Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations that command him to harm himself. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Ensure the client is not left alone.
• B. Document the content of the hallucinations.
• C. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication.
• D. Encourage the client to ignore the voices.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is not left alone. When a client with schizophrenia is having auditory hallucinations that command self-harm, the priority is to ensure the client's safety. Leaving the client alone may increase the risk of self-harm. Documenting the content of the hallucinations (choice B) is important but not the priority when immediate safety is a concern. Administering PRN antipsychotic medication (choice C) may be necessary but is not the priority over ensuring the client's immediate safety. Encouraging the client to ignore the voices (choice D) is not as effective as ensuring the client's safety by being present and providing support.

2. A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia and exhibits apathy, lack of energy, and lack of interest in daily activities. The nurse should recognize that these symptoms are most likely due to which of the following?

• A. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
• B. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
• C. Side effects of antipsychotic medication.
• D. Symptoms of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Apathy, lack of energy, and lack of interest in daily activities are negative symptoms of schizophrenia (A). Positive symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations and delusions (B). While antipsychotic medication side effects can sometimes cause lethargy or sedation (C), the scenario specifically describes negative symptoms. Depression can also cause similar symptoms (D), but in the context of schizophrenia, these are recognized as negative symptoms.

3. The LPN/LVN is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage the client to focus on reality-based activities.
• B. Ask the client to describe the voices he hears.
• C. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
• D. Encourage the client to interact with others who are not experiencing hallucinations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking the client to describe the voices he hears is the most appropriate intervention in this situation. It helps the nurse assess the content and severity of the hallucinations, enabling the planning of appropriate interventions. Choice A is not as effective as directly addressing the hallucinations. Choice C may lead to mistrust as the client believes the voices are real. Choice D does not address the client's immediate need related to the hallucinations.

4. A client is admitted to the mental health unit and reports taking extra anti-anxiety medication because, 'I'm so stressed out. I just wanted to go to sleep.' The nurse should plan one-on-one observation of the client based on which statement?

• A. What should I do? Nothing seems to help.
• B. I have been so tired lately and needed to sleep.
• C. I really think that I don't need to be here.
• D. I don't want to talk. Nothing matters anymore.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because expressing feelings of hopelessness or nihilism can be indicators of a deeper, possibly dangerous level of depression. Choice A is incorrect as it indicates seeking help, Choice B suggests fatigue, and Choice C implies denial of needing help, none of which directly signify severe depression warranting one-on-one observation.

5. During initial assessment of the teenager, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the parents?

• A. If he has seemed depressed recently.
• B. If a drug overdose has ever occurred before.
• C. If he might have taken any other drugs.
• D. If he has a desire to quit taking drugs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It's crucial to determine if the teenager might have taken other substances besides the pain pills mentioned by the mother. This information is vital for effective treatment because knowing the full scope of substances involved helps in managing potential interactions, side effects, and the overall condition of the patient. Options A, B, and D are not as critical in the immediate assessment compared to knowing if the teenager has ingested any other drugs.

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