Nursing Elites

1. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect of this medication?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as it is a common side effect of this medication. Weight gain can occur due to metabolic changes and increased appetite associated with risperidone use. Agranulocytosis is a severe decrease in a type of white blood cells, and it is not a common side effect of risperidone. Hair loss and hyperthyroidism are also not typically associated with risperidone use.

2. A psychiatric nurse observes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia is pacing up and down the corridor. The client is muttering to himself, and his hands are trembling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the client if he is hearing voices.
• B. Offer the client a PRN medication for anxiety.
• C. Encourage the client to participate in a relaxation exercise.
• D. Remove the client to a quieter environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first action the nurse should take is to remove the client to a quieter environment. This intervention aims to reduce stimuli that may be contributing to the client's agitation and help create a calmer and more supportive setting for the client. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as addressing the environmental factors should come first before exploring symptoms, offering medication, or engaging in relaxation exercises.

3. What principle about patient-nurse communication should guide a nurse's fear of saying the wrong thing to a patient?

• A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
• B. Patients are more interested in conversing with you than in hearing your perspective, making offense unlikely.
• C. Considering the patient's background, the likelihood of the comment causing harm is minimal.
• D. Individuals with mental illness often possess a heightened capacity for forgiveness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Patients value interactions with healthcare providers who express genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their well-being. By focusing on conveying these qualities, a nurse can help alleviate fears of saying the wrong thing as patients appreciate the sincerity and empathy in the communication. This approach fosters trust and a positive therapeutic relationship, enhancing the effectiveness of patient-nurse communication.

4. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'You are the only one who understands me. The other nurses don't care about me.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Why do you feel that way?
• B. The other nurses care about you too.
• C. You shouldn't say things like that.
• D. I think you are overreacting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide support while also emphasizing that all staff members care about the client's well-being. Choice A does not acknowledge the client's emotions and may come across as dismissive. Choice C invalidates the client's feelings and may make the client feel misunderstood. Choice D minimizes the client's emotions, which can lead to a breakdown in therapeutic communication. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate response as it validates the client's feelings while reinforcing the idea that the entire healthcare team is supportive.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• B. Lack of empathy
• C. Need for excessive admiration
• D. Envy of others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with narcissistic personality disorder often exhibit a grandiose sense of self-importance, believing they are special and unique. This behavior is characterized by an exaggerated sense of achievements and talents, expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements. While individuals with this disorder may lack empathy and have a need for excessive admiration, the prominent feature of grandiosity is a core aspect of narcissistic personality disorder. Therefore, the correct behavior expected in this case is a grandiose sense of self-importance (Choice A). Lack of empathy (Choice B) and need for excessive admiration (Choice C) are also common traits in narcissistic personality disorder, but they are not the primary behavior associated with the disorder. Envy of others (Choice D) is not a characteristic behavior typically seen in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder.

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