Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which finding suggests the patient is experiencing a manic episode?

• A. Decreased need for sleep
• B. Feelings of worthlessness
• C. Increased need for sleep
• D. Avoidance of social interactions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder, they often experience a decreased need for sleep. This symptom is characterized by feeling rested after only a few hours of sleep, or even feeling like they can go without sleep for extended periods without feeling tired. The increased energy levels and racing thoughts during a manic episode contribute to the decreased need for sleep.

2. A patient with agoraphobia has difficulty leaving their home. Which nursing intervention would be most effective?

• A. Encourage the patient to make small, gradual steps outside the home.
• B. Advise the patient to avoid crowded places.
• C. Suggest that the patient focus on their breathing when anxious.
• D. Provide the patient with information about support groups.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to make small, gradual steps outside the home is the most effective nursing intervention for agoraphobia. This approach helps the patient confront their fear gradually and build confidence in managing their symptoms. By taking small steps, the patient can start to expand their comfort zone and reduce anxiety associated with leaving their home, ultimately aiding in their recovery and increasing their independence. Choices B, C, and D are not as effective as choice A. Advising the patient to avoid crowded places does not address the underlying issue of agoraphobia. Suggesting that the patient focus on their breathing when anxious may help manage immediate symptoms but does not address the fear of leaving home. Providing information about support groups is beneficial but may not directly address the patient's difficulty leaving their home.

3. When developing a care plan for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which long-term goal is most appropriate?

• A. The patient will experience no episodes of anxiety.
• B. The patient will recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts.
• C. The patient will avoid situations that cause anxiety.
• D. The patient will take medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate long-term goal for managing generalized anxiety disorder is for the patient to recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts. By addressing and modifying these thoughts, the patient can develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their anxiety more effectively in the long term. Choices A and C are not ideal long-term goals as complete elimination of anxiety episodes or avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations may not be realistic or sustainable. Choice D focuses solely on medication adherence, which is important but does not address the core cognitive-behavioral aspects of managing anxiety in GAD.

4. What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder?

• A. Conducting a suicide assessment
• B. Arranging for placement in a group home
• C. Providing a low-stimulation environment
• D. Establishing trust and rapport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Conducting a suicide assessment is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. In this scenario, the immediate concern is to assess the risk of harm to the patient's life. It is crucial to determine if the overdose was intentional and if the patient has suicidal ideation or intent. Arranging for placement in a group home (choice B) may be necessary at a later stage depending on the patient's needs, but it is not the priority in this urgent situation. Providing a low-stimulation environment (choice C) and establishing trust and rapport (choice D) are important aspects of care but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in this case.

5. When caring for a client with anorexia nervosa, which of the following examples demonstrates the nurse’s use of interpersonal communication?

• A. The nurse discusses the client’s weight loss during a health care team meeting
• B. The nurse examines their own personal feelings about clients with anorexia nervosa
• C. The nurse asks the client about their personal body image perception
• D. The nurse presents an educational session about anorexia nervosa to a large group of adolescents

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Interpersonal communication involves engaging in a conversation where the nurse asks the client about their personal body image perception. This demonstrates a direct interaction aimed at understanding the client's feelings and thoughts, which is essential in providing holistic care to individuals with anorexia nervosa. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve the nurse-client interaction that characterizes interpersonal communication. A is more related to team communication, B focuses on the nurse's personal reflection, and D pertains to delivering educational content to a group rather than engaging in a one-on-one conversation with a client.

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