Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which symptom should the healthcare professional expect to observe?

• A. Increased energy
• B. Weight gain
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weight gain is a common symptom of major depressive disorder. Individuals with major depressive disorder often experience changes in appetite, leading to weight gain or loss. This symptom is related to disruptions in the individual's eating habits and metabolism, which are commonly associated with depression. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased energy, increased appetite, and restlessness are not typical symptoms of major depressive disorder. In fact, individuals with depression often experience fatigue, changes in appetite, and feelings of restlessness or agitation.

2. What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

• A. Take the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia.
• B. The medication may take several weeks to achieve the full effect.
• C. It is safe to consume alcohol while taking this medication.
• D. Report any side effects to the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed fluoxetine should be educated that the medication may take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. This information helps manage patient expectations and ensures they do not discontinue the medication prematurely due to lack of immediate results. Taking the medication in the morning to avoid insomnia is not a specific requirement for fluoxetine. Consuming alcohol while taking fluoxetine is not safe and can lead to adverse effects. It is crucial to report any side effects to the healthcare provider promptly for timely management and adjustment of the treatment plan.

3. The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question shouldn't the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate?

• A. Is the patient expressing suicidal thoughts?
• B. Does the patient have intact judgment and insight into his situation?
• C. Does the patient have experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities?
• D. Does the patient require a therapeutic environment to support the management of psychotic symptoms?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing suicidal thoughts, judgment, insight, and the need for a therapeutic environment are crucial factors in determining the appropriate treatment setting for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Past experiences with mental healthcare facilities do not play a direct role in deciding between a community outpatient or inpatient setting.

4. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas's nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

• A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
• B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
• C. Anxiety and depression.
• D. The ability to express his needs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to excessive alcohol consumption as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. This maladaptive coping mechanism can exacerbate the challenges associated with schizophrenia and may hinder effective treatment outcomes. Recognizing the presence of anxiety and depression alongside alcohol abuse is crucial for providing holistic care and support to individuals with schizophrenia.

5. Which is an example of the ego defense mechanism of regression?

• A. A mother blames the teacher for her child's failure in school.
• B. A teenager becomes hysterical after seeing a friend killed in a car accident.
• C. A woman wants to marry a man exactly like her beloved father.
• D. An adult throws a temper tantrum when he does not get his own way.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development for comfort. In this case, an adult throwing a temper tantrum is regressing to a childlike behavior when faced with not getting their way, which is a form of seeking comfort associated with earlier development. Choices A, B, and C do not exemplify regression. Blaming the teacher, becoming hysterical after a traumatic event, or seeking a partner similar to a beloved father are not instances of reverting to earlier developmental stages to cope with stress or conflict.

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