Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing education to the family of a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine.
• B. Encourage the client to participate in physical activity.
• C. Encourage the client to express their feelings.
• D. Encourage the client to avoid isolation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the family to encourage the client to avoid isolation. Social support and interaction are crucial for individuals with major depressive disorder as it can help in improving mood, reducing feelings of loneliness, and providing a sense of belonging and support. Choices A, B, and C are not the most appropriate instructions for a client with major depressive disorder. While avoiding caffeine can be beneficial for some individuals with anxiety or sleep issues, it is not a primary intervention for major depressive disorder. Encouraging physical activity and expressing feelings are important aspects of managing depression, but avoiding isolation is more critical to address first.

2. Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents' home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his 'nice' mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation of this response is:

• A. Temperament
• B. Genetic factors
• C. Resilience
• D. Paradoxical effects of neglect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Christopher's positive outlook, strong school performance, and forming a bond with the neighbor indicate resilience. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt and thrive despite facing adversity, such as being removed from his parents' home due to neglect. His ability to maintain a positive attitude and excel in school despite the challenging circumstances highlights his resilience.

3. Which is a correct evaluation of the new psychiatric nurse's statement regarding a client's use of defense mechanisms?

• A. Defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and need not be eliminated.
• B. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt by the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated.
• C. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged but not eliminated.
• D. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct evaluation is that defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and do not necessarily need to be eliminated. These mechanisms serve the purpose of reducing anxiety during times of stress. While some defense mechanisms may be maladaptive, they can also help individuals cope with challenging situations. It is essential for the nurse to recognize that addressing defense mechanisms should be done sensitively, as they may be crucial for the client's emotional regulation. Encouraging the development of healthy coping skills while acknowledging the role of defense mechanisms in managing stress is a balanced approach in psychiatric care. Choice B is incorrect because completely eliminating defense mechanisms is not always feasible or beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the relationship between defense mechanisms and ego integrity. Choice D is incorrect as it misrepresents the role of defense mechanisms in ego functions.

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

• A. Difficulty making decisions
• B. Preoccupation with orderliness
• C. Attention-seeking behavior
• D. Aggression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with dependent personality disorder typically struggle with making decisions independently and rely heavily on others for guidance and reassurance. This can manifest as difficulty in initiating or making choices without the input of others. Clients with this disorder often display clingy, submissive behaviors and fear being alone, which aligns with the characteristic of difficulty making decisions seen in option A. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with dependent personality disorder. Preoccupation with orderliness may be seen in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior in histrionic personality disorder, and aggression in other disorders such as antisocial personality disorder.

5. What is the most significant consequence of the excessive use of defense mechanisms?

• A. Suppression of problem-solving skills.
• B. Intense experience of emotions.
• C. Enhancement of learning and growth.
• D. Limitation of problem-solving.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most significant consequence of the excessive use of defense mechanisms is the limitation of problem-solving skills. When individuals rely excessively on defense mechanisms to cope with stress or anxiety, they may avoid addressing underlying issues or seeking healthier coping strategies. This can lead to maladaptive behaviors, hindering their ability to effectively deal with reality, maintain healthy relationships, or perform well in various aspects of life. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the suppression of problem-solving skills, intense experience of emotions, and enhancement of learning and growth are not the primary consequences of excessive use of defense mechanisms.

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