Nursing Elites

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

• A. Encouraging the patient to stop washing their hands
• B. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
• C. Ignoring the patient's behavior
• D. Setting strict limits on the time allowed for hand washing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD who spends excessive time washing hands, allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This approach helps establish a structured routine for hand washing, which can assist in managing OCD symptoms without reinforcing the behavior. Encouraging the patient to stop washing hands may lead to increased anxiety and resistance. Ignoring the behavior can perpetuate the cycle of OCD, and setting strict limits on hand washing time may cause distress and may not effectively address the underlying issues associated with OCD.

2. A community mental health nurse is planning care to address the issue of depression among older adult clients in the community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement as a method of tertiary prevention?

• A. Educating clients on health promotion techniques to reduce the risk of depression
• B. Performing screenings for depression at community health programs
• C. Establishing rehabilitation programs to decrease the effects of depression
• D. Providing support groups for clients at risk for depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Establishing rehabilitation programs to decrease the effects of depression is a method of tertiary prevention.

3. What is the primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) when treating a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories
• B. To help the patient change negative thought patterns
• C. To help the patient develop relaxation techniques
• D. To help the patient avoid triggers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in treating patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is to help them confront and process traumatic memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of distressing memories, leading to their desensitization and reprocessing, ultimately reducing PTSD symptoms.

4. Which therapeutic communication statement might a healthcare professional use when a patient’s nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?

• A. I know you mention hearing voices, but I cannot hear them.
• B. Stop listening to the voices, they are NOT real.
• C. You say you hear voices, what are they telling you?
• D. Please ask the voices to leave you alone for now.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate therapeutic communication statement in this scenario. By asking the patient what the voices are telling them, the healthcare professional encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, aiding in understanding their altered thought processes. This approach can help establish a therapeutic relationship and provide valuable insight into the patient's experiences.

5. A patient diagnosed with panic disorder asks the nurse about the purpose of deep breathing exercises. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

• A. Deep breathing helps distract you from your anxiety.
• B. Deep breathing can prevent future panic attacks.
• C. Deep breathing helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
• D. Deep breathing increases your overall lung capacity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

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