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. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client with borderline personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should not be included in the plan of care?

• A. Set clear and consistent boundaries
• B. Encourage dependency on the healthcare professional
• C. Avoid discussing the client's feelings
• D. Use a firm, authoritative approach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a client with borderline personality disorder, it is essential to set clear and consistent boundaries, use a firm, authoritative approach, and provide opportunities for the client to express feelings. Encouraging dependency can reinforce maladaptive behaviors, while avoiding discussing feelings can hinder therapeutic progress in addressing underlying issues. Building a sense of dependency may exacerbate the client's difficulties in developing autonomy and self-reliance, which are crucial for their progress and recovery. Therefore, encouraging dependency is not a recommended intervention in the plan of care for clients with borderline personality disorder.

3. A client diagnosed with panic disorder is receiving discharge teaching from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
• B. I should take my medication only when I feel anxious.
• C. I should use relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
• D. I should avoid exercising to prevent triggering anxiety.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Avoiding caffeine and other stimulants is crucial for clients with panic disorder as these substances can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Caffeine can trigger or worsen anxiety, leading to increased heart rate and restlessness. By eliminating stimulants, the client can better manage their anxiety levels and reduce the risk of panic attacks. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking medication only when feeling anxious may lead to inconsistent treatment, using relaxation techniques alone may not be sufficient for managing panic disorder, and avoiding exercise can actually be counterproductive as regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

4. A 10-year-old boy breaks his mother's vase while playing. When the mother asks who broke the vase, the little boy says that his sister did it. The little boy is exhibiting which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Displacement
• C. Dissociation
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto another person. In this scenario, the little boy is projecting his actions onto his sister by falsely claiming she broke the vase. Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Dissociation is a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. Sublimation is the redirection of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

5. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed a benzodiazepine. The nurse should educate the patient that this medication is typically used for:

• A. For long-term maintenance therapy.
• B. As a first-line treatment.
• C. For short-term use due to the risk of dependence.
• D. To treat depression symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'For short-term use due to the risk of dependence.' Benzodiazepines are usually prescribed for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms due to the risk of dependence. Prolonged use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and other adverse effects, so they are not typically used for long-term maintenance therapy (choice A). They are not considered first-line treatments for panic disorder (choice B) and are not primarily used to treat depression symptoms (choice D), as their main indication is for anxiety and panic disorders.

Similar Questions