Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and a nurse is providing care. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote the client's safety?

• A. Implement a no-harm contract with the client.
• B. Monitor the client closely for signs of self-harm.
• C. Encourage the client to participate in recreational activities.
• D. Encourage the client to maintain a structured daily routine.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing a no-harm contract is a crucial intervention for clients with borderline personality disorder as it helps establish an agreement between the client and the healthcare provider to abstain from self-harming behaviors. This contract aims to promote the client's safety by enhancing awareness and providing a structured approach in managing impulses and emotions.

2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Ask the client to describe the content of the hallucinations.
• B. Instruct the client to ignore the hallucinations.
• C. Administer prescribed antipsychotic medication.
• D. Engage the client in reality-based activities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial intervention for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations, especially in schizophrenia, is to assess the content of the hallucinations. By asking the client to describe the hallucinations, the nurse can determine if they are command hallucinations that might pose a risk. This assessment is crucial in guiding further appropriate interventions to ensure the client's safety and well-being. Instructing the client to ignore the hallucinations (Choice B) may not be effective, as the hallucinations are real to the client. Administering antipsychotic medication (Choice C) may be necessary but should come after assessing the situation. Engaging the client in reality-based activities (Choice D) is important but not the first priority when dealing with auditory hallucinations.

3. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which dietary advice should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
• B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
• C. Increase protein intake.
• D. Avoid foods high in fat.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed lithium should maintain a consistent salt intake. Fluctuations in salt intake can impact lithium levels, potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness of the medication. It is crucial for patients to adhere to a stable salt intake while taking lithium to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is more relevant for patients on MAOIs, not lithium. Increasing protein intake or avoiding foods high in fat are not specific dietary recommendations for patients taking lithium.

4. Which of the following therapies is considered the most effective for treating phobias?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• B. Psychoanalysis
• C. Medication management
• D. Group therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for phobias. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their phobias, leading to long-lasting improvement and symptom reduction. Unlike psychoanalysis, which focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts, CBT provides practical strategies to address phobias directly. Medication management may be used in conjunction with therapy but is not typically considered a standalone treatment for phobias. Group therapy can be beneficial for some individuals, but CBT is specifically tailored to target and alleviate phobia symptoms effectively.

5. A nursing student new to psychiatric-mental health nursing asks a peer what resources he can use to identify the symptoms present in a specific psychiatric disorder. The best answer would be:

• A. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC)
• B. Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC)
• C. NANDA-I nursing diagnoses
• D. DSM-5

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The DSM-5 is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals in the U.S. It provides criteria for diagnosing different psychiatric disorders based on symptoms and clinical observations. Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) are focused on nursing interventions and outcomes, respectively, while NANDA-I nursing diagnoses are related to identifying nursing problems and their contributing factors.

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