Nursing Elites

1. In a patient with bipolar disorder, which symptom would indicate a manic episode?

• A. Excessive sleeping
• B. Low self-esteem
• C. Decreased need for sleep
• D. Anhedonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased need for sleep. A decreased need for sleep is a hallmark symptom of a manic episode in bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, individuals may experience significantly reduced sleep without feeling tired, which can lead to increased energy levels, impulsivity, and other manic symptoms. Excessive sleeping (choice A) is more indicative of depression rather than mania. Low self-esteem (choice B) and anhedonia (choice D) are also more commonly associated with depressive episodes rather than manic episodes in bipolar disorder.

2. A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, 'I work hard to provide for my family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax.' The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Rationalization
• C. Regression
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is using rationalization, a common defense mechanism. Rationalization involves creating logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. In this scenario, the client is justifying excessive drinking by linking it to hard work and the need for relaxation, masking the true underlying issue of alcohol abuse. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development, and sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, none of which are demonstrated in the client's statement.

3. A client has been diagnosed with paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

• A. Distrust of others
• B. Reluctance to confide in others
• C. Suspiciousness of others
• D. Jealousy of others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with paranoid personality disorder commonly display a pervasive distrust of others. They often interpret benign actions of others as hostile or malicious, leading to suspicion and a belief that others have malevolent intentions. While choices B, C, and D may be present in individuals with different personality disorders or issues, distrust of others is a hallmark feature of paranoid personality disorder, making it the correct behavior to expect in these clients.

4. A nurse is reviewing prescriptions for a patient with major depression at the county clinic. Since the patient has a mild intellectual disability, the nurse would question which classification of antidepressant drugs:

• A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• C. Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are less suitable for patients with intellectual disabilities due to the need for dietary restrictions and close monitoring. These restrictions can be challenging for patients with mild intellectual disabilities to follow, making this drug class a concern for this patient population.

5. 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.

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