Nursing Elites

1. According to psychodynamic theory, what purpose do delusions serve?

• A. Delusions are a defense against anxiety caused by real or imagined threats.
• B. Magical thinking is a delusion that ensures desirable outcomes.
• C. Delusions are a method of dealing with and interpreting external stimuli.
• D. Subconsciously, delusions are a way to safely express anger and hostility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to psychodynamic theory, delusions serve as a defense mechanism against anxiety triggered by real or perceived threats. Delusions are the individual's unconscious way of protecting themselves from overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Magical thinking, on the other hand, involves believing that one's thoughts can influence external events. This is not the same as delusions. Delusions are not a way of interpreting external stimuli but rather a defense mechanism. Expressing anger and hostility is typically associated with defense mechanisms like displacement or projection, not delusions.

2. Which characteristic would be a concern for the nurse when caring for a client with schizophrenia in the early phase of treatment?

• A. Continual pacing
• B. Suspicious feelings
• C. Inability to socialize with others
• D. Disturbed relationship with the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the early phase of treatment for a client with schizophrenia, the nurse needs to address the client's suspicious feelings to establish trust and create a therapeutic environment. Suspicious feelings can hinder the development of a positive nurse-client relationship. Continual pacing, while a symptom, can be managed by the nurse and does not directly impact the therapeutic relationship. Inability to socialize with others and a disturbed relationship with the family are important factors but are of lesser concern in the early treatment phase as compared to addressing suspicious feelings to build trust and rapport.

3. A 17-year-old Asian client is being seen for lower abdominal pain in the right quadrant. The client is accompanied by his parents. The nurse notes that the client's father does not make eye contact and shows little response when told that the client will need surgery. Which of the following is the most appropriate action of the nurse?

• A. Contact an interpreter to give the information again in the father's native language
• B. Continue to provide information about surgery to both the client and his parents
• C. Call social services to evaluate the parent's standard of care
• D. Contact the physician about postponing the surgery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nurses may work with clients who have varying cultural beliefs. Because of this, nurses must remain aware of the cultural practices associated with certain ethnic groups. Asian Americans may avoid eye contact as a sign of respect; additionally, emotional responses may be avoided except for in private situations. If this family did not have a language barrier, the nurse should continue to provide appropriate information about the surgery and recognize the cultural differences that exist. Contacting an interpreter is not necessary as there was no mention of a language barrier. Calling social services to evaluate the parent's standard of care is premature and not within the nurse's immediate scope of practice. Contacting the physician about postponing the surgery is not warranted based on the information provided.

4. Which therapeutic technique can the nurse use when an anxious client exhibits pressured and rambling speech?

• A. Touch
• B. Silence
• C. Focusing
• D. Summarizing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Focusing is the appropriate therapeutic technique to use when an anxious client exhibits pressured and rambling speech. By focusing on one specific aspect, the intended meaning is easier to understand and helps the client stay on track. Touch is not recommended in this scenario as it can invade the client's personal space and potentially increase anxiety. Silence may allow the client to continue rambling without addressing the underlying concerns. Summarizing requires the identification and exploration of the client's concerns, which may be challenging when the speech is pressured and disorganized.

5. A client decides to have hospice care rather than undergo an extensive surgical procedure. Which ethical principle does the client's behavior illustrate?

• A. Justice
• B. Veracity
• C. Autonomy
• D. Beneficence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Autonomy.' Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own care. In this scenario, the client is choosing hospice care over surgery, demonstrating their autonomy in making healthcare choices. Justice involves fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and services, which is not the primary ethical principle illustrated in this case. Veracity pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which is not directly related to the client's decision-making process. Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient, which is not the central ethical principle demonstrated by the client's decision for hospice care.

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