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. Which of the following is not a potential side effect of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?

• A. Short-term memory loss
• B. Headache
• C. Confusion
• D. Tardive dyskinesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can have side effects such as short-term memory loss, headache, confusion, and nausea. Tardive dyskinesia is not a side effect of ECT; it is a movement disorder associated with long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics.

3. 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.

4. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

• A. Teenagers! They don't know a thing about real stress.
• B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
• C. When you are in poor physical condition, you can't experience psychological well-being.
• D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response is D: 'Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.' This response acknowledges the psychological aspect of stress and how a perceived threat to self-esteem can be just as stressful as a physiological change. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the client's concerns or provide a therapeutic response to the situation.

5. The mental health team is determining treatment options for a male patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Which question shouldn't the team answer to determine whether a community outpatient or inpatient setting is most appropriate?

• A. Is the patient expressing suicidal thoughts?
• B. Does the patient have intact judgment and insight into his situation?
• C. Does the patient have experiences with either community or inpatient mental healthcare facilities?
• D. Does the patient require a therapeutic environment to support the management of psychotic symptoms?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing suicidal thoughts, judgment, insight, and the need for a therapeutic environment are crucial factors in determining the appropriate treatment setting for a patient experiencing psychotic symptoms. Past experiences with mental healthcare facilities do not play a direct role in deciding between a community outpatient or inpatient setting.

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