Nursing Elites

1. Which clinical findings indicate positive signs and symptoms of schizophrenia?

• A. Withdrawal, poverty of speech, inattentiveness
• B. Flat affect, decreased spontaneity, asocial behavior
• C. Hypomania, labile mood swings, episodes of euphoria
• D. Bizarre behavior, auditory hallucinations, loose associations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is bizarre behavior, auditory hallucinations, and loose associations. These are positive symptoms of schizophrenia, reflecting a distortion or excess of normal function. Withdrawal, poverty of speech, inattentiveness, flat affect, decreased spontaneity, and asocial behavior are negative symptoms linked to schizophrenia, indicating a diminution or absence of normal function. Hypomania, labile mood swings, and episodes of euphoria are more characteristic of bipolar disorder, rather than schizophrenia.

2. Which of the following medications would NOT be an appropriate prn medication for use during an episode of aggression or violence for the patient with a psychiatric diagnosis?

• A. Olanzapine
• B. Meperidine
• C. Ziprasidone
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Meperidine is an opioid used to treat pain and is not suitable for managing aggressive or violent behavior in patients with psychiatric diagnoses. Olanzapine, ziprasidone, and haloperidol are appropriate choices for managing aggression or violence. Olanzapine and ziprasidone are second-generation antipsychotic medications, while haloperidol is a traditional antipsychotic. These medications have demonstrated effectiveness in managing aggressive behavior, with or without the adjunctive use of a benzodiazepine. Meperidine's primary indication is for pain relief, making it unsuitable for managing psychiatric-related aggression or violence.

3. During a routine assessment, an obese 50-year-old female client expresses concern about her sexual relationship with her husband. Which is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Reassure the client that many obese individuals have concerns about sex.
• B. Remind the client that sexual relationships can remain unaffected by obesity.
• C. Determine the frequency of sexual intercourse.
• D. Ask the client to talk about specific concerns.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Option D is the best response as it allows the client to express her specific concerns, providing the nurse with valuable assessment data. This open-ended question encourages the client to share her worries and feelings, which can guide the nurse in addressing her unique needs. Options A and B make assumptions about the client's concerns based on her weight, potentially invalidating her feelings and inhibiting effective communication. Option C is premature as understanding the client's concerns should precede discussions about the frequency of sexual intercourse, which may not address the core issues the client is facing.

4. A client who has undergone a mastectomy because of breast cancer is now undergoing chemotherapy, which has caused hair loss. The client states, 'I feel like I've lost my sense of power.' Which response would the nurse give?

• A. 'Hair does not empower a person.'
• B. 'Losing power seems important to you.'
• C. Knowledge is power; I'll give you some pamphlets to read.'
• D. 'Hair loss is common; it will grow back, so you should not worry.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is, 'Losing power seems important to you.' This response acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for further discussion. Choice A is confrontational and dismissive, potentially shutting down communication. Choice C offers pamphlets, which may be seen as dismissing the client's concerns and avoiding engaging in a conversation. Choice D minimizes the client's feelings and may discourage further expression of emotions. By choosing option B, the nurse shows empathy and encourages the client to explore their emotions in a supportive environment.

5. What action would be most appropriate for the nurse to minimize agitation in a disturbed client?

• A. Ensure minimal staff contact.
• B. Increase environmental sensory stimulation.
• C. Limit unnecessary interactions with the client.
• D. Discuss reasons for the client's suspicions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action to minimize agitation in a disturbed client is to limit unnecessary interactions. This approach helps reduce stimulation, thus decreasing agitation. Constant staff contact can lead to increased stimulation and agitation. Increasing environmental sensory stimulation can overwhelm the client's senses and escalate agitation. Discussing suspicions may not be beneficial as not all disturbed clients are suspicious and the client may not be in a state to engage in such discussions effectively.

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