Nursing Elites

1. According to Erikson’s theory, which behavior would the nurse expect a preschooler to exhibit?

• A. The child develops the superego.
• B. The child plays beside other children.
• C. The child concentrates on work and play.
• D. The child becomes casual about body appearance.

Correct answer: The child develops the superego.

Rationale: According to Erikson’s theory, a preschooler develops the superego or conscience during the initiative versus guilt stage. This stage occurs around ages 3 to 6 years old. The development of the superego is crucial for the child to start understanding and internalizing societal and parental values. Choice B is incorrect because playing beside other children typically occurs during the autonomy versus shame and doubt stage, which is seen in toddlers. Choice C is incorrect as concentrating on work and play is more characteristic of the industry versus inferiority stage, typically seen in school-aged children. Choice D is incorrect because becoming casual about body appearance is more aligned with the identity versus role confusion stage, which is seen in adolescents who have a marked preoccupation with appearance and body image.

2. Which of the following is an appropriate tension-reduction intervention for a patient who may be escalating toward aggressive behavior?

• A. Asking to speak to someone
• B. Asking to be alone
• C. Listening to music
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All of the above interventions are appropriate tension-reduction techniques for a patient in the ICU. When a patient is escalating toward aggressive behavior, it is crucial to have a range of strategies to help de-escalate the situation. Asking to speak to someone can provide emotional support and an outlet for communication. Asking to be alone can help the patient have space and time to calm down. Listening to music can be soothing and distracting. These interventions, along with additional ones like walking the hallway, watching television, writing in a journal, or requesting a PRN medication, can be helpful. It is essential to involve the patient in developing the care plan to identify triggers and effective tension-reduction techniques. Patients in escalation may not always recognize the need for intervention, so staff must be observant and offer personalized techniques to address the situation effectively.

3. Which is a true statement regarding stress related disorders?

• A. Stress related disorders are only caused by stress
• B. Symptoms of stress related disorders would not exist if the client was not experiencing stress
• C. Stress related disorders are also called psycho-physiologic disorders
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: Stress related disorders are also called psycho-physiologic disorders

Rationale: The correct answer is that stress related disorders are also called psycho-physiologic disorders. These disorders have a physiologic basis for their development, but stress can exacerbate the symptoms. While stress plays a significant role in these disorders, they are not solely caused by stress. Choice A is incorrect as stress is a contributing factor rather than the sole cause. Choice B is incorrect because symptoms of stress related disorders can persist even when the individual is not actively experiencing stress. Choice D is incorrect as there is a true statement among the choices, which is that stress related disorders are also known as psycho-physiologic disorders.

4. During her shift at the hospital, a nurse receives a stern reprimand from a physician over something over which she had no control. The nurse does not respond. When she returns home that evening, she sees her children's toys all over the floor, gets mad, and begins to yell at them. Which form of defense mechanism is this nurse using?

• A. Symbolization
• B. Suppression
• C. Displacement
• D. Projection

Correct answer: C: Displacement

Rationale: Displacement is the process of redirecting feelings or impulses from one person to another. In this scenario, the nurse chose not to respond to the physician, but instead displaced her negative emotions onto her children, who are less threatening and more vulnerable. This defense mechanism allowed her to express her anger in a safer outlet. Symbolization involves representing unconscious feelings or impulses through symbols, not redirecting them. Suppression is the conscious effort to push unwanted thoughts or feelings out of awareness, not displacing them onto others. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or emotions to someone else, which is not evident in this case.

5. Which behavior by the client exhibits denial after a recent diagnosis?

• A. Attempts to minimize the illness
• B. Lacks an emotional response to the illness
• C. Refuses to discuss the condition with the client’s spouse
• D. Expresses displeasure with the prescribed activity program

Correct answer: Attempts to minimize the illness

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Attempts to minimize the illness.' This behavior is a classic sign of denial, where the individual tries to downplay the seriousness of the illness to cope with it. By minimizing the illness, the client avoids facing the reality of the situation, which is characteristic of denial. Lacking an emotional response to the illness suggests suppression of emotions rather than denial. Refusing to discuss the condition with the spouse may stem from other issues like relationship strain or fear of causing distress, but it doesn't directly indicate denial. Expressing displeasure with the prescribed activity program typically reflects displaced anger, not denial of the illness.

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