Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits disorganized speech and behavior, these symptoms are classified as:

• A. Positive symptoms
• B. Negative symptoms
• C. Cognitive symptoms
• D. Mood symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positive symptoms in schizophrenia refer to excesses or distortions in normal behavior and include symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech and behavior. Disorganized speech and behavior are considered positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Negative symptoms involve deficits in normal behavior, cognitive symptoms affect thinking processes, and mood symptoms relate to emotional experiences. Therefore, in this scenario, the disorganized speech and behavior exhibited by the patient are classified as positive symptoms.

2. How do epidemiological studies contribute to improvements in care for individuals with mental disorders?

• A. Providing information about effective nursing techniques.
• B. Identifying risk factors that contribute to the development of a disorder.
• C. Identifying individuals in the general population who will develop a specific disorder.
• D. Identifying which individuals will respond favorably to a specific treatment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Epidemiological studies play a crucial role in identifying risk factors associated with the development of mental disorders. By pinpointing these risk factors, healthcare providers can implement preventive measures and develop more effective treatments, ultimately leading to improved care for individuals with mental disorders.

3. Which characteristic presents the greatest risk for injury to others in a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia?

• A. Depersonalization
• B. Pressured speech
• C. Negative symptoms
• D. Paranoia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Paranoia in patients with schizophrenia can lead to aggressive behaviors, including violence, which poses a significant risk of injury to others. Individuals experiencing paranoia may perceive others as threats and act defensively or aggressively in response, increasing the likelihood of harm to those around them.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the provider expect the client to exhibit?

• A. A lack of remorse for wrongdoing
• B. A fear of gaining weight
• C. A need for constant reassurance
• D. A willingness to take responsibility for actions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with antisocial personality disorder typically exhibit a lack of remorse for their actions. They may disregard the rights of others, engage in deceitful and manipulative behaviors, and show a consistent pattern of irresponsibility and disregard for social norms. This behavior is a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical behaviors associated with antisocial personality disorder. Fear of gaining weight is more indicative of an eating disorder rather than antisocial personality disorder. Needing constant reassurance is not a common trait of individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Additionally, individuals with this disorder often avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

5. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'You are the only one who understands me. The other nurses don't care about me.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Why do you feel that way?
• B. The other nurses care about you too.
• C. You shouldn't say things like that.
• D. I think you are overreacting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide support while also emphasizing that all staff members care about the client's well-being. Choice A does not acknowledge the client's emotions and may come across as dismissive. Choice C invalidates the client's feelings and may make the client feel misunderstood. Choice D minimizes the client's emotions, which can lead to a breakdown in therapeutic communication. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate response as it validates the client's feelings while reinforcing the idea that the entire healthcare team is supportive.

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