Nursing Elites

1. Jerry is a 55-year-old veteran who has been admitted after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries. His friend reported that he had been using synthetic marijuana prior to the accident, and that he also sees a psychiatrist at the VA hospital for an unknown diagnosis. He stated that Jerry sometimes gets "hyper"? for no reason, starts "ranting"? and becomes violent. Of the following, which general psychiatric disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• C. Bipolar disorder
• D. Delusional disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bipolar disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes. This disorder is highly co-morbid with substance use, which can worsen the prognosis. While schizophrenia may involve aggression, it is not typically associated with mood episodes like mania that characterize bipolar disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal, but not the distinct mood episodes seen in bipolar disorder. Delusional disorder is characterized by fixed false beliefs without the mood changes seen in bipolar disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is Bipolar disorder.

2. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?

• A. Increase in pulse rate
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Increase in body temperature
• D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.

3. A client has just died, and their son states, 'She was the most wonderful mother. There was no one who was a better mother than she was. She was perfect.' Which stage of grief is this son experiencing?

• A. Denial
• B. Anger
• C. Idealization
• D. Shock

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The son is experiencing the idealization stage of grief. During this stage, individuals tend to idealize the deceased person and remember them in a highly positive light, overlooking any negative aspects. This idealization serves as a coping mechanism to deal with the loss. Choice A, Denial, is incorrect as denial involves refusing to accept the reality of the loss. Choice B, Anger, is incorrect as it involves feelings of resentment and frustration. Choice D, Shock, is incorrect as shock is the initial reaction to the loss and is different from idealizing the deceased individual.

4. The client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. Which reaction cues the nurse to realize this when caring for a client who has lost an arm in a motor vehicle accident?

• A. The client is going through a grieving period.
• B. The client talks as if another person is affected.
• C. The client is willing to learn techniques to adapt.
• D. The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the client's recognition of the reality and subsequent anxiety cues the nurse that the client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. During this phase, the client may refuse to discuss the change and may use withdrawal as a coping mechanism. The grieving period typically occurs during the acknowledgement phase, where the client and family come to terms with the change in physical appearance. Initially, shock and depersonalization may lead the client to talk as if another person is affected by the change. Finally, in the rehabilitation stage, the client is ready to learn techniques to adapt to the change, such as through the use of prosthetics or modifying lifestyles and goals.

5. Why is it important for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation?

• A. To decrease the client's anxiety
• B. To help the family better adapt to necessary role changes
• C. To improve communication between family and nursing staff
• D. To ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation to help them better adapt to necessary role changes. By providing early notification, the family can start preparing for potential adjustments. While reducing the client's anxiety and improving communication with the nursing staff are important, the primary purpose is to assist the family in undertaking the required role changes. Creating a relaxed atmosphere for the client, although beneficial, is not the main objective in this situation.

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