Nursing Elites

1. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. What is the best initial intervention?

• A. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers
• B. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings
• C. Providing the patient with relaxation techniques
• D. Advising the patient to avoid social situations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best initial intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is to provide relaxation techniques. This approach helps the patient manage flashbacks by focusing on the present moment, promoting relaxation, and reducing anxiety associated with the traumatic memories. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers or social situations may not address the immediate distress caused by flashbacks, while talking about feelings may not be as effective as providing immediate tools to manage the distressing symptoms.

2. A patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder has been undergoing therapy for several months. Which outcome indicates that the patient is progressing in therapy?

• A. The patient has developed a strong therapeutic relationship with the therapist.
• B. The patient’s different personalities are beginning to merge.
• C. The patient is able to recall traumatic events without dissociating.
• D. The patient reports fewer gaps in memory.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In dissociative identity disorder, the merging of different personalities is a crucial indicator of progress in therapy. As the different identities merge, it signifies that the patient is integrating fragmented aspects of their self, leading to a more cohesive sense of identity and a reduction in dissociative symptoms. This process is a significant therapeutic milestone in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder as it promotes internal cohesion and decreases internal conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while developing a strong therapeutic relationship, recalling traumatic events without dissociating, and reporting fewer gaps in memory are important aspects of therapy, the merging of different personalities is specifically indicative of substantial progress in treating dissociative identity disorder.

3. A client with anxiety disorder is scheduled to begin classical psychoanalysis. Which client statement indicates an understanding of this form of therapy?

• A. “Even if my anxiety improves, I will need to continue this therapy for 6 weeks”
• B. “The therapist will focus on my past relationships during our sessions”
• C. “Psychoanalysis will help me reduce my anxiety by changing my behaviors”
• D. “This therapy will address my conscious feelings about stressful experiences”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In classical psychoanalysis, the therapist delves into the client's past relationships, childhood experiences, and unconscious thoughts to uncover underlying issues contributing to the client's current symptoms. Understanding that the therapist will focus on past relationships aligns with the core principles of classical psychoanalysis. Choice A is incorrect because the duration of classical psychoanalysis is typically longer than 6 weeks. Choice C is incorrect as changing behaviors is more aligned with behavioral therapy than classical psychoanalysis. Choice D is incorrect as classical psychoanalysis primarily focuses on unconscious thoughts rather than conscious feelings about stressful experiences.

4. While being treated in an inpatient facility, what is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa?

• A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
• B. Monitoring the patient's weight daily
• C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
• D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the patient's weight daily is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa being treated in an inpatient facility. This approach helps healthcare providers track the patient's progress, assess nutritional status, and promptly identify any concerning changes or trends that may require intervention.

5. Which of the following is an example of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique?

• A. Free association
• B. Thought stopping
• C. Dream analysis
• D. Systematic desensitization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thought stopping is a specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique aimed at helping individuals manage and interrupt negative or intrusive thoughts. This technique involves identifying and stopping negative thought patterns to promote healthier thinking and emotional well-being. Free association and dream analysis are associated with psychoanalytic therapy, while systematic desensitization is a technique commonly used in behavior therapy.

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