Nursing Elites

1. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

• A. The need to dominate others
• B. Inventing traumatic events
• C. A need to develop close relationships
• D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.

2. Why is the DSM-5 useful in the practice of psychiatric nursing?

• A. It guides the nurse in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses.
• B. It represents progress toward a more holistic view of mind and body.
• C. It provides a framework for interdisciplinary communication.
• D. It provides a template for nursing care plans.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The DSM-5 is a crucial tool in psychiatric nursing as it guides nurses in making accurate and reliable medical diagnoses of mental health conditions. Using the DSM-5 ensures that diagnoses are standardized, improving the quality and precision of care for clients. While the DSM-5 also supports a holistic view, interdisciplinary communication, and care plan development, its primary role in psychiatric nursing is to assist clinicians in diagnosing mental health conditions accurately.

3. In pediatric mental health, there is a lack of sufficient numbers of community-based resources and providers, and there are long waiting lists for services. This has resulted in: Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Children of color and poor economic conditions being underserved
• B. Increased stress in the family unit
• C. Markedly increased funding
• D. Premature termination of services

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The lack of resources in pediatric mental health leads to underserved populations, increased stress in the family unit, and premature termination of services. However, markedly increased funding does not align with the negative consequences of resource shortages; instead, it would be a potential solution to address the lack of resources and providers in pediatric mental health.

4. What intervention should the nurse implement for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performing ritualistic handwashing?

• A. Allow the client to continue the ritualistic behavior initially
• B. Immediately stop the client from performing the ritual
• C. Encourage the client to perform the ritual more quickly
• D. Provide a distraction to interrupt the ritual

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a client with OCD performing ritualistic handwashing, the nurse should initially allow the client to continue the behavior. Abruptly stopping the behavior or providing a distraction can heighten the client's anxiety. Encouraging the client to perform the ritual more quickly does not address the underlying issue of OCD and may exacerbate their anxiety. Providing a distraction to interrupt the ritual may not be effective in the long term and could lead to increased distress. Gradual limits should be established over time to help the client manage and reduce the ritualistic behavior effectively.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• B. Lack of empathy
• C. Need for excessive admiration
• D. Envy of others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with narcissistic personality disorder often exhibit a grandiose sense of self-importance, believing they are special and unique. This behavior is characterized by an exaggerated sense of achievements and talents, expecting to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements. While individuals with this disorder may lack empathy and have a need for excessive admiration, the prominent feature of grandiosity is a core aspect of narcissistic personality disorder. Therefore, the correct behavior expected in this case is a grandiose sense of self-importance (Choice A). Lack of empathy (Choice B) and need for excessive admiration (Choice C) are also common traits in narcissistic personality disorder, but they are not the primary behavior associated with the disorder. Envy of others (Choice D) is not a characteristic behavior typically seen in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder.

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