Nursing Elites

1. In dissociative identity disorder, a patient exhibits different personalities, each with distinct behaviors and memories. The nurse recognizes that this fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for:

• A. Current stressors
• B. Developmental issues
• C. Traumatic experiences
• D. Family dynamics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In dissociative identity disorder, the fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for traumatic experiences. Individuals may develop different identities to help them manage and cope with overwhelming and traumatic events from their past. These distinct personalities often emerge as a way to protect the individual from the emotional pain associated with their traumatic experiences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dissociative identity disorder is primarily associated with coping mechanisms related to past traumatic experiences, rather than current stressors, developmental issues, or family dynamics.

2. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
• B. Provide a safe, calm environment.
• C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
• D. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to provide a safe, calm environment. This action is crucial as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety and creates a sense of security, which can aid in managing the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, administering medication, or teaching deep breathing exercises can be beneficial interventions, but creating a safe and calm environment takes precedence in addressing the immediate needs of the patient during a panic attack.

3. The school staff has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer ‘locking up’ other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The staff recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

• A. The need to dominate others
• B. Inventing traumatic events
• C. A need to develop close relationships
• D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: This behavior of playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of causing fear may suggest that the child is displaying potential symptoms of traumatization. It could indicate that the child has experienced or witnessed traumatic events, leading to the replication of such scenarios as a coping mechanism or way to process the trauma. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the behavior described is more indicative of a potential trauma response rather than a need to dominate others, invent traumatic events, or develop close relationships.

4. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client who has a mental health disorder. Which of the following actions should the professional include as a psychobiological intervention?

• A. Assist the client with systematic desensitization therapy
• B. Teach the client appropriate coping mechanisms
• C. Assess the client for comorbid health conditions
• D. Monitor the client for adverse effects of medications

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring the client for adverse effects of medications is considered a psychobiological intervention because it involves the physiological aspect of mental health treatment. It focuses on the biological impact of medications on the client's mental health condition, emphasizing the interplay between biological and psychological factors in managing mental health disorders. Choices A, B, and C are not psychobiological interventions. Choice A, systematic desensitization therapy, is a psychological intervention aimed at reducing anxiety by gradually exposing the client to feared stimuli. Choice B, teaching appropriate coping mechanisms, is a psychosocial intervention focusing on behavioral strategies to manage stress. Choice C, assessing for comorbid health conditions, pertains to identifying other medical issues that may coexist with the mental health disorder but does not directly address the biological effects of medications on mental health.

5. What is the primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias?

• A. To eliminate the phobia completely
• B. To gradually reduce the patient’s fear and anxiety
• C. To teach the patient relaxation techniques
• D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias is to gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety. Exposure therapy involves exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner to help them confront their fears and learn that the perceived threat is not as harmful as initially believed. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to a decrease in anxiety and fear responses, helping the individual manage and overcome their phobia. Choice A is incorrect because exposure therapy aims to reduce fear and anxiety, not necessarily eliminate the phobia completely. Choice C is incorrect as although relaxation techniques might be part of the therapy, the primary goal is fear reduction. Choice D is incorrect as exposure therapy typically involves gradual exposure rather than providing immediate relief.

Similar Questions