Nursing Elites

1. A female client with a history of major depressive disorder is experiencing a worsening of symptoms. Which statement by the client indicates a potential risk for suicide?

• A. “I’ve been feeling more tired than usual.”
• B. “I’ve been thinking about how much better everyone would be without me.”
• C. “I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately.”
• D. “I feel like I can’t handle everything.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client’s statement about thinking that everyone would be better off without her indicates suicidal ideation. This statement is a significant warning sign for suicide risk and requires immediate intervention. Choices A, C, and D reflect common symptoms of depression but do not directly indicate suicidal thoughts or intentions. Feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, and feeling overwhelmed are typical symptoms of major depressive disorder but do not necessarily suggest an imminent risk of suicide like the statement in option B does.

2. The nurse is using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening tool for a client who is seeking help because his wife said he had a drinking problem. What information should the nurse explore in-depth with the client based on this screening tool?

• A. Cancer screening result and gastritis daily alcohol intake.
• B. Consumption, liver enzyme gastrointestinal complaints, and bleeding.
• C. Efforts to cut down, annoyance with questions, guilt, and drinking as an eye-opener.
• D. Minimizes drinking, frequently misses family events, guilt about drinking, and amount of daily intake.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The CAGE questionnaire focuses on the client’s self-perception and behaviors related to drinking, such as efforts to cut down and guilt.

3. The nurse is using the CAGE questionnaire as a screening tool for a client who is seeking help because his wife said he had a drinking problem. What information should the nurse explore in-depth with the client based on this screening tool?

• A. Consumption, liver enzymes, gastrointestinal complaints, and bleeding.
• B. Minimizing drinking, frequently missing family events, guilt about drinking, and amount of daily intake.
• C. Cancer screening results, anger, gastritis, daily alcohol intake.
• D. Efforts to cut down, annoyance with questions, guilt, drinking as an “Eye-opener.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool for alcohol use disorder. Each letter in CAGE represents a key question: Cutting down, Annoyance by criticisms, Guilty feelings, and Eye-openers. These questions help assess problematic drinking behaviors and can provide valuable insights into the client's alcohol consumption habits. Choices A, B, and C do not directly align with the specific areas of inquiry covered by the CAGE questionnaire, making them incorrect. Therefore, the nurse should focus on exploring the client's efforts to cut down, annoyance with questions, feelings of guilt, and the use of alcohol as an “Eye-opener” based on this screening tool.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which symptom should the healthcare professional expect to find?

• A. Persistent thoughts about the trauma.
• B. Increased energy and enthusiasm.
• C. Decreased need for sleep.
• D. Increased appetite and weight gain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Persistent thoughts about the trauma. In post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), individuals often experience persistent intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event, which can be distressing and disruptive. This symptom is a hallmark feature of PTSD. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increased energy, enthusiasm, decreased need for sleep, increased appetite, and weight gain are not typical symptoms of PTSD. Instead, individuals with PTSD may commonly experience symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance of triggers related to the trauma, and negative changes in mood and cognition.

5. What action is most important for the RN to implement within the first 24 hours after treatment is initiated for a homeless client who reports feeling sad and depressed and has only had 4 hours of sleep in the past 2 days?

• A. Allow the client to rest and sleep.
• B. Ensure the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression.
• C. Begin planning for the client’s discharge.
• D. Encourage verbalization of feelings.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A: Addressing the client’s immediate need for rest and sleep is crucial for stabilization and recovery. It is essential to prioritize the client's physical well-being and provide the opportunity for adequate rest. B: Group therapy and coping skills are important but secondary to ensuring immediate needs are met. C: Discharge planning is important but should follow stabilization of the client’s immediate needs. D: Encouraging verbalization of feelings is supportive but not as urgent as addressing basic needs like rest.

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