Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Excessive worry
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

2. During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, 'I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.' What is the healthcare professional's best response?

• A. It's just a routine part of our assessment. All clients are asked these same questions.
• B. Why are you concerned about these types of questions?
• C. Psychological factors, like excessive stress, have been found to affect medical conditions.
• D. We can skip these questions, if you like. It isn't imperative that we complete this section.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The healthcare professional should educate the client on the negative effects of excessive stress on medical conditions. Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because it doesn't address the importance of psychosocial aspects. Choice B is wrong as it doesn't provide relevant information about the impact of psychological factors on health. Choice D is incorrect because skipping questions would lead to an incomplete assessment, potentially missing crucial information affecting the client's overall health outcomes.

3. What is the most significant consequence of the excessive use of defense mechanisms?

• A. Suppression of problem-solving skills.
• B. Intense experience of emotions.
• C. Enhancement of learning and growth.
• D. Limitation of problem-solving.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most significant consequence of the excessive use of defense mechanisms is the limitation of problem-solving skills. When individuals rely excessively on defense mechanisms to cope with stress or anxiety, they may avoid addressing underlying issues or seeking healthier coping strategies. This can lead to maladaptive behaviors, hindering their ability to effectively deal with reality, maintain healthy relationships, or perform well in various aspects of life. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the suppression of problem-solving skills, intense experience of emotions, and enhancement of learning and growth are not the primary consequences of excessive use of defense mechanisms.

4. Which of the following interventions should a nurse include in the care plan for a client with major depressive disorder? Select one that is not appropriate.

• A. Encourage participation in activities
• B. Promote adequate nutrition and hydration
• C. Discourage verbalization of feelings
• D. Monitor for suicidal ideation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Interventions for a client with major depressive disorder should focus on encouraging participation in activities, promoting adequate nutrition and hydration, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and providing a structured daily schedule. Discouraging verbalization of feelings goes against the therapeutic approach as expressing and discussing feelings is crucial in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Clients with major depressive disorder often benefit from talking about their emotions and experiences, as it can help in processing their feelings and promoting recovery. Therefore, discouraging verbalization of feelings would hinder the client's progress and is not an appropriate intervention.

5. James is a 42-year-old patient with schizophrenia. He approaches you as you arrive for the day shift and anxiously reports, 'Last night, demons came to my room and tried to rape me.' Which response would be most therapeutic?

• A. There are no such things as demons. What you saw were hallucinations.
• B. It is not possible for anyone to enter your room at night. You are safe here.
• C. You seem very upset. Please tell me more about what you experienced last night.
• D. That must have been very frightening, but we'll check on you at night and you'll be safe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Response C is the most therapeutic as it shows empathy and encourages the patient to express their feelings and share more about their experience. By actively listening and inviting the patient to talk, the nurse creates a supportive environment that can help the patient feel heard and understood, which is essential in building trust and rapport in therapeutic communication with individuals experiencing schizophrenia.

Similar Questions