Nursing Elites

1. To provide effective care for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, what associated condition should the nurse frequently assess for? Select all that apply.

• A. Alcohol use disorder
• B. Major depressive disorder
• C. Stomach cancer
• D. Polydipsia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Alcohol use disorder is commonly associated with schizophrenia, leading to a dual diagnosis. Assessing for alcohol use disorder is crucial in managing the patient's overall well-being and treatment plan. Major depressive disorder can co-occur with schizophrenia but is not the most commonly associated condition. Stomach cancer is not typically associated with schizophrenia. Polydipsia, excessive thirst, can be a symptom in some individuals with schizophrenia due to medication side effects, but it is not an associated condition that requires frequent assessment compared to alcohol use disorder.

2. Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select all that apply.

• A. Limited language skills
• B. Level of cognitive development
• C. Level of emotional development
• D. Parental denial that a problem exists

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Level of cognitive development. The level of cognitive development is a crucial factor that can complicate the diagnosis of mental illness in young children. Young children may not have fully developed cognitive abilities to express their symptoms or understand diagnostic procedures, making it challenging for healthcare providers to assess their mental health accurately. Limited language skills (choice A) can hinder communication but are not as significant as cognitive development in diagnosing mental illness. Emotional development (choice C) is important but may not be as directly linked to the diagnostic challenges as cognitive development. Parental denial (choice D), although a potential barrier, is not a factor inherent to the child's characteristics affecting the diagnostic process.

3. During an annual physical at a corporate clinic, a male employee tells the nurse that his high-stress job is causing trouble in his personal life. He further explains that he often gets so angry while driving to and from work that he has considered “getting even” with other drivers. How should the nurse respond?

• A. “Anger is contagious and could result in a major confrontation.”
• B. “Try not to let your anger cause you to act impulsively.”
• C. “Expressing your anger to a stranger could result in an unsafe situation.”
• D. “It sounds as if there are many situations that make you feel angry.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to encourage the client to manage their anger and avoid impulsive actions, as stated in choice B. This approach helps the individual recognize the potential consequences of acting on their anger impulsively. Choice A is not the best response because it focuses on the contagious nature of anger rather than addressing the individual's behavior. Choice C is incorrect as it only highlights the potential dangers of expressing anger to a stranger without providing guidance on managing the underlying issue. Choice D acknowledges the client's feelings but does not offer practical advice on how to address the anger and potential impulsive actions.

4. A female client on a psychiatric unit is sweating profusely while vigorously doing push-ups and then running the length of the corridor several times before crashing into furniture in the sitting room. Picking herself up, she begins to toss chairs aside, looking for a red one to sit in. When another client objects to the disturbance, the client shouts, “I am the boss here. I do what I want.” Which nursing problem best supports these observations?

• A. Deficient diversional activity related to excess energy level.
• B. Disturbed personal identity related to grandiosity.
• C. Risk for activity intolerance related to hyperactivity.
• D. Risk for other-directed violence related to disruptive behaviors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client's behavior of engaging in disruptive and aggressive actions, as well as claiming authority over others in the setting, indicates a risk for other-directed violence. This behavior poses a potential threat to the safety of others in the environment. Choice A is incorrect as the client's behavior is not solely indicative of a lack of diversional activities but rather a more serious issue. Choice B is incorrect as the behavior described does not primarily reflect disturbances in personal identity but rather displays of power and aggression. Choice C is incorrect as the client's actions do not suggest an intolerance to activity but rather an excessive and potentially harmful level of hyperactivity.

5. A female client engages in repeated checks of door and window locks, a behavior that prevents her from arriving on time and interferes with her ability to function effectively. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Ask the client why she checks the locks.
• B. Discuss checking the time frequently.
• C. Determine the type and size of the locks.
• D. Plan a list of activities to be carried out daily.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Planning a list of daily activities can help the client manage her time better and reduce the impact of her compulsive behaviors. This structured approach can assist the client in organizing her day, potentially reducing the need for excessive lock checking. Option A is incorrect because simply asking why the client checks the locks may not address the underlying issue effectively. Option B is not relevant to the compulsive behavior of checking locks and does not offer a practical solution. Option C does not directly address the client's compulsive behavior but focuses on the physical attributes of the locks, which is not the primary concern in this scenario.

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