Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client who has a mental health disorder. Which of the following actions should the professional include as a psychobiological intervention?

• A. Assist the client with systematic desensitization therapy
• B. Teach the client appropriate coping mechanisms
• C. Assess the client for comorbid health conditions
• D. Monitor the client for adverse effects of medications

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring the client for adverse effects of medications is considered a psychobiological intervention because it involves the physiological aspect of mental health treatment. It focuses on the biological impact of medications on the client's mental health condition, emphasizing the interplay between biological and psychological factors in managing mental health disorders. Choices A, B, and C are not psychobiological interventions. Choice A, systematic desensitization therapy, is a psychological intervention aimed at reducing anxiety by gradually exposing the client to feared stimuli. Choice B, teaching appropriate coping mechanisms, is a psychosocial intervention focusing on behavioral strategies to manage stress. Choice C, assessing for comorbid health conditions, pertains to identifying other medical issues that may coexist with the mental health disorder but does not directly address the biological effects of medications on mental health.

2. What is the primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders?

• A. It focuses on long-term use of medications.
• B. It helps patients understand and change their thought patterns.
• C. It primarily addresses childhood traumas.
• D. It encourages patients to avoid anxiety-provoking situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders is that it helps patients understand and change their thought patterns. By addressing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors, CBT can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve coping mechanisms. This approach empowers individuals to develop healthier responses to anxiety triggers, leading to long-lasting benefits beyond solely relying on medications or avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because CBT does not primarily focus on long-term use of medications, addressing childhood traumas, or encouraging avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations. While medications may be used in conjunction with CBT, the main focus of CBT is on cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

3. After Natasha's husband passed away two months ago, she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?

• A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
• B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
• C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
• D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is common for major depressive disorder to be triggered by significant life events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is correct. Bereavement and major depressive disorder are related but distinct conditions, and while mourning can be intense, it is generally considered a normal response to loss. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial in treating depression, including cases triggered by a significant loss.

4. During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which question would be most appropriate?

• A. Do you often experience periods of sadness?
• B. Do you have difficulty controlling your worrying?
• C. Do you find yourself repeating behaviors or thoughts?
• D. Do you experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate question when assessing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to inquire about repeating behaviors or thoughts. This is a hallmark feature of OCD, where individuals often engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals to alleviate anxiety or distress. This behavior distinguishes OCD from other mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (choice B), major depressive disorder (choice A), and panic disorder (choice D). Therefore, recognizing repetitive behaviors or thoughts helps in identifying the presence of OCD and tailoring appropriate interventions for the patient.

5. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

• A. The need to dominate others
• B. Inventing traumatic events
• C. A need to develop close relationships
• D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When an 8-year-old boy engages in playacting as a police officer that instills fear in other children, it can be indicative of a potential symptom of traumatization. This behavior may reflect the child's attempt to process or express experiences of trauma, leading to a manifestation of such distress in his play interactions with others.

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