Nursing Elites

1. A client is diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

• A. Excessive worry about physical symptoms
• B. Fear of gaining weight
• C. Frequent visits to healthcare providers
• D. Persistent depressive mood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with somatic symptom disorder often exhibit frequent visits to healthcare providers due to their excessive worry about physical symptoms. They seek reassurance and explanations for their perceived medical issues, even when there is no organic basis for their complaints. This behavior is a characteristic feature of somatic symptom disorder and distinguishes it from other conditions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Excessive worry about physical symptoms may occur but it is not the primary behavior associated with this disorder. Fear of gaining weight is more characteristic of eating disorders, and persistent depressive mood is more indicative of mood disorders rather than somatic symptom disorder.

2. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with a phobia of flying?

• A. Exposure therapy
• B. Cognitive restructuring
• C. Medication management
• D. Psychoeducation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exposure therapy is considered the most appropriate intervention for a patient with a phobia of flying. This therapeutic approach involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared stimulus, in this case, flying, in a controlled and supportive environment. By facing the fear in a structured manner, the patient can learn to manage their anxiety response and eventually reduce their phobia-related symptoms. While cognitive restructuring may help change negative thought patterns and medication management can alleviate symptoms, exposure therapy is specifically designed to address phobias through systematic desensitization, making it the most suitable intervention in this scenario. Psychoeducation aims to provide information and support but may not directly target the phobia itself.

3. Which characteristic presents the greatest risk for injury to others in a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?

• A. Depersonalization
• B. Pressured speech
• C. Negative symptoms
• D. Paranoia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Paranoia in patients with schizophrenia can lead to aggressive behaviors, including violence, which poses a significant risk of injury to others. Individuals experiencing paranoia may perceive others as threats and act defensively or aggressively in response, increasing the likelihood of harm to those around them.

4. When assessing a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder who states, 'I feel like I can't go on,' which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer a prescribed antidepressant medication.
• B. Ask the client if they have a plan to commit suicide.
• C. Encourage the client to attend a support group.
• D. Contact the client's family to provide support.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to assess the client's risk for suicide. By asking if the client has a plan to commit suicide, the nurse can determine the immediate safety of the client and take appropriate interventions to prevent harm. Administering antidepressant medication is not the first action to take in this situation as assessing the client's safety is the priority. Encouraging the client to attend a support group or contacting the client's family, although beneficial, are not immediate actions to ensure the client's safety in a crisis situation.

5. A female patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been prescribed a first-generation antipsychotic medication. What information should the nurse provide to the patient regarding her signs and symptoms?

• A. Her memory problems will likely decrease.
• B. Depressive episodes should be less severe.
• C. She will probably enjoy social interactions more.
• D. She should experience a reduction in hallucinations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: First-generation antipsychotic medications are effective in reducing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. These medications primarily target positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, the nurse should inform the patient that she should experience a reduction in hallucinations with the prescribed first-generation antipsychotic medication.

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