Nursing Elites

1. A psychiatric nurse observes that a client diagnosed with schizophrenia is pacing up and down the corridor. The client is muttering to himself, and his hands are trembling. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the client if he is hearing voices.
• B. Offer the client a PRN medication for anxiety.
• C. Encourage the client to participate in a relaxation exercise.
• D. Remove the client to a quieter environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The first action the nurse should take is to remove the client to a quieter environment. This intervention aims to reduce stimuli that may be contributing to the client's agitation and help create a calmer and more supportive setting for the client. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as addressing the environmental factors should come first before exploring symptoms, offering medication, or engaging in relaxation exercises.

2. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events?

• A. I attend my therapy sessions regularly.
• B. Those intrusive memories are hidden for a reason and should stay hidden.
• C. Keeping busy is the key to achieving mental health.
• D. I've agreed to move in with my parents so I'll get the support I need.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Regular attendance at therapy sessions is a crucial aspect of the recommended treatment for managing the effects of traumatic events. Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing and recovery. Consistent participation in therapy sessions can help patients address and overcome the impact of trauma on their mental health.

3. When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.

• A. What coping resources have you used previously in stressful situations?
• B. Have you ever faced a similar stressful situation before?
• C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
• D. What do you believe led to your termination from your job?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the nurse to help the client assess their coping mechanisms and perspective on the situation. Questions A and B focus on exploring the client's coping resources and past experiences to guide them towards effective stress management. Asking who is to blame (choice C) is not conducive to evaluating coping abilities; instead, it might elicit a blame-focused response, which can impede progress. Choice D, inquiring about the reason for being fired, is a nontherapeutic approach that does not promote a constructive appraisal of the situation.

4. A nurse is assessing a patient with schizophrenia who is experiencing delusions. Which intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Agree with the patient's delusions to avoid confrontation.
• B. Encourage the patient to explore the basis of the delusions.
• C. Engage the patient in reality-based activities.
• D. Ask the patient to explain the delusions in detail.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention when assessing a patient with schizophrenia experiencing delusions is to engage the patient in reality-based activities. This intervention helps distract the patient from the delusions and reorients them to the present, promoting grounding in reality. Choice A is incorrect because agreeing with delusions can reinforce them and hinder treatment. Choice B may exacerbate the delusions by delving deeper into their basis. Choice D may not be beneficial as it focuses solely on the delusions without addressing the need to ground the patient in reality.

5. A client has been diagnosed with depersonalization/derealization disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

• A. Feelings of detachment from one's body
• B. Fear of gaining weight
• C. Paralysis of a limb
• D. Episodes of hypomania

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Depersonalization/derealization disorder is characterized by feelings of detachment from one's body or surroundings. Individuals with this disorder may feel like they are observing themselves from outside their body or that the world around them is unreal. Therefore, the nurse should expect behaviors such as feelings of detachment from one's body (A). Fear of gaining weight (B) is more indicative of an eating disorder, paralysis of a limb (C) could be related to neurological issues, and episodes of hypomania (D) are associated with mood disorders like bipolar disorder, but not specifically with depersonalization/derealization disorder.

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