Nursing Elites

1. A client who has just been sexually assaulted is calm and quiet. The nurse analyzes this behavior as indicating which defense mechanism?

• A. Denial
• B. Projection
• C. Rationalization
• D. Intellectualization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Denial. In this situation, the client's calm and quiet demeanor after a traumatic event like sexual assault may indicate denial, a defense mechanism where the individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of the distressing event. Choice B, Projection, involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others. Choice C, Rationalization, is a defense mechanism where logical reasoning is used to justify behaviors or feelings. Choice D, Intellectualization, is a defense mechanism where excessive reasoning or logic is used to avoid uncomfortable emotions.

2. A female client with severe depression who has been on antidepressants for two weeks suddenly becomes more energetic and talkative. What action should the RN take first?

• A. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.
• B. Monitor the client closely for signs of suicidal behavior.
• C. Praise the client for the apparent improvement.
• D. Discuss the client's progress with the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sudden increase in energy and talkativeness in a client with severe depression who has been on antidepressants for a short period may indicate an increased risk of suicide due to the potential shift from profound sadness to motivation to act. The first action the RN should take is to monitor the client closely for signs of suicidal behavior. Encouraging participation in group activities or praising the client for the apparent improvement may overlook the potential risk of suicidal behavior. While discussing the client's progress with the healthcare provider is important, the immediate concern is to ensure the client's safety by closely monitoring for any signs of suicidal ideation or behavior.

3. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the client to explore the delusions in depth.
• B. Tell the client that the delusions are not real.
• C. Explore the underlying meaning of the delusions.
• D. Distract the client from the delusions and focus on reality.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions is to distract the client from the delusions and focus on reality. Encouraging the client to explore the delusions in depth (Choice A) may worsen the delusions. Telling the client that the delusions are not real (Choice B) can lead to confrontation and disbelief. Exploring the underlying meaning of the delusions (Choice C) may not be effective during acute episodes of delusions; hence, distracting the client and refocusing on reality is the most suitable intervention.

4. A 20-year-old female client with schizophrenia is scheduled to receive risperidone (Risperdal) 2mg at bedtime. When the nurse attempts to administer the medication, the client states, 'I am not going to take that medicine, and you can't make me.' What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the medication via a nasogastric tube.
• B. Substitute an injectable form of the medication.
• C. Encourage the client to take the medicine because it will help her sleep.
• D. Document in the client's record that the medication was refused.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take is to respect the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity. It's crucial to document the medication refusal accurately in the client's record. Administering the medication via a nasogastric tube or substituting it with an injectable form would violate the client's right to refuse treatment and should only be considered in extreme cases after consulting with the healthcare team. Encouraging the client to take the medication because it will help her sleep disregards her autonomy and choice in the matter.

5. The client with schizophrenia believes the news commentator is her lover and speaks to her. What is the best response for the nurse to make?

• A. What do you believe the news commentator said to you?
• B. Let's switch to a different news channel.
• C. Is the news commentator planning to harm you or others?
• D. The news commentator is not communicating with you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to ask the client what she believes the news commentator said, as it helps the nurse assess the client's perception and delve into her delusions without being confrontational. Choice B is not helpful in addressing the client's delusions. Choice C jumps to conclusions about potential harm without assessing the client's beliefs. Choice D is dismissive and does not address the client's reality.

Similar Questions