Nursing Elites

1. When orienting a new client to a mental health unit, which of the following statements should the nurse make about the unit’s community meetings?

• A. “Clients gather to discuss their treatment plans together.”
• B. “Staff establish a specific agenda for community meetings.”
• C. “Clients meet with staff to discuss common problems.”
• D. “Community meetings provide an opportunity to explore personal mental health issues.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During community meetings in a mental health unit, clients come together with staff to discuss common problems they may be facing. These meetings are designed to foster a sense of community and provide support and guidance to clients. Choice A is incorrect because community meetings focus on discussions beyond individual treatment plans. Choice B is incorrect as while staff may facilitate the meetings, the focus is on clients' concerns, not a predetermined agenda. Choice D is incorrect as the primary purpose of community meetings is to address shared challenges, not individual mental health issues.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
• B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
• C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
• D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.

3. A patient is being assessed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?

• A. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life.
• B. Extreme mood swings between euphoria and depression.
• C. Persistent thoughts of self-harm.
• D. Hearing voices that others do not hear.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly present with excessive worrying about various aspects of life. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark symptom of GAD and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Extreme mood swings (choice B), persistent thoughts of self-harm (choice C), and auditory hallucinations (choice D) are more indicative of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, respectively. These symptoms are not specific to GAD.

4. A patient is receiving education about taking clozapine. Which statement indicates the patient understands the side effects?

• A. I should report any signs of infection to my healthcare provider immediately.
• B. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• C. I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients taking clozapine should report signs of infection immediately due to the risk of agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening side effect of clozapine characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cell count, which can leave the patient vulnerable to infections. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications.

5. Which symptom is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Fear of social situations
• B. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Impulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worrying about various aspects of life is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In GAD, individuals experience excessive and uncontrollable worry about a wide range of everyday problems. This persistent worrying can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. Fear of social situations, hallucinations, and impulsive behaviors are not typically associated with GAD.

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