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. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?

• A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
• B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
• C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
• D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.

3. A client has been diagnosed with a form of terminal cancer and has started receiving hospice care. The nurse notes that both the client and his family avoid talking about the diagnosis. All attempts at discussion result in changing the subject. The nurse recognizes that this family is exhibiting:

• A. Closed awareness
• B. Mutual pretense
• C. Open awareness
• D. Powerless assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Mutual pretense.' Mutual pretense is a form of awareness as a response to death or dying in which those involved avoid discussing the situation. In this scenario, both the client and the family are aware of the terminal cancer diagnosis, but they choose not to talk about it openly. This behavior can stem from various reasons, such as trying to shield loved ones from grief, fear of the future, or discomfort with discussing emotions. 'Closed awareness' (Choice A) refers to a lack of awareness of the impending death, which is not the case here. 'Open awareness' (Choice C) involves open acknowledgment and discussion of the terminal illness, which is contrary to the behavior described. 'Powerless assessment' (Choice D) does not relate to the situation of avoiding discussing the diagnosis in the context of terminal cancer and hospice care.

4. A daughter of a Chinese-speaking client approaches the nurse and asks multiple questions while maintaining direct eye contact. Which culturally related concept would the daughter's behavior reflect?

• A. Prejudice
• B. Stereotyping
• C. Assimilation
• D. Ethnocentrism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is assimilation. Assimilation involves incorporating the behaviors of a dominant culture. In this scenario, maintaining eye contact is characteristic of the American or Canadian culture and not of Asian cultures. Prejudice is a negative belief about another person or group and does not characterize this behavior. Stereotyping is the perception that all members of a group are alike, which is not demonstrated by the daughter's behavior. Ethnocentrism is the perception that one's beliefs are superior to those of others, which is not evident in this situation.

5. A client was admitted to the psychiatric unit after complaining to her friends and family that neighbors have bugged her home in order to hear all of her business. She remains aloof from other clients, paces the floor and believes that the hospital is a house of torture. Nursing interventions for the client should appropriately focus on efforts to

• A. Convince the client that the hospital staff is trying to help
• B. Help the client to enter into group recreational activities
• C. Provide interactions to help the client learn to trust staff
• D. Arrange the environment to limit the client's contact with other clients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention for the client in this scenario is to provide interactions to help the client learn to trust staff. This approach focuses on building trust and establishing a therapeutic alliance between the client and the healthcare team. Choice A is incorrect because simply convincing the client that the hospital staff is trying to help may not address the underlying issue of trust. Choice B is not the priority at this stage as the client is exhibiting symptoms of paranoia and discomfort. Choice D may further isolate the client and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to engage in interactions that promote trust and a therapeutic connection between the client and the staff.

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