Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage the client to talk about the event during the day.
• B. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• C. Administer a prescribed sedative at bedtime.
• D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the client's therapist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with factitious disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Intentional production of false symptoms
• B. Lack of concern about symptoms
• C. Fear of gaining weight
• D. Unintentional production of false symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with factitious disorder deliberately fabricate or exaggerate symptoms to assume the sick role and garner attention. They may show a lack of concern about their symptoms, a phenomenon known as la belle indifférence. Fear of gaining weight is not typically associated with factitious disorder. Therefore, the correct behavior to expect in a client with factitious disorder is the intentional production of false symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lack of concern about symptoms and fear of gaining weight are not characteristic of factitious disorder. Additionally, factitious disorder involves the intentional, not unintentional, production of false symptoms.

3. In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?

• A. Learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
• B. Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system
• C. Abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; developing alternative coping skills
• D. Abstinence and development of a support system; learning about dependence and recovery; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.

4. 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.

5. A client has been diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

• A. Attention-seeking behavior
• B. Dramatic expressions of emotion
• C. Seductive behavior
• D. Dependency on others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with histrionic personality disorder often display attention-seeking behaviors as a way to draw focus and validation from others. This behavior may manifest as exaggerated emotions and dramatic expressions to maintain the spotlight. While seductive behavior and dependency on others are potential characteristics of histrionic personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior is the hallmark trait. Therefore, the correct answer is attention-seeking behavior (Choice A). Dramatic expressions of emotion (Choice B) can be a feature of histrionic personality disorder, but it is not as characteristic as attention-seeking behavior. Seductive behavior (Choice C) may also be present in individuals with histrionic personality disorder, but it is not the primary behavior to expect. Dependency on others (Choice D) is not a core feature of histrionic personality disorder, although individuals with this disorder may seek attention and validation from others.

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