Nursing Elites

1. A nurse working on a mental health unit receives a community call from a person who is tearful and states, 'I just feel so nervous all of the time. I don't know what to do about my problems. I haven't been able to sleep at night and have hardly eaten for the past 3 or 4 days.' The nurse should initiate a referral based on which assessment?

• A. Altered thought processes.
• B. Moderate levels of anxiety.
• C. Inadequate social support.
• D. Altered health maintenance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should initiate a referral based on moderate levels of anxiety (B) as the client reports feeling nervous all the time, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, and difficulty solving problems. These symptoms are indicative of significant anxiety levels. The client does not mention symptoms related to altered thought processes (A) or inadequate social support (C). There is insufficient information to suggest altered health maintenance (D) as a reason for referral in this scenario.

2. A middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and low motivation. Which intervention is likely to be most effective in returning this client to a normal level of functioning?

• A. Provide education on methods to enhance sleep.
• B. Teach the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities.
• C. Suggest that the client develop a list of pleasurable activities.
• D. Encourage the client to exercise.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Teaching the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities is the most effective intervention in this case. Creating a routine can help improve motivation and provide a sense of accomplishment, aiding in the recovery process. Option A, providing education on methods to enhance sleep, may address hypersomnia but does not directly target psychomotor retardation and low motivation. Option C, suggesting the client develop a list of pleasurable activities, may not address the need for structure and routine. Option D, encouraging the client to exercise, is beneficial but may not be as effective as creating a structured daily plan to address the client's specific symptoms.

3. A client with a history of bipolar disorder presents to the emergency department with symptoms of mania. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer prescribed medication to manage symptoms.
• B. Provide a calm environment with minimal stimulation.
• C. Encourage the client to express feelings and emotions.
• D. Reinforce the need for consistent medication adherence.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering prescribed medication to manage symptoms is the priority intervention for a client with symptoms of mania. During a manic episode, the client may be at risk of harm to self or others due to impulsivity and poor judgment. Medication helps stabilize the client, reduce manic symptoms, and prevent further escalation. Providing a calm environment (choice B) is important but not the priority when the client's safety is at risk. Encouraging expression of feelings (choice C) and reinforcing medication adherence (choice D) are valuable aspects of care but addressing the acute symptoms of mania takes precedence to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.

4. Which action should the nurse implement during the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship?

• A. Identify new problem areas.
• B. Confront changes not completed.
• C. Explore the client's past in depth.
• D. Help summarize accomplishments.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the termination phase of the nurse-client relationship, it is essential for the nurse to help summarize accomplishments. This action provides closure by reflecting on the progress and goals achieved during treatment. It reinforces the positive aspects of the therapeutic relationship and helps the client acknowledge their growth and achievements. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Identifying new problem areas is not appropriate during termination, as the focus should be on closure. Confronting changes not completed may create tension and disrupt the positive closure process. Exploring the client's past in depth is more suitable for earlier stages of the therapeutic relationship, not during termination.

5. A client with a history of alcohol dependence tells the nurse that he has been sober for three months but has recently started drinking again. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Ask the client why he started drinking again.
• B. Provide information about support groups for sobriety.
• C. Discuss the consequences of drinking on his health.
• D. Encourage the client to express his feelings about relapse.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express his feelings about relapse is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation. This approach allows the nurse to address the underlying emotions and factors contributing to the relapse. Choice A, asking the client why he started drinking again, may come across as judgmental and might not be as effective in exploring the client's emotions. Choice B, providing information about support groups, is important but should come after addressing the client's current emotional state. Choice C, discussing the consequences of drinking, may be necessary at some point, but initially, the focus should be on the client's feelings and emotions surrounding the relapse.

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