Nursing Elites

1. The nurse who was not promoted then went to the utility room and slammed several cupboard doors while looking for Kleenex. This behavior exemplifies:

• A. displacement.
• B. sublimation
• C. conversion.
• D. reaction formation.

Correct answer: A.

Rationale: Displacement unconsciously transfers emotions associated with a person, object, or situation to another less threatening person, object, or situation. In this scenario, the nurse slammed doors instead of expressing anger towards the promoted nurse or the administrator who made the promotion decision. Sublimation is the unconscious process of substituting constructive activity for unacceptable impulses. Since slamming cupboard doors is not a constructive activity, this choice is incorrect. Conversion involves transforming anxiety into physical symptoms, which is not demonstrated in the given behavior. Reaction formation keeps unacceptable feelings or behaviors out of awareness by displaying the opposite feeling or behavior, which is not the case here.

2. A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:

• A. the client's body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug to produce the same effect.
• B. the client is preoccupied with getting the drug and is experiencing loss of control, indicating drug dependence.
• C. addiction is the term used to describe physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance.
• D. the client has a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and chronic back pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Drug tolerance is characterized by the ability to ingest a larger dose without adverse effects and decreased sensitivity to the substance. In this scenario, the client needing an increased dose of hydrocodone to achieve the same pain relief indicates tolerance developing, not addiction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes drug dependence, where the individual is preoccupied with the drug and has a loss of control. Choice C is incorrect because addiction involves psychological behaviors related to substance use, not just physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a dual diagnosis, which is the coexistence of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, not the development of tolerance to a drug.

3. The child with seizure disorder is being treated with Dilantin (phenytoin). Which of the following statements by the patient's mother indicates to the nurse that the patient is experiencing a side effect of Dilantin therapy?

• A. "She is very irritable lately."?
• B. "She sleeps quite a bit of the time."?
• C. "Her gums look too big for her teeth."?
• D. "She has gained about 10 pounds in the last 6 months."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is '"Her gums look too big for her teeth."?' Hyperplasia of the gums is a known side effect associated with Dilantin therapy. Option A, '"She is very irritable lately,"?' is not a typical side effect of Dilantin. Option B, '"She sleeps quite a bit of the time,"?' is a common side effect of Dilantin but not specific to gum hyperplasia. Option D, '"She has gained about 10 pounds in the last 6 months,"?' is not typically associated with Dilantin therapy and is unrelated to the question.

4. What is a common characteristic of a batterer?

• A. Grew up in a loving, secure home
• B. Was an only child
• C. Was physically or psychologically abused
• D. Admits they have a problem with anger

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that a batterer is typically someone who was physically or psychologically abused. Research shows that many individuals who engage in abusive behavior report a history of being abused themselves. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While it is possible for a batterer to have grown up in a loving, secure home, been an only child, or acknowledge their anger issues, the most common factor associated with becoming a batterer is a history of being abused.

5. When working with a client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder who frequently attempts self-harm, what is the best intervention to facilitate behavior change?

• A. Constantly observing the client to prevent self-harm.
• B. Enlisting the client in defining and describing harmful behaviors.
• C. Checking on the client every 15 minutes to ensure they are not engaging in harmful behavior.
• D. Removing all items from the environment that the client could use to harm themselves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention when working with clients who have a history of self-harm, like the client diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, is to involve them actively in their treatment. By enlisting the client to define and describe the harmful behaviors, the client becomes an integral part of identifying triggers and understanding the underlying causes of their actions. This approach empowers the client, promotes self-awareness, and fosters a sense of control over their behaviors. Constantly observing the client (Choice A) may lead to a lack of trust and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Checking on the client every 15 minutes (Choice C) may disrupt the client's sense of autonomy and privacy. Removing all items from the environment that could be used for self-harm (Choice D) is a temporary solution and does not address the root causes of the behavior.

Similar Questions