Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Lithium
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is a widely recognized mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings, prevent manic episodes, and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant, Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia, none of which are primary mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.

2. What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder?

• A. Conducting a suicide assessment
• B. Arranging for placement in a group home
• C. Providing a low-stimulation environment
• D. Establishing trust and rapport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Conducting a suicide assessment is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. In this scenario, the immediate concern is to assess the risk of harm to the patient's life. It is crucial to determine if the overdose was intentional and if the patient has suicidal ideation or intent. Arranging for placement in a group home (choice B) may be necessary at a later stage depending on the patient's needs, but it is not the priority in this urgent situation. Providing a low-stimulation environment (choice C) and establishing trust and rapport (choice D) are important aspects of care but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in this case.

3. Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• B. Fear of social situations
• C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often exhibit impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors can include reckless driving, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal gestures. These actions are often attempts to cope with intense emotional pain or to avoid feelings of emptiness and abandonment. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and address these symptoms when diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder.

4. A client is discussing free associations as a therapeutic tool with a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of this technique?

• A. “I will write down my dreams as soon as I wake up.”
• B. “I might begin to associate my therapist with important people in my life.”
• C. “I can learn to express myself in a nonaggressive manner.”
• D. “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Free association is a psychoanalytic technique where the client is encouraged to say the first thing that comes to their mind without censoring or filtering. This technique helps uncover unconscious thoughts and emotions. Choice D, “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind,” indicates an understanding of free association as it aligns with the principle of allowing thoughts to flow freely without inhibition. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an understanding of free association and its purpose, making them incorrect. A, focusing on writing down dreams, does not relate to the immediate expression of thoughts. B, associating the therapist with important people, and C, learning to express oneself nonaggressively, do not capture the essence of free association as a technique for exploring unconscious processes.

5. A 32-year-old female patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which behavior would the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Complains of persistent and excessive worry.
• B. Frequently fidgets and has difficulty sitting still.
• C. Exhibits ritualistic behaviors.
• D. Reports periods of derealization.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), individuals often experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life. This worry is difficult to control and is disproportionate to the actual source of concern. The other options describe behaviors more commonly associated with other anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder (frequent fidgeting and difficulty sitting still), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ritualistic behaviors), and depersonalization/derealization disorder (periods of derealization). Therefore, the correct behavior to expect in a patient with GAD is persistent and excessive worry.

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