Nursing Elites

1. A patient is being assessed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?

• A. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life.
• B. Extreme mood swings between euphoria and depression.
• C. Persistent thoughts of self-harm.
• D. Hearing voices that others do not hear.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly present with excessive worrying about various aspects of life. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark symptom of GAD and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Extreme mood swings (choice B), persistent thoughts of self-harm (choice C), and auditory hallucinations (choice D) are more indicative of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, respectively. These symptoms are not specific to GAD.

2. A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

• A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
• B. Monitoring the patient's weight weekly
• C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
• D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the patient's weight weekly is crucial in the care of individuals with anorexia nervosa as it allows healthcare providers to track changes in weight, which is a key indicator of nutritional status. Regular weight monitoring helps in identifying any significant weight loss or gain, enabling prompt intervention and adjustment of the treatment plan to address the patient's nutritional needs effectively.

3. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
• B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
• C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
• D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.

4. Gilbert, age 19, is described by his parents as a ‘moody child’ with an onset of odd behavior at age 14, which caused Gilbert to suffer academically and socially. Gilbert has lost the ability to complete household chores, is reluctant to leave the house, and is obsessed with the locks on the windows and doors. Due to Gilbert’s early and slow onset of what is now recognized as schizophrenia, his prognosis is considered:

• A. Favorable with medication
• B. In the relapse stage
• C. Improvable with psychosocial interventions
• D. To have a less positive outcome

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A person like Gilbert, with an early and slow onset of schizophrenia along with severe symptoms such as loss of daily functioning and obsessions, is likely to have a less positive outcome. Early and severe symptoms are often associated with a more chronic and debilitating course of schizophrenia, which can make treatment and recovery more challenging. Therefore, Gilbert's prognosis is considered to have a less positive outcome. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because Gilbert's condition, with its early onset and severe symptoms impacting daily life, suggests a more challenging prognosis that is less likely to be favorable with just medication or psychosocial interventions. Being in the relapse stage is not the primary concern here; the focus is on the overall outcome which is expected to be less positive given the early and severe nature of Gilbert's symptoms.

5. Which individual is likely experiencing symptoms of derealization?

• A. I just feel like I’m looking at life through a fog and that can’t be my face in the mirror.
• B. I cannot recall why I’m living in this town or how I got here.
• C. There are just too many people living in my head now.
• D. I feel like I’m going to die, I’m having a heart attack.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The individual describing feeling like they are looking at life through a fog and questioning their reflection in the mirror is likely experiencing symptoms of derealization. Derealization involves feelings of detachment from one's surroundings, which can manifest as a sense of unreality or distortion of the environment. Choice B describes dissociative amnesia, which involves memory loss related to personal information or traumatic events. Choice C suggests dissociative identity disorder (DID), where a person experiences two or more distinct identities or personality states. Choice D indicates symptoms of a panic attack, such as fearing imminent death and physical sensations like a heart attack.

Similar Questions