Nursing Elites

1. In schizophrenia, a patient is experiencing negative symptoms. Which of the following is a negative symptom?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Delusions
• C. Apathy
• D. Disorganized speech

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In schizophrenia, negative symptoms refer to deficits in normal emotional responses or other thought processes. Apathy is a negative symptom characterized by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized speech are positive symptoms, which involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or thoughts.

2. Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• B. Fear of social situations
• C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often exhibit impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors can include reckless driving, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal gestures. These actions are often attempts to cope with intense emotional pain or to avoid feelings of emptiness and abandonment. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and address these symptoms when diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder.

3. What is a primary goal of treatment for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

• A. To eliminate all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• B. To reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts
• C. To increase the patient’s social interactions
• D. To improve the patient’s sleep quality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While complete elimination of all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be an ideal outcome, it is often unrealistic. Focusing on reducing the impact of these symptoms on the patient's daily life and functioning is more achievable and practical. Choices C and D are incorrect as they are not primary goals in the treatment of OCD. Increasing social interactions and improving sleep quality may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they are not the primary focus when managing OCD.

4. Which therapeutic communication technique involves restating the patient's message to ensure understanding?

• A. Clarification
• B. Reflection
• C. Summarization
• D. Paraphrasing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Paraphrasing is the correct therapeutic communication technique where the nurse restates the patient's message in their own words to confirm understanding. This technique helps in validating the patient's feelings and ensuring that both parties are in agreement, leading to effective communication and rapport building. Choice A, 'Clarification,' involves seeking further information to enhance understanding rather than restating the message. Choice B, 'Reflection,' involves echoing the patient's feelings to show empathy rather than restating the message. Choice C, 'Summarization,' involves condensing the main points of a conversation rather than restating a specific message.

5. In dissociative identity disorder, a patient exhibits different personalities, each with distinct behaviors and memories. The nurse recognizes that this fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for:

• A. Current stressors
• B. Developmental issues
• C. Traumatic experiences
• D. Family dynamics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In dissociative identity disorder, the fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for traumatic experiences. Individuals may develop different identities to help them manage and cope with overwhelming and traumatic events from their past. These distinct personalities often emerge as a way to protect the individual from the emotional pain associated with their traumatic experiences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dissociative identity disorder is primarily associated with coping mechanisms related to past traumatic experiences, rather than current stressors, developmental issues, or family dynamics.

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