Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following symptoms should a healthcare provider expect to assess in a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Excessive worry
• B. Muscle tension
• C. Increased energy
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability. Increased energy is not typically associated with GAD; clients often experience fatigue instead. This heightened energy level is more commonly seen in conditions like mania or hypomania, rather than in GAD. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Increased energy.' Choices A, B, and D are all symptoms commonly observed in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

2. Which of the following are therapeutic communication techniques that a healthcare professional can use when interacting with clients? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Using silence
• B. Offering self
• C. Giving advice
• D. Providing reassurance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Therapeutic communication techniques aim to promote understanding and trust between the professional and the client. Using silence allows the client to process thoughts, feelings, and information. Offering self involves making oneself available and showing empathy. Providing reassurance helps instill confidence. However, giving advice can sometimes be non-therapeutic as it may undermine the client's autonomy and decision-making process.

3. Which intervention would be appropriate for assisting a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder?

• A. Encourage discussion of feelings
• B. Offer family therapy sessions
• C. Discuss childhood events
• D. Teach alternate coping skills

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Offering family therapy sessions would be the most appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Family therapy can be beneficial as it addresses interpersonal relationships within the family system, which is crucial in managing major depressive disorder effectively. This approach aligns with Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which emphasizes the impact of interpersonal relationships on individual behavior and personality development. In contrast, encouraging discussion of feelings, discussing childhood events, or teaching alternate coping skills may not directly address the interpersonal dynamics contributing to the client's major depressive disorder.

4. Which of the following symptoms should a healthcare professional expect to assess in a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Loss of interest or pleasure
• B. Decreased ability to concentrate
• C. Significant weight loss or gain
• D. Increased energy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Symptoms of major depressive disorder include a loss of interest or pleasure, decreased ability to concentrate, significant weight loss or gain, and feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. Increased energy is not typically associated with major depressive disorder; instead, fatigue is more common. Clients with major depressive disorder often experience a lack of energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, leading to feelings of lethargy and fatigue. Therefore, increased energy is an atypical symptom in major depressive disorder, making it the correct answer.

5. You have been working closely with a patient for the past month. Today he tells you he is looking forward to meeting with his new psychiatrist but frowns and avoids eye contact while reporting this to you. Which of the following responses would most likely be therapeutic?

• A. A new psychiatrist is a chance to start fresh; I'm sure it will go well for you.
• B. You say you look forward to the meeting, but you appear anxious or unhappy.
• C. I notice that you frowned and avoided eye contact just now. Don't you feel well?
• D. I get the impression you don't really want to see your psychiatrist—can you tell me why?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the most therapeutic response as it acknowledges the discrepancy between the patient's verbal statement and nonverbal cues. By addressing both the patient's expressed anticipation and the conflicting nonverbal cues of frowning and avoiding eye contact, the responder demonstrates attentiveness to the patient's emotional state and encourages further exploration of underlying feelings. This approach fosters open communication and helps the patient feel understood and supported.

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