Nursing Elites

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

• A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
• B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
• C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
• D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to encourage them to focus on deep breathing exercises. This intervention helps the patient manage the physiological symptoms of a panic attack by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperventilation, which are common during such episodes. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate breathing patterns and alleviate feelings of anxiety and panic.

2. Luc’s family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated, and they suspect he is in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?

• A. Hypodermic needles
• B. Fast food wrappers
• C. Empty soda cans
• D. Energy drink containers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The medic is most likely counting energy drink containers. Energy drink containers could indicate high caffeine intake, which can exacerbate manic episodes by increasing agitation and exacerbating symptoms in individuals with mood disorders.

3. Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?

• A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
• B. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
• C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
• D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.

4. A healthcare provider is developing a care plan for a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should be included to help the patient manage flashbacks?

• A. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly.
• B. Teaching the patient grounding techniques.
• C. Encouraging the patient to use relaxation techniques.
• D. Helping the patient develop a safety plan.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Teaching grounding techniques is an effective intervention for managing flashbacks in patients with PTSD. Grounding techniques help individuals focus on the present moment, which can reduce the intensity of flashbacks and promote a sense of safety and stability.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which finding suggests the patient is experiencing a manic episode?

• A. Decreased need for sleep
• B. Feelings of worthlessness
• C. Increased need for sleep
• D. Avoidance of social interactions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder, they often experience a decreased need for sleep. This symptom is characterized by feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep, or even feeling like they can go without sleep for extended periods without feeling tired. The increased energy levels and racing thoughts during a manic episode contribute to the decreased need for sleep.

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