Nursing Elites

1. The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question shouldn't the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate?

• A. Is the patient expressing suicidal thoughts?
• B. Does the patient have intact judgment and insight into his situation?
• C. Does the patient have experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities?
• D. Does the patient require a therapeutic environment to support the management of psychotic symptoms?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing suicidal thoughts, judgment, insight, and the need for a therapeutic environment are crucial factors in determining the appropriate treatment setting for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Past experiences with mental healthcare facilities do not play a direct role in deciding between a community outpatient or inpatient setting.

2. When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?

• A. Provide a well-lit environment.
• B. Administer antipsychotic medication as prescribed.
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs closely.
• D. Encourage the client to express their feelings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is essential during alcohol withdrawal as it can help them cope with the emotional and psychological stress associated with the process. This intervention promotes open communication, allows the client to verbalize their emotions, and may prevent escalating anxiety or agitation, ultimately reducing the risk of complications. Providing a well-lit environment (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing complications of alcohol withdrawal. Administering antipsychotic medication (Choice B) is not the standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal; medications such as benzodiazepines are more commonly used. While monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important, encouraging the client to express their feelings (Choice D) directly addresses emotional well-being, which is crucial during this vulnerable time.

3. A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) states, 'I just can't stop worrying about everything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this client?

• A. Ineffective coping
• B. Disturbed thought processes
• C. Chronic low self-esteem
• D. Social isolation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who expresses an inability to stop worrying about everything is 'Ineffective coping.' This diagnosis indicates the client's struggle to manage anxiety and worry effectively, which aligns with the client's statement. 'Disturbed thought processes' (Choice B) would involve disorganized or irrational thinking patterns, which are not directly related to the client's statement about excessive worry. 'Chronic low self-esteem' (Choice C) refers to a long-standing negative self-evaluation and is not the most fitting diagnosis for the client's current concern. 'Social isolation' (Choice D) pertains to a lack of social interactions and support, which is not the primary issue highlighted by the client's statement.

4. In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?

• A. Learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
• B. Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system
• C. Abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; developing alternative coping skills
• D. Abstinence and development of a support system; learning about dependence and recovery; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.

5. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address?

• A. Tremors
• B. Nausea and vomiting
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Insomnia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During alcohol withdrawal, increased blood pressure is a critical symptom that requires immediate attention. Elevated blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular events or stroke. Monitoring and managing blood pressure in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Tremors, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as increased blood pressure. Therefore, addressing increased blood pressure takes precedence in the management of a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

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