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 a mental status examination, which of the following components should not be included in the assessment?

• A. Appearance and behavior
• B. Giving advice
• C. Mood and affect
• D. Cognitive function

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a mental status examination, components such as appearance and behavior, mood and affect, and cognitive function are assessed. Giving advice is not a component of a mental status examination as it focuses on evaluating the client's mental state rather than providing guidance or recommendations.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Episodes of hypomania
• B. Periods of elevated mood
• C. Lack of interest in activities
• D. Feelings of detachment from one's body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct finding the nurse should expect in a client diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is a lack of interest in activities. This disorder is characterized by a chronic depressive mood lasting for at least two years, alongside symptoms such as changes in appetite, fatigue, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating. Clients with dysthymia do not typically experience hypomania, periods of elevated mood, or feelings of detachment from one's body, which are more commonly associated with other mood disorders. Therefore, options A, B, and D are incorrect findings for a client with persistent depressive disorder.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with schizoid personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Preference for solitary activities
• B. Detachment from social relationships
• C. Indifference to praise or criticism
• D. Anxiety in social situations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct behavior that the healthcare professional should expect in an individual with schizoid personality disorder is indifference to praise or criticism. While it is true that individuals with this disorder often exhibit a preference for solitary activities and detachment from social relationships, the key defining characteristic is their emotional detachment and lack of response to external feedback, which includes being indifferent to praise or criticism. Anxiety in social situations is not a typical feature of schizoid personality disorder.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with suspected substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional not expect?

• A. Neglect of responsibilities
• 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: B

Rationale: Findings in a client with substance use disorder typically include neglect of responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Increased tolerance to the substance is a common phenomenon in substance use disorder and is expected as the individual requires higher doses to achieve the same effect.

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