Nursing Elites

1. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) frequently washes their hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Allow the patient to wash their hands, then gradually limit the time spent on this behavior.
• B. Discourage the patient from discussing their obsessions.
• C. Encourage the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors.
• D. Avoid setting limits on the patient's compulsive behaviors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD who frequently washes their hands, it is important to understand that compulsive behaviors provide temporary relief from anxiety. Allowing the patient to engage in their rituals initially and then gradually setting limits on the time spent can help them gain control over their compulsions. This approach supports the patient without causing undue distress, ultimately assisting in managing OCD symptoms effectively. Choice B is incorrect as discouraging the patient from discussing their obsessions can hinder therapeutic communication and understanding of their condition. Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors may increase their anxiety and lead to worsening symptoms. Choice D is also incorrect as avoiding setting limits on the patient's compulsive behaviors does not help the patient in gaining control over their OCD symptoms.

2. When discharging a patient with schizophrenia on risperidone, what is an important point to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is essential.
• B. Getting blood levels checked regularly is necessary.
• C. Being cautious when driving due to possible drowsiness is crucial.
• D. Taking this medication on an as-needed basis is recommended.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Regular monitoring of blood levels is crucial for patients taking risperidone to ensure the medication is at therapeutic levels and to prevent potential toxicity. This monitoring helps healthcare providers adjust the dosage as needed to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects.

3. Which assessment finding best supports dissociative fugue?

• A. The patient states that he cannot remember important information about himself.
• B. The patient is found to be wandering in a park and cannot remember his name or where he lives.
• C. The patient reports feeling as if she is outside her body and observing herself from a distance.
• D. The patient has a sudden onset of symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The key feature of dissociative fugue is sudden, unexpected travel away from home during which the individual may not be able to recall their identity or past events. Choice B best reflects this by describing a scenario where the patient is found wandering in a park and unable to remember their name or residence, which aligns with the characteristic dissociative amnesia seen in dissociative fugue. Choices A, C, and D do not directly support dissociative fugue. Choice A refers more to general dissociative amnesia, Choice C describes depersonalization/derealization disorder, and Choice D suggests acute stress reaction rather than dissociative fugue.

4. Which assessment question will provide information regarding the effects of a woman’s circadian rhythms on her quality of life?

• A. How much sleep do you usually get each night?
• B. Does your heart ever seem to skip a beat?
• C. When was the last time you had a fever?
• D. Do you have problems urinating?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'How much sleep do you usually get each night?' Asking about sleep patterns is essential to understand the impact of circadian rhythms on an individual's quality of life. Adequate sleep is closely linked to circadian rhythms, and disturbances in sleep patterns can significantly affect a person's well-being and daily functioning. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to circadian rhythms and would not provide information specifically about how circadian rhythms affect quality of life.

5. In an emergency mental health facility, a nurse is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency admission?

• A. A client with schizophrenia who has delusions of grandeur
• B. A client with manifestations of depression who attempted suicide a year ago
• C. A client with borderline personality disorder who assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
• D. A client with bipolar disorder who paces quickly around the room while talking to themselves

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A client with borderline personality disorder who has committed an assault poses a risk to others and themselves, necessitating temporary emergency admission for safety and further assessment. Choices A, B, and D do not indicate an immediate risk to self or others that would require temporary emergency admission.

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