Nursing Elites

1. During an assessment of a client with suspected substance use disorder, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Feelings of hopelessness
• B. Increased tolerance to the substance
• C. Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
• D. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In clients with substance use disorder, common findings include increased tolerance to the substance, withdrawal symptoms when not using it, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Feelings of hopelessness are not typically a direct manifestation of substance use disorder. Instead, feelings of hopelessness may be associated with other mental health conditions or situational factors. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choices B, C, and D are all expected findings in clients with substance use disorder.

2. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient psychiatric unit would require priority intervention by a nurse?

• A. A client rudely complaining about limited visiting hours
• B. A client exhibiting aggressive behavior toward another client
• C. A client stating that no one cares
• D. A client verbalizing feelings of failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs are considered fundamental and must be addressed before higher-level needs. When a client exhibits aggressive behavior toward another client, it poses an immediate threat to safety and requires priority intervention by the nurse to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved. Clients who are rude in their complaints (Choice A), express feelings of failure (Choice D), or state that no one cares (Choice C) are addressing higher-level needs related to social interactions, esteem, and self-actualization, respectively, which can be addressed once safety needs are secured.

3. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Agree with the client's delusions to avoid confrontation.
• B. Challenge the client's delusions directly.
• C. Encourage the client to discuss their delusions in detail.
• D. Present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the delusions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the nurse should present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the client's delusions. This approach helps the client maintain a connection to reality while feeling supported. Agreeing with the delusions may perpetuate false beliefs, while directly challenging them can lead to increased distress for the client. Encouraging the client to discuss their delusions in detail may further exacerbate their symptoms or reinforce their false beliefs. Therefore, the most therapeutic intervention is to gently present reality and provide reassurance to the client.

4. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. The most appropriate intervention is to:

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about the trauma.
• B. Help the patient reorient to the present.
• C. Leave the patient alone to process the flashback.
• D. Remind the patient that the flashback is not real.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient with PTSD is experiencing flashbacks, the most appropriate intervention is to help them reorient to the present. This intervention can assist in reducing the intensity of the flashback and providing a sense of safety for the patient. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the patient to talk about the trauma during a flashback may exacerbate their distress. Choice C is incorrect as leaving the patient alone can increase their feelings of isolation and fear. Choice D is incorrect because reminding the patient that the flashback is not real may invalidate their experience and increase their sense of disconnection.

5. The healthcare provider is providing medication education to a patient who has been prescribed lithium to stabilize mood. Which early signs and symptoms of toxicity should the healthcare provider stress to the patient? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Increased attentiveness
• B. Getting up at night to urinate
• C. Improved vision
• D. An upset stomach for no apparent reason

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Early signs of lithium toxicity include gastrointestinal upset, tremors, increased urination, and increased thirst. Improved vision is not a typical early sign of lithium toxicity and should be ruled out as a symptom to watch for.

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