Nursing Elites

1. Substance abuse is often present in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Laura, a 28-year-old with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, chooses to drink alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nurse caring for this patient recognizes that:

• A. Anxiety may be present.
• B. Alcohol ingestion is a form of self-medication.
• C. The patient is lacking a sufficient number of neurotransmitters.
• D. The patient is using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms. This behavior is often seen as an attempt to manage mood swings and alleviate distress. It is important for healthcare providers to address and manage substance abuse issues in patients with bipolar disorder to ensure proper treatment and overall well-being.

2. A client prescribed diazepam for anxiety is receiving education from a healthcare professional. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I can drink alcohol while taking this medication.
• B. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. I should take this medication only when I feel anxious.
• D. I can stop taking this medication when I feel better.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clients should avoid alcohol while taking diazepam (Valium) as it can potentiate the effects of the medication, leading to excessive sedation and other adverse effects. Mixing alcohol with diazepam can also increase the risk of overdose and other serious complications. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to refrain from consuming alcohol while on this medication to ensure their safety and optimize the therapeutic benefits of diazepam for managing anxiety.

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

• A. Attention-seeking behavior
• B. Dramatic expressions of emotion
• C. Seductive behavior
• D. Dependency on others

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with histrionic personality disorder often display attention-seeking behaviors as a way to draw focus and validation from others. This behavior may manifest as exaggerated emotions and dramatic expressions to maintain the spotlight. While seductive behavior and dependency on others are potential characteristics of histrionic personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior is the hallmark trait. Therefore, the correct answer is attention-seeking behavior (Choice A). Dramatic expressions of emotion (Choice B) can be a feature of histrionic personality disorder, but it is not as characteristic as attention-seeking behavior. Seductive behavior (Choice C) may also be present in individuals with histrionic personality disorder, but it is not the primary behavior to expect. Dependency on others (Choice D) is not a core feature of histrionic personality disorder, although individuals with this disorder may seek attention and validation from others.

4. Which of the following are symptoms of a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Chest pain
• B. Normal breathing
• C. Dizziness
• D. Hot flashes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Symptoms of a panic attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and hot flashes. Normal breathing is not a symptom of a panic attack; instead, individuals experiencing a panic attack may often exhibit rapid or shallow breathing patterns. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are typical symptoms associated with panic attacks, making them incorrect answers.

5. Which of the following is an uncommon symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Delusions
• B. Fatigue
• C. Disorganized speech
• D. Catatonia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Common symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and catatonia. Fatigue is not typically considered a direct symptom of schizophrenia. It is important to focus on symptoms directly related to the disorder when identifying schizophrenia.

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