Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider decides to put a client who has a psychotic disorder in seclusion overnight because the unit is very short-staffed, and the client frequently fights with other clients. The healthcare provider’s actions are an example of which of the following torts?

• A. Invasion of privacy
• B. False imprisonment
• C. Assault
• D. Battery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: False imprisonment. False imprisonment occurs when an individual is intentionally restricted in their freedom of movement without consent and without lawful justification. In this scenario, placing the client in seclusion overnight due to staffing shortages and behavioral issues constitutes false imprisonment as the client is confined against their will. Choice A, invasion of privacy, does not apply as the situation is about physical confinement, not privacy violation. Assault (choice C) involves the threat of harm, which is not the case here. Battery (choice D) refers to the intentional harmful or offensive touching of another person, which is not happening in this scenario.

2. Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• B. Fear of social situations
• C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often exhibit impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors can include reckless driving, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal gestures. These actions are often attempts to cope with intense emotional pain or to avoid feelings of emptiness and abandonment. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and address these symptoms when diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder.

3. In cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, what is the primary goal for the patient?

• A. To help the patient process the trauma and reduce avoidance behaviors.
• B. To help the patient confront and process the trauma in a safe environment.
• C. To help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors.
• D. To help the patient avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD is to help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors. Through this therapy, individuals learn to identify and challenge maladaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event, ultimately helping them to process the trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach aims to address the cognitive distortions and negative thoughts that have resulted from the trauma, facilitating healing and recovery.

4. During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which question would be most appropriate?

• A. Do you often experience periods of sadness?
• B. Do you have difficulty controlling your worrying?
• C. Do you find yourself repeating behaviors or thoughts?
• D. Do you experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate question when assessing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to inquire about repeating behaviors or thoughts. This is a hallmark feature of OCD, where individuals often engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals to alleviate anxiety or distress. This behavior distinguishes OCD from other mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (choice B), major depressive disorder (choice A), and panic disorder (choice D). Therefore, recognizing repetitive behaviors or thoughts helps in identifying the presence of OCD and tailoring appropriate interventions for the patient.

5. What principle about patient communication should guide a nurse's fear of 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient?

• A. Patients tend to appreciate a well-meaning person who conveys genuine acceptance, respect, and concern for their situation.
• B. Patients are more interested in talking to you than listening to what you have to say, so they are not likely to be offended.
• C. Considering the patient's history, there is little chance that the comment will do any actual harm.
• D. Most people with a mental illness have, by necessity, developed a high tolerance for forgiveness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Effective patient communication is guided by the principle that patients value genuine acceptance, respect, and concern from their caregivers. This approach helps to build trust and fosters effective communication, enhancing the nurse-patient relationship. Choice B is incorrect because patients value both talking and listening in effective communication. Choice C is incorrect because a nurse should always consider the impact of their words on the patient, regardless of the patient's history. Choice D is incorrect as it generalizes about people with mental illness and forgiveness, which is not directly relevant to patient communication.

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