Empathy and understanding are key in supporting clients with OCD. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses more on changing the behavior rather than acknowledging the client's feelings. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's sense of powerlessness. Choice C is incorrect as it doesn't validate the client's feelings of being unable to control the behaviors.

2. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends several hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to wash her hands less frequently.
• B. Set a time limit for hand washing.
• C. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
• D. Discourage the client from washing her hands.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an appropriate intervention for a client with OCD who spends excessive time on this compulsive behavior. By setting a time limit, the nurse can help the client gradually reduce the compulsive behavior, promoting a more manageable approach to hand washing without completely discouraging it. Encouraging the client to wash her hands less frequently (Choice A) may not address the root of the issue and could lead to increased anxiety. Teaching relaxation techniques (Choice C) may be helpful for overall anxiety management but may not directly address the excessive hand washing behavior. Discouraging the client from washing her hands (Choice D) may increase anxiety and resistance, making it a less effective intervention.

3. A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, 'I know she wants me.' This statement reflects which defense mechanism?

• A. Displacement
• B. Projection
• C. Rationalization
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. The nurse should determine that the client's statement reflects the defense mechanism of projection. Projection involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person. By projecting these feelings onto someone else, the individual reduces their own anxiety. Displacement involves transferring feelings from one target to another, not attributing them to another person. Rationalization involves making excuses to justify behavior, not attributing feelings to others. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable drives or impulses into more constructive and acceptable activities, not attributing feelings to another person.

4. Which of the following is a negative symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Delusions
• C. Alogia
• D. Paranoia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Alogia, also known as poverty of speech, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia. It refers to a reduction in the amount of speech or the feeling that one has nothing to say. Hallucinations and delusions are positive symptoms, characterized by the presence of abnormal experiences and beliefs. Paranoia is a symptom involving intense anxious or fearful feelings, which is not classified as a negative symptom of schizophrenia.

5. A client has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse avoid implementing?

• A. Encourage the client to express their feelings
• B. Monitor daily caloric intake and weight
• C. Promote regular physical activity
• D. Discourage the use of caffeine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it is important to encourage the client to express their feelings, promote regular physical activity, and discourage the use of caffeine. Addressing weight and caloric intake monitoring may exacerbate anxiety related to body image, and focusing on these aspects can be distressing for the client. Therefore, monitoring daily caloric intake and weight should be avoided in this scenario.

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