Nursing Elites

1. While conducting an intake assessment of an adult male at a community mental health clinic, the nurse notes that his affect is flat, he responds to questions with short answers, and he reports problems with sleeping. He reports that his life partner recently died from pneumonia. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the client to see the clinic's grief counselor.
• B. Determine if the client has a family history of suicide attempts.
• C. Inquire about whether the life partner was suffering from AIDS.
• D. Consult with the health care provider about the client's need for antidepressant medications.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client is exhibiting normal grieving behaviors, so referral to a grief counselor is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement. Option B is relevant but is not a high-priority intervention compared to addressing the immediate grief support needs of the client. Option C is irrelevant at this time but might be important when determining the client's risk for contracting the illness. While antidepressant medication might be necessary based on further assessment, grief counseling is a more appropriate initial action as grief is a typical response to the loss of a loved one.

2. Which intervention would the nurse implement to develop a caring relationship with the client's family?

• A. Deciding health care options for the client
• B. Identifying the client's family members and their roles
• C. Declining to inform the client's family after performing a procedure
• D. Refraining from discussing the client's health with the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To establish a caring relationship with the client's family, the nurse should start by identifying the family members and understanding their roles in the client's life. This step is crucial in determining how they can contribute to the client's healthcare and support. Deciding healthcare options for the client (Choice A) is not the nurse's role; it should be a collaborative decision with the client and family. Declining to inform the client's family after a procedure (Choice C) goes against transparency and collaboration in care. Refraining from discussing the client's health with the family (Choice D) can hinder effective communication and support, which are essential in developing a caring relationship with the family.

3. Which of the following is an advantage of working with psychiatric clients in a group setting?

• A. Clients assist each other through therapeutic interventions with the support of a nurse
• B. Clients can receive peer support and feedback in a safe and controlled environment
• C. Clients can share experiences and coping strategies while maintaining confidentiality
• D. Clients learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Group therapy is a valuable approach in mental health treatment. Working with psychiatric clients in a group setting offers various benefits. Clients in a group setting can learn from others when their behaviors are inappropriate in a safe and trusting environment. This environment allows individuals to express thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or criticism, fostering a supportive atmosphere. Through interactions with peers, clients can gain insight into their own behaviors and learn alternative ways of coping. Choice A is incorrect as the presence and support of a nurse are typically important in group therapy sessions. Choice B is incorrect as group settings provide structure and rules to ensure a safe space for clients to express themselves. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining confidentiality is crucial in group therapy to build trust and encourage open sharing.

4. Which thought process would the nurse document the mental health client is experiencing after the client says, 'The FBI is out to kill me'?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Error in judgment
• C. Delusion of persecution
• D. Self-accusatory delusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse would document that the client is experiencing a delusion of persecution. A delusion of persecution is a fixed and firm belief of being harassed, in danger, or at the mercy of others, as illustrated by 'The FBI is out to kill me.' Hallucinations are perceived experiences that occur without actual sensory stimulation. Error in judgment refers to poor decision-making, not a distortion of reality like a delusion. A self-accusatory delusion involves accepting blame for an act that was never committed or a feeling that was never acted on. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Delusion of persecution.'

5. What initial response would the nurse give to a husband who is upset that his wife's alcohol withdrawal delirium has persisted for a second day?

• A. "I see that you're worried. We're using medication to ease your wife's discomfort."?
• B. "This is expected. I suggest that you go home because there's nothing you can do to help."?
• C. "If you're afraid that she will die, I assure you, very few alcoholics die during detoxification."?
• D. "If you are concerned that she is uncomfortable, I'm sure that she's not in pain."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the husband's feelings and provide information on the treatment plan to alleviate his concerns. This approach validates his emotions and educates him on the steps being taken to help his wife, promoting understanding and reducing anxiety. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the husband's worries and implies helplessness, potentially increasing his distress. Choice C is inappropriate as it introduces the concept of death, which can heighten fear and anxiety in the husband. Choice D is not recommended as it provides reassurance about the wife's pain without accurate knowledge of her discomfort, which could undermine trust and communication between the nurse and the husband.

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