Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is caring for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which intervention is most appropriate to address the client's delusions?

• A. Challenge the client's delusions directly.
• B. Provide evidence to disprove the delusions.
• C. Acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusions.
• D. Ignore the client's delusions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the most appropriate intervention is to acknowledge the client's feelings without reinforcing the delusions. This approach helps maintain trust and communication, fostering a therapeutic relationship. Challenging the delusions directly can lead to increased distress and resistance from the client. Providing evidence to disprove the delusions may not be effective due to the deeply ingrained nature of the client's beliefs. Ignoring the delusions may make the client feel dismissed or unheard, which can hinder the therapeutic process.

2. A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which symptom would be considered a positive symptom of this disorder?

• A. Alogia
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Delusions
• D. Flat affect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Delusions are considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech or behavior. In contrast, negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, like alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and flat affect (reduced expression of emotions). Therefore, in the context of schizophrenia, delusions fall under the category of positive symptoms.

3. A client has experienced the death of a close family member and at the same time becomes unemployed. This situation has resulted in a 6-month score of 110 on the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. How should the nurse evaluate this client data?

• A. The client is experiencing severe distress and is at risk for physical and psychological illness.
• B. A score of 110 on the Miller and Rahe Recent Life Changes Questionnaire indicates no significant threat of stress-related illness.
• C. Susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be estimated without knowledge of coping resources and available supports.
• D. The client may view these losses as challenges and perceive them as opportunities.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire is an expanded version of the Schedule of Recent Experiences and the Rahe-Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale. A 6-month score of 300 or more, or a year-score total of 500 or more, indicates high stress in a client's life. However, susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be accurately estimated without considering the individual's coping resources and available support systems. Positive coping mechanisms and strong social support can mitigate the risk of stress-related illnesses even in the face of significant life changes and losses. Choice A is incorrect because it makes a definitive statement about the client's state without considering individual coping mechanisms and support. Choice B is incorrect because a score of 110 does not necessarily mean no threat of stress-related illness, as individual factors play a crucial role. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes a positive outlook without acknowledging the potential impact of the experienced losses on stress levels.

4. A client experiencing alcohol withdrawal is being cared for by a nurse. Which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address?

• A. Insomnia
• B. Nausea and vomiting
• C. Increased heart rate
• D. Tremors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased heart rate is a critical symptom to address in a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal as it can indicate potential cardiovascular complications. Monitoring and managing the increased heart rate promptly is essential to prevent adverse outcomes.

5. A healthcare provider is evaluating the effectiveness of medication therapy for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which outcome should indicate that the medication has been effective?

• A. The client reports a decrease in manic episodes.
• B. The client experiences fewer mood swings.
• C. The client sleeps for 8 hours each night.
• D. The client maintains a stable weight.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A decrease in manic episodes is a key indicator of the effectiveness of medication therapy for bipolar disorder. Manic episodes are a hallmark of bipolar disorder, and a decrease in their frequency or intensity suggests that the medication is helping to stabilize the client's mood and manage their symptoms. While choices B, C, and D are important aspects of overall health and well-being, they are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of medication therapy for bipolar disorder. Choice B focuses on mood swings in general, which may include depressive episodes as well, while choice C addresses sleep patterns and choice D relates to weight stability, which can be influenced by various factors unrelated to bipolar disorder treatment.

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