Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which symptom would most likely be observed?

• A. Euphoria
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Increased energy
• D. Racing thoughts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder often experience a pervasive feeling of emptiness and loss of interest in activities they used to find pleasurable. Euphoria, increased energy, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder.

2. When providing care for 10-year-old Harper diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which goal should be addressed initially?

• A. Harper will be able to identify feelings through the use of play therapy.
• B. Harper and her parents will have access to protective resources available through social services.
• C. Harper will demonstrate the effective use of relaxation techniques to restore a sense of control over disturbing thoughts.
• D. Harper and her parents will demonstrate an understanding of the personal human response to traumatic events.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The initial goal when caring for a child with PTSD like Harper is to address restoring a sense of control over disturbing thoughts by teaching relaxation techniques. This approach helps the child manage their distressing emotions and promotes a feeling of empowerment in dealing with their condition.

3. A bright student confides in the school nurse about conflicts related to attending college or working to add needed financial support to the family. Which coping strategy is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend to the student at this time?

• A. Meditation
• B. Problem-solving training
• C. Relaxation
• D. Journaling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the student is dealing with conflicting priorities of attending college or working to support the family financially. Problem-solving training is the most appropriate coping strategy to recommend. It can help the student objectively assess the situation, identify potential solutions, and make informed decisions. Problem-solving training provides structure and guidance, empowering the student to navigate the conflicting priorities effectively and choose the best course of action. Meditation, relaxation, and journaling may be beneficial for stress relief but may not directly address the decision-making process required in this situation.

4. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address this symptom?

• A. Encourage the client to discuss the voices.
• B. Instruct the client to listen to music to drown out the voices.
• C. Tell the client that the voices are not real.
• D. Distract the client from the voices.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to discuss the voices is the most appropriate nursing intervention when a client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. By discussing the voices, the client can feel heard, understood, and supported. It allows the client to express their experiences, which can help in processing and coping with the hallucinations. This intervention promotes therapeutic communication and builds a trusting nurse-client relationship, which is essential in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia. Choice B is incorrect because instructing the client to listen to music to drown out the voices does not address the underlying issue and may not be effective in managing auditory hallucinations. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client that the voices are not real can invalidate the client's experiences and feelings, leading to further distress. Choice D is incorrect as solely distracting the client from the voices does not help in addressing the hallucinations or supporting the client in dealing with their symptoms.

5. A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who has been prescribed an SSRI. Which SSRI is commonly used for this condition?

• A. Methylphenidate
• B. Sertraline
• C. Lithium
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sertraline. Sertraline, an SSRI, is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its efficacy and tolerability. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant used for ADHD and narcolepsy, not for GAD. Lithium is mainly used for bipolar disorder, not for GAD. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication, not typically used for GAD.

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