Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which is an appropriate short-term goal for the client?

• A. The client will report a decrease in depressive symptoms.
• B. The client will establish a sleep routine.
• C. The client will improve social interactions.
• D. The client will set realistic goals for the future.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting a goal for the client to report a decrease in depressive symptoms is appropriate as it is specific, measurable, and achievable in the short term. Monitoring changes in depressive symptoms provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the treatment plan. While establishing a sleep routine, improving social interactions, and setting realistic goals for the future are important aspects of recovery, they are more suitable as intermediate or long-term goals. In the context of short-term goals, focusing on symptom reduction can provide immediate feedback on the client's progress and help adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

2. When assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode, which of the following findings should the nurse not expect?

• A. Low energy
• B. Feelings of hopelessness
• C. Insomnia or hypersomnia
• D. Difficulty concentrating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client experiencing a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, common findings include low energy, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia or hypersomnia, and decreased appetite. Difficulty concentrating is more indicative of attention deficit disorders or cognitive impairment rather than a typical presentation of a depressive episode in bipolar disorder.

3. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would the nurse most likely observe?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Excessive worry
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a characteristic feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, health, or family, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical in conditions like schizophrenia, while compulsive behaviors are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, in the context of GAD, excessive worry is the symptom that the nurse is most likely to observe.

4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. The nurse understands that buspirone is different from benzodiazepines because it:

• A. Has a high potential for abuse.
• B. Works immediately to relieve anxiety.
• C. Does not cause sedation.
• D. Is used for short-term treatment only.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Buspirone is different from benzodiazepines because it does not cause sedation. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone has a lower potential for abuse and does not cause the sedative effects commonly seen with benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines may work immediately to relieve anxiety, buspirone may take longer to show its therapeutic effects. Additionally, buspirone is not limited to short-term treatment only, making it a preferred choice in patients where sedation is a concern or in those with a history of substance abuse.

5. When assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Amenorrhea
• B. Lanugo
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, expected findings include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa; instead, hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, is more common. Hypokalemia can result from decreased intake of potassium-rich foods or excessive purging behaviors commonly seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

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