which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency
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NCLEX-RN

Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions

1. Which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A major depressive episode with psychotic features is considered a psychiatric emergency because it poses a significant risk to the individual's safety. Psychotic features in depression can include hallucinations, delusions, or other severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression with melancholic features are serious conditions, they do not inherently represent an acute emergency that necessitates immediate hospitalization. Bipolar depression, although severe, does not inherently involve psychotic symptoms that would classify it as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. It's crucial to recognize the urgency and severity of major depressive episodes with psychotic features to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

2. When assisting an older adult client to prepare to take a tub bath, which nursing action is most important?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical nursing action when assisting an older adult client in preparing for a tub bath is to check the bath water temperature. This step is essential to prevent burns or excessive chilling, prioritizing the client's safety. While ensuring privacy by shutting the bathroom door (option B), confirming that the client has voided (option C), and providing extra towels (option D) are all important for comfort and dignity, they are secondary to ensuring the client's safety during bathing. Therefore, checking the bath water temperature is the priority to safeguard the client's well-being and prevent potential injuries.

3. What is the primary purpose served when an individual takes action to reduce anxiety?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary purpose of taking action to reduce anxiety is to alleviate emotional tension and prevent the exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. By reducing tension, anxiety levels decrease, leading to a sense of comfort, safety, and security. Denial of the situation is not the goal when addressing anxiety; rather, acknowledging and managing it is crucial. While physical discomfort may accompany anxiety, the focus is on alleviating the emotional aspect to mitigate physical manifestations. Although mild anxiety can sometimes improve decision-making skills, higher levels of anxiety typically impede cognitive functions, making resolution in decision-making less likely.

4. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.

5. A client at a local university claims to be the president of the university. Which type of delusion is the client displaying?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Grandiose.' This type of delusion involves an exaggerated sense of self-importance, where the individual believes they are a prominent figure or possess special abilities. In this scenario, the client claiming to be the president of the university is displaying grandiose delusions. Somatic delusions relate to bodily functions or sensations, which are not present in this case. Erotomanic delusions involve the fixed belief that another person is in love with the individual, which is not applicable here. Persecutory delusions involve the belief that one is being targeted or conspired against, which is also not demonstrated in the given situation.

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