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. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

• A. The need to dominate others
• B. Inventing traumatic events
• C. A need to develop close relationships
• D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.

3. 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.

4. A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching? Select all that apply.

• A. I should avoid caffeine because it can increase my anxiety.
• B. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
• C. Practicing deep breathing exercises can help reduce my anxiety.
• D. I should gradually face situations that cause me anxiety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'I can stop taking my medication once I feel better' indicates a need for further teaching. It is crucial for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder to continue taking their medication as prescribed even when they start feeling better. Discontinuing medication abruptly can lead to a recurrence of symptoms. It is essential to emphasize the importance of following the prescribed treatment plan and regularly consulting with a healthcare provider to assess the need for medication adjustments.

5. Which therapeutic approach is considered most effective for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. Cognitive processing therapy
• B. Psychoanalysis
• C. Medication management
• D. Group therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cognitive processing therapy is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy focuses on helping individuals process and make sense of their traumatic experiences, leading to symptom reduction and improved coping mechanisms. Psychoanalysis, medication management, and group therapy can be beneficial in some cases, but cognitive processing therapy is specifically tailored for addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of PTSD. Psychoanalysis may not be as effective for PTSD due to its focus on unconscious conflicts rather than trauma processing. Medication management can be useful as an adjunct to therapy but does not address the core issues of PTSD. Group therapy can provide support but may not offer the individualized approach that cognitive processing therapy provides.

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