Nursing Elites

1. When a patient is diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which nursing diagnosis should be the priority?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
• B. Risk for suicide
• C. Disturbed sleep pattern
• D. Ineffective coping

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder is 'Risk for suicide.' This is the priority as it addresses the immediate risk of self-harm in individuals suffering from major depressive disorder. Monitoring and intervening to prevent self-harm take precedence over other nursing diagnoses in this scenario.

2. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which of the following is a common cognitive symptom?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Delusions
• C. Lack of appetite
• D. Negative self-talk

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Negative self-talk is a common cognitive symptom of major depressive disorder. It involves a pattern of negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, which can significantly impact a patient's self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Hallucinations and delusions are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, while lack of appetite is typically considered a physical symptom of depression rather than a cognitive one.

3. Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?

• A. Sertraline
• B. Lithium
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Diazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is the medication frequently prescribed to stabilize mood in patients with bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Sertraline is an antidepressant commonly used for depression, while haloperidol and diazepam are not typically first-line treatments for bipolar disorder.

4. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas’s nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

• A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
• B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
• C. Anxiety and depression.
• D. The ability to express his needs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression. This coping mechanism can exacerbate the underlying mental health condition and hinder proper treatment. Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring issues are essential in providing holistic care for individuals with schizophrenia.

5. 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.

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