Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?

• A. Provide a well-lit environment.
• B. Administer antipsychotic medication as prescribed.
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs closely.
• D. Encourage the client to express their feelings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client's vital signs closely is crucial during alcohol withdrawal as it helps detect any physiological changes early, such as hypertension, tachycardia, or fever, which can indicate potential complications like delirium tremens. Early identification and prompt intervention can prevent severe outcomes in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

2. A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, 'I work hard to provide for my family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax.' The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Rationalization
• C. Regression
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Rationalization. The client is using rationalization as a defense mechanism by justifying their excessive drinking as a way to relax due to working hard to provide for their family. Rationalization involves creating logical excuses to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. Projection involves attributing one's unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others. Regression is reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

3. In treating social anxiety disorder, which medication is commonly prescribed to patients with this condition?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder. SSRIs are a first-line pharmacological treatment for social anxiety disorder due to their effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and emotions. Methylphenidate is a stimulant primarily used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but not in social anxiety disorder. Lithium is typically used in bipolar disorder, while haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication more commonly used in conditions like schizophrenia. Therefore, the correct choice for treating social anxiety disorder is Sertraline (B).

4. A client is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How should the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?

• A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
• B. The client's behaviors are extensive, indicating the presence of mental illness.
• C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
• D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should interpret the client's behaviors as not indicative of mental illness. The client is experiencing normal feelings of sadness following the loss of a pet, and the fact that the client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine remain unchanged suggests no functional impairment. It is essential to recognize that experiencing occasional feelings of sadness in response to a significant life event, such as the death of a pet, does not necessarily signify mental illness, especially when there is no significant impairment in daily functioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly suggest that the client's behaviors indicate mental illness, which is not the case in this context.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which symptom should the healthcare professional expect to observe?

• A. Increased energy
• B. Weight gain
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weight gain is a common symptom of major depressive disorder. Individuals with major depressive disorder often experience changes in appetite, leading to weight gain or loss. This symptom is related to disruptions in the individual's eating habits and metabolism, which are commonly associated with depression. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because increased energy, increased appetite, and restlessness are not typical symptoms of major depressive disorder. In fact, individuals with depression often experience fatigue, changes in appetite, and feelings of restlessness or agitation.

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