Nursing Elites

1. What information should the nurse provide in patient education for a patient prescribed sertraline for major depressive disorder?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. It may take several weeks to feel the full effect.
• C. Avoid consuming grapefruit while taking this medication.
• D. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed sertraline for major depressive disorder should be educated that it may take several weeks before experiencing the full therapeutic effects of the medication. This delay in onset of action is common with antidepressants like sertraline, and patients need to be aware of this to manage their expectations and continue with the treatment regimen. It's important for the patient to understand that consistent adherence to the prescribed dosage is crucial, even if the full effects are not immediately apparent. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking the medication with food, avoiding grapefruit, and regular blood tests are not specific education points related to the expected timeframe for therapeutic effects of sertraline.

2. Therapeutic communication is the foundation of a patient-centered interview. Which of the following techniques is not considered therapeutic?

• A. Restating
• B. Encouraging description of perception
• C. Summarizing
• D. Asking 'why' questions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Asking 'why' questions is not considered a therapeutic technique in patient-centered communication as it can make patients feel defensive or judged. 'Why' questions may imply criticism or put the patient on the spot, potentially hindering open and honest communication. Instead, focusing on open-ended questions that encourage patients to express their feelings and thoughts without feeling judged or interrogated is more conducive to therapeutic communication.

3. A client is diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which question will help the nurse develop nursing diagnoses for this client’s plan of care?

• A. Are you satisfied with your appearance?
• B. Do you take medication for anxiety as prescribed?
• C. When did you last feel detached from your environment?
• D. How long have you had these memory problems?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with somatic symptom disorder, it is crucial to assess their adherence to medication for anxiety as prescribed. This question helps the nurse understand the client's treatment compliance, which can impact the development of nursing diagnoses and the overall plan of care. Monitoring medication adherence is essential in managing the client's symptoms and improving outcomes.

4. A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to suppress compulsive behaviors.
• B. Set strict limits on the amount of time the client can engage in compulsive behaviors.
• C. Allow the client to perform compulsive behaviors as needed.
• D. Gradually limit the amount of time allotted for compulsive behaviors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In caring for a client with OCD, it is essential to gradually limit the time allotted for compulsive behaviors. This intervention helps the client develop alternative coping mechanisms. Encouraging suppression or setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors can exacerbate the client's anxiety, making it crucial to approach the care plan with a gradual reduction strategy. Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors as needed does not promote progress towards managing OCD symptoms and may reinforce maladaptive patterns of behavior.

5. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder has been admitted to the psychiatric unit after a suicide attempt. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage the client to express feelings about the suicide attempt.
• B. Place the client on one-to-one observation.
• C. Discuss the client's feelings about the suicide attempt.
• D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial priority for the nurse is to ensure the safety of the client. Placing the client on one-to-one observation allows for constant monitoring and intervention if there are any signs of self-harm or a worsening condition. This immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further harm. Options A, C, and D involve therapeutic communication and interventions, which are important but should come after ensuring the client's safety.

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