Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client experiencing severe anxiety, which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Restlessness
• B. Rapid heart rate
• C. Sweating
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, a rapid heart rate is a common physiological response. This increased heart rate is due to the body's fight-or-flight response, where adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial in assessing and managing their anxiety. Restlessness (choice A) can also be present in anxiety but is more of a behavioral manifestation rather than a physiological symptom. Sweating (choice C) can occur in anxiety, but it is not as specific or consistent as a rapid heart rate. Dry mouth (choice D) is associated with anxiety but is not as immediate or directly linked to the body's physiological response to stress as a rapid heart rate.

2. April, a 10-year-old admitted to inpatient pediatric care, has been getting more and more wound up and is losing self-control in the day room. Time-out does not appear to be an effective tool for April to engage in self-reflection. April's mother admits to putting her in time-out up to 20 times a day. The nurse recognizes that:

• A. Time-out is an important part of April's baseline discipline.
• B. Time-out is no longer an effective therapeutic measure.
• C. April enjoys time-out, and acts out to get some alone time.
• D. Time-out will need to be replaced with seclusion and restraint.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent use of time-out has reduced its effectiveness as a therapeutic measure for April.

3. Which of the following are potential side effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Short-term memory loss
• B. Headache
• C. Confusion
• D. Tardive dyskinesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Potential side effects of ECT include short-term memory loss, headache, confusion, and nausea. Tardive dyskinesia is not a side effect of ECT; it is associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications, particularly antipsychotics that block dopamine receptors over time. ECT is primarily used for severe depression, bipolar disorder, and certain psychotic disorders. The other choices, short-term memory loss, headache, and confusion, are known side effects of ECT and are usually short-term and manageable.

4. A client has been diagnosed with dependent personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

• A. Difficulty making decisions
• B. Preoccupation with orderliness
• C. Attention-seeking behavior
• D. Aggression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with dependent personality disorder typically struggle with making decisions independently and rely heavily on others for guidance and reassurance. This can manifest as difficulty in initiating or making choices without the input of others. Clients with this disorder often display clingy, submissive behaviors and fear being alone, which aligns with the characteristic of difficulty making decisions seen in option A. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with dependent personality disorder. Preoccupation with orderliness may be seen in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior in histrionic personality disorder, and aggression in other disorders such as antisocial personality disorder.

5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone (Buspar). Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?

• A. I should take this medication as needed for anxiety.
• B. I need to avoid eating aged cheeses.
• C. It may take several weeks for this medication to take effect.
• D. I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Buspirone (Buspar) may take several weeks to take effect, so clients should continue taking it as prescribed.

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