Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should the nurse implement to reduce the client's anxiety?

• A. Encourage the client to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
• B. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy sessions.
• C. Encourage the client to engage in relaxation techniques.
• D. Encourage the client to maintain a daily journal.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Engaging in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce anxiety for clients with PTSD. These techniques promote relaxation and help manage stress responses, contributing to a sense of calmness and improved coping mechanisms in dealing with anxiety triggers associated with PTSD. Avoiding discussing the traumatic event (Choice A) may hinder the client's progress in processing and coping with the trauma. While group therapy (Choice B) can be beneficial, relaxation techniques are more specific for reducing anxiety in this context. Maintaining a daily journal (Choice D) may be helpful for some clients but might not directly address anxiety reduction as effectively as relaxation techniques.

2. A client has been prescribed lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you.
• B. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
• C. You may experience mild nausea when initiating the medication.
• D. Do not double the next dose if you miss one.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to provide is to advise the client to avoid driving until they know how the medication affects them. Lithium can lead to side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, which could impair one's ability to drive safely. Choice B is incorrect because lithium is usually taken on an empty stomach. Choice C may be true but is not as critical as the potential side effects affecting driving. Choice D is important but not as immediate as ensuring the client's safety while driving.

3. How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?

• A. Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
• B. Hospital policy dictates how psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders.
• C. Psychiatrists assess the patient and identify diagnoses based on the patient's unhealthy responses and contributing factors.
• D. The American Medical Association identifies 10 diagnostic labels that psychiatrists can choose from.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Psychiatrists use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to determine diagnoses. The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for the classification of mental disorders, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D are inaccurate as hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association is not responsible for psychiatric diagnostic criteria. Choice C describes a more general approach to assessment and does not specifically address the standardized criteria used in psychiatric diagnosis.

4. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which dietary instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
• B. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages.
• C. Maintain consistent sodium intake.
• D. Follow a low-protein diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with bipolar disorder prescribed lithium is to maintain consistent sodium intake. Fluctuations in sodium levels can impact lithium levels, potentially leading to toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to advise the client to keep their sodium intake consistent to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the lithium therapy. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in potassium is not directly related to lithium therapy. Increasing intake of caffeinated beverages can interfere with the action of lithium. Following a low-protein diet is not a standard recommendation for clients prescribed lithium.

5. Which chronic medical condition commonly triggers major depressive disorder?

• A. Pain
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Crohn's disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Chronic pain is a common trigger for major depressive disorder. The persistent and distressing nature of chronic pain can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and contribute to the development of major depressive disorder in individuals experiencing it.

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