Nursing Elites

1. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prescribed prazosin. The nurse understands that this medication is used to treat which symptom of PTSD?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Nightmares
• C. Hypervigilance
• D. Depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prazosin is a medication often prescribed to manage nightmares in patients with PTSD. It works by blocking the action of adrenaline on specific receptors, which helps in reducing the intensity and frequency of nightmares. While flashbacks, hypervigilance, and depression are also common symptoms of PTSD, prazosin is specifically indicated for nightmares associated with the disorder. Flashbacks are typically addressed through therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypervigilance may be managed through counseling and coping strategies, and depression may necessitate antidepressant medications or therapy tailored for depression.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the professional expect? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Anhedonia
• B. Hypersomnia
• C. Fatigue
• D. Flight of ideas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In major depressive disorder, common findings include anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Flight of ideas, characterized by racing thoughts and rapid speech, is more commonly associated with bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. Therefore, 'Flight of ideas' does not apply to the expected findings in major depressive disorder.

3. During pregnancy, a woman is in a relationship with a male who routinely abuses her. Her unborn child may engage in high-risk behavior as a teen as a result of:

• A. Maternal stress
• B. Parental nurturing
• C. Appropriate stress responses in the brain
• D. Memories of the abuse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Maternal stress during pregnancy can have long-term effects on the child's behavior and stress responses. Research shows that exposure to high levels of stress hormones in the womb can influence the developing fetal brain and the child's future behavior, potentially leading to high-risk behaviors during adolescence.

4. When explaining suicide precautions to a client, what would be the best explanation?

• A. You need to control yourself. If you cannot, we will do it for you.
• B. This can seem embarrassing, but we want you to be safe.
• C. You will stay on these precautions for one week.
• D. When you feel you are safer, then we will not need to observe you.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D provides a supportive and empowering explanation to the client on suicide precautions. It emphasizes the client's own sense of safety and control, indicating that the observation is temporary and can be removed when the client feels safer. This approach promotes autonomy and encourages the client to actively participate in their own well-being, fostering a therapeutic relationship based on trust and collaboration.

5. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

• A. Teenagers! They don't know a thing about real stress.
• B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
• C. When you are in poor physical condition, you can't experience psychological well-being.
• D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Stress can manifest as physical or psychological. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as a physiological change. Choice A is dismissive of the teenager's concerns and does not address the issue professionally. Choice B is incorrect as stress can result from various factors, not just loss. Choice C oversimplifies the relationship between physical condition and psychological well-being, neglecting the impact of mental stressors on overall health.

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