Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is teaching a patient about relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Which technique is the healthcare professional most likely to recommend?

• A. Deep breathing exercises
• B. Physical exercise
• C. Mindfulness meditation
• D. Journaling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deep breathing exercises are a widely recommended technique for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By focusing on deep, slow breaths, individuals can activate the body's relaxation response, leading to decreased anxiety levels and an overall sense of calm. This technique is easy to learn, can be practiced anywhere, and is often suggested by healthcare professionals as a first-line approach for anxiety management. Physical exercise, mindfulness meditation, and journaling are also beneficial for mental well-being but may not be the first choice when specifically targeting acute anxiety management.

2. A client is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How should the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?

• A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
• B. The client's behaviors are extensive, indicating the presence of mental illness.
• C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
• D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should interpret the client's behaviors as not indicative of mental illness. The client is experiencing normal feelings of sadness following the loss of a pet, and the fact that the client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine remain unchanged suggests no functional impairment. It is essential to recognize that experiencing occasional feelings of sadness in response to a significant life event, such as the death of a pet, does not necessarily signify mental illness, especially when there is no significant impairment in daily functioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly suggest that the client's behaviors indicate mental illness, which is not the case in this context.

3. Which of the following interventions should not be implemented for a client with anorexia nervosa?

• A. Monitor daily caloric intake and weight
• B. Establish a structured eating plan
• C. Encourage the client to exercise
• D. Provide liquid supplements as prescribed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Interventions for a client with anorexia nervosa should focus on monitoring daily caloric intake and weight, establishing a structured eating plan, providing liquid supplements as prescribed, and offering rewards for weight gain. Encouraging exercise is not recommended as it can worsen the condition by increasing energy expenditure and potentially reinforcing unhealthy behaviors associated with anorexia nervosa.

4. Kyle, a patient with schizophrenia, began taking the first-generation antipsychotic haloperidol (Haldol) last week. One day you find him sitting very stiffly and not moving. He is diaphoretic, and when you ask if he is okay, he seems unable to respond verbally. His vital signs are: BP 170/100, P 110, T 104.2°F. What is the priority nursing intervention? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Hold his medication and contact his prescriber.
• B. Wipe him with a washcloth wet with cold water or alcohol.
• C. Administer a medication such as benztropine IM to correct this dystonic reaction.
• D. Reassure him that although there is no treatment for his tardive dyskinesia, it will pass.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient's symptoms, including stiffness, diaphoresis, inability to respond verbally, and vital sign abnormalities, are indicative of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect of antipsychotic medications. Administering a medication such as benztropine intramuscularly is the priority to address the dystonic reaction associated with NMS. This intervention can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications. Holding the medication and contacting the prescriber may be necessary but addressing the acute symptoms takes precedence. Wiping the patient with a cold washcloth or alcohol would not address the underlying medical emergency. Reassuring the patient about tardive dyskinesia is irrelevant and not the immediate concern in this scenario.

5. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed quetiapine. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hair loss
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect of quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic. Quetiapine can lead to metabolic changes that may result in weight gain. Monitoring weight regularly is essential to address this potential side effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Quetiapine is not typically associated with hypertension, hair loss, or hyperthyroidism as common side effects.

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