Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention should the nurse implement to address this symptom?

• A. Encourage the client to discuss the voices.
• B. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
• C. Provide reality-based feedback to the client.
• D. Distract the client from the voices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations, providing reality-based feedback is a therapeutic intervention. This helps the client differentiate between what is real and what is not, aiding in reducing the impact of hallucinations. Encouraging the client to discuss the voices may validate the hallucinations, telling the client that the voices are not real dismisses their experience, and distracting the client may not address the underlying issue of the hallucinations.

2. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

• A. The need to dominate others
• B. Inventing traumatic events
• C. A need to develop close relationships
• D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.

3. Which of the following statements should a healthcare professional recognize as true about defense mechanisms? Select the one that doesn't apply.

• A. They are employed when there is a threat to biological or psychological integrity.
• B. They are controlled by the id and deal with primal urges.
• C. They are used in an effort to relieve mild to moderate anxiety.
• D. They are protective devices for the superego.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Defense mechanisms are employed by the ego in the face of threats to biological and psychological integrity to relieve mild to moderate anxiety. They act as protective devices for the ego, not the id or superego. The id represents primal instincts, while the superego is associated with moral standards. Defense mechanisms help individuals cope with stressors by redirecting focus and are often unconscious and self-deceptive.

4. A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, 'I know she wants me.' This statement reflects which defense mechanism?

• A. Displacement
• B. Projection
• C. Rationalization
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. The nurse should determine that the client's statement reflects the defense mechanism of projection. Projection involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person. By projecting these feelings onto someone else, the individual reduces their own anxiety. Displacement involves transferring feelings from one target to another, not attributing them to another person. Rationalization involves making excuses to justify behavior, not attributing feelings to others. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable drives or impulses into more constructive and acceptable activities, not attributing feelings to another person.

5. In treating a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), what is the most appropriate goal of this therapy?

• A. To explore the patient's childhood experiences.
• B. To reduce the patient's symptoms through medication.
• C. To change the patient's negative thought patterns.
• D. To improve the patient's social skills.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is to change the patient's negative thought patterns. This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. Exploring childhood experiences (Choice A) may be part of therapy, but the primary focus is on present thoughts and behaviors. While medication (Choice B) can help manage symptoms, CBT aims to address the root cause through cognitive restructuring. Improving social skills (Choice D) is not the primary goal of CBT for GAD, although it may be a secondary benefit as confidence improves with reduced anxiety.

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