Nursing Elites

1. Jerry is a 55-year-old veteran who has been admitted after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries. His friend reported that he had been using synthetic marijuana prior to the accident, and that he also sees a psychiatrist at the VA hospital for an unknown diagnosis. He stated that Jerry sometimes gets "hyper"? for no reason, starts "ranting"? and becomes violent. Of the following, which general psychiatric disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• C. Bipolar disorder
• D. Delusional disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bipolar disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes. This disorder is highly co-morbid with substance use, which can worsen the prognosis. While schizophrenia may involve aggression, it is not typically associated with mood episodes like mania that characterize bipolar disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal, but not the distinct mood episodes seen in bipolar disorder. Delusional disorder is characterized by fixed false beliefs without the mood changes seen in bipolar disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is Bipolar disorder.

2. During her shift at the hospital, a nurse receives a stern reprimand from a physician over something over which she had no control. The nurse does not respond. When she returns home that evening, she sees her children's toys all over the floor, gets mad, and begins to yell at them. Which form of defense mechanism is this nurse using?

• A. Symbolization
• B. Suppression
• C. Displacement
• D. Projection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Displacement is the process of redirecting feelings or impulses from one person to another. In this scenario, the nurse chose not to respond to the physician, but instead displaced her negative emotions onto her children, who are less threatening and more vulnerable. This defense mechanism allowed her to express her anger in a safer outlet. Symbolization involves representing unconscious feelings or impulses through symbols, not redirecting them. Suppression is the conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts or feelings out of awareness, not displacing them onto others. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or emotions to someone else, which is not evident in this case.

3. On her first visit to the neonatal intensive care unit to see her preterm newborn, the mother's only comment to the nurse is, 'My baby looks so fragile. Do you think my child will make it?' Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. "Many infants born as small as yours have done just fine."
• B. "The staff is confident in your child's prognosis because preterm babies do look like this at first."
• C. "It's understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
• D. "Your baby is not as fragile as it appears. Do you find it so frightening that you can't touch your child?"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's response should aim to convey acceptance and encourage the mother to express her concerns. By saying, "It's understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?", the nurse acknowledges the mother's feelings and prompts her to share her understanding, fostering further communication and addressing any misconceptions. Choices A and B dismiss the mother's concerns by making general statements and do not encourage dialogue. Choice D implies judgment and may deter the mother from opening up about her fears.

4. Which statement regarding an interpreter is correct?

• A. Relatives or friends of the client cannot serve as interpreters.
• B. The interpreter should aim to convey meaning rather than provide literal translations.
• C. Interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important.
• D. The interpreter should be available only during client-provider communication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important. Health care facilities should provide professional interpreters to ensure accurate communication with clients who do not speak English proficiently. It is crucial for interpreters to understand and convey cultural nuances to prevent misunderstandings. Relatives or friends of the client should not serve as interpreters as they may not be impartial or adequately skilled. Providing literal word-for-word translations is not always effective as it may not capture the intended meaning. Interpreters should be available throughout the client's care process, not just during direct communication, to ensure effective and culturally sensitive care.

5. Which response would the nurse make to a client with borderline personality disorder who receives the wrong tray for lunch and becomes upset at the dietary staff regarding this mistake?

• A. 'Getting angry is not appropriate; let's address this calmly.''
• B. ''Yelling is not acceptable and won't help us resolve this issue.''
• C. 'You must eat the first tray of food, and then I'll get another tray for you.''
• D. 'It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response from the nurse would be, ''It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.'' When interacting with clients with borderline personality disorder, it is crucial for nurses to acknowledge the client's emotions empathetically and provide constructive solutions. While expressing anger is understandable, guiding the client towards a more constructive approach is essential. Yelling is not a helpful way to address the situation and threatening seclusion is inappropriate. Additionally, instructing the client to eat the first tray before receiving another one is punitive and disregards the client's preferences and rights.

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