Nursing Elites

1. During a mental health assessment, a patient states, 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore.' This statement is an indication of which of the following?

• A. Anxiety disorder
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Depression
• D. Schizophrenia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient's statement 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore' reflects feelings of hopelessness and a lack of purpose, which are common symptoms of depression. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. While anxiety disorders can involve excessive worry and fear, bipolar disorder includes episodes of both depression and mania, and schizophrenia typically involves symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, depression is the most appropriate choice based on the patient's statement.

2. After Natasha's husband passed away two months ago, she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?

• A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
• B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
• C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
• D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is common for major depressive disorder to be triggered by significant life events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is correct. Bereavement and major depressive disorder are related but distinct conditions, and while mourning can be intense, it is generally considered a normal response to loss. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial in treating depression, including cases triggered by a significant loss.

3. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performs hand washing repeatedly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Restricting the patient from washing hands
• B. Setting strict limits on the patient's hand washing
• C. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
• D. Ignoring the patient's behavior

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with OCD who repetitively performs hand washing. This intervention provides structure by allowing the patient to engage in the behavior at designated times, helping to reduce the compulsion gradually. Restricting or setting strict limits may increase anxiety and worsen the condition, while ignoring the behavior does not address the underlying issue of OCD.

4. What is the primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders?

• A. It focuses on long-term use of medications.
• B. It helps patients understand and change their thought patterns.
• C. It primarily addresses childhood traumas.
• D. It encourages patients to avoid anxiety-provoking situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders is that it helps patients understand and change their thought patterns. By addressing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors, CBT can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve coping mechanisms. This approach empowers individuals to develop healthier responses to anxiety triggers, leading to long-lasting benefits beyond solely relying on medications or avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because CBT does not primarily focus on long-term use of medications, addressing childhood traumas, or encouraging avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations. While medications may be used in conjunction with CBT, the main focus of CBT is on cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

5. In an outpatient mental health clinic, a nurse is preparing to conduct an initial client interview. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a priority?

• A. Coordinate holistic care with social services
• B. Identify the client’s perception of their mental health status
• C. Include the client’s family in the interview
• D. Educate the client about their current mental health disorder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During an initial client interview in a mental health clinic, it is essential for the nurse to prioritize identifying the client’s perception of their mental health status. Understanding how the client views their mental health can provide valuable insights into their condition, concerns, and needs, facilitating the development of a tailored and effective care plan. Coordinating holistic care with social services, including the client’s family in the interview, and educating the client about their current mental health disorder are important aspects of care but may not be the priority during the initial interview, where understanding the client's own perspective is crucial.

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