Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which is an appropriate short-term goal for the client?

• A. The client will report a decrease in depressive symptoms.
• B. The client will establish a sleep routine.
• C. The client will improve social interactions.
• D. The client will set realistic goals for the future.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting a goal for the client to report a decrease in depressive symptoms is appropriate as it is specific, measurable, and achievable in the short term. Monitoring changes in depressive symptoms provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the treatment plan. While establishing a sleep routine, improving social interactions, and setting realistic goals for the future are important aspects of recovery, they are more suitable as intermediate or long-term goals. In the context of short-term goals, focusing on symptom reduction can provide immediate feedback on the client's progress and help adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

2. 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.

3. For a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who spends several hours a day washing her hands, which type of therapy is most appropriate?

• A. Exposure and response prevention
• B. Dialectical behavior therapy
• C. Family therapy
• D. Interpersonal therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most appropriate therapy for managing OCD. ERP involves exposing the patient to anxiety-provoking stimuli (such as touching dirty objects) and preventing the compulsive response (hand washing), thus helping the patient learn to tolerate the anxiety without performing the ritualistic behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses more on emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, making it less suitable for directly addressing OCD symptoms. Family therapy and interpersonal therapy may be beneficial for other conditions or relationship issues but are not specifically designed to target OCD symptoms like ERP.

4. Which characteristic in an adolescent female is sometimes associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

• A. Constantly afraid another student will steal her belongings.
• B. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics.
• C. Demonstrates no interest in athletics or organized sports.
• D. Appears more comfortable among males.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, individuals may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or interests. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics may be a sign of cognitive disturbances that can precede the onset of schizophrenia. While the other choices may also be observed in adolescents, an unusual interest in numbers and specific topics is more specifically linked to potential prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia.

5. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is performing a ritualistic handwashing routine. What is the nurse's best initial response?

• A. Interrupt the ritual to help the patient gain control.
• B. Allow the ritual but set limits on the duration.
• C. Ignore the behavior to avoid reinforcing it.
• D. Encourage the patient to stop the ritual and discuss their feelings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD engaging in ritualistic behaviors like handwashing, the nurse's best initial response is to allow the ritual but set limits on the duration. This approach helps in managing the behavior while gradually working towards reducing its frequency. Interrupting the ritual abruptly may cause distress to the patient, ignoring the behavior may reinforce it, and encouraging the patient to stop the ritual without setting limits may not be as effective in the initial stage of intervention.

Similar Questions