Nursing Elites

1. Which characteristic in an adolescent female is sometimes associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

• A. Constantly afraid another student will steal her belongings.
• B. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics.
• C. Demonstrates no interest in athletics or organized sports.
• D. Appears more comfortable among males.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the prodromal phase of schizophrenia, individuals may exhibit subtle changes in behavior or interests. An unusual interest in numbers and specific topics may be a sign of cognitive disturbances that can precede the onset of schizophrenia. While the other choices may also be observed in adolescents, an unusual interest in numbers and specific topics is more specifically linked to potential prodromal symptoms of schizophrenia.

2. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would the nurse most likely observe?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Excessive worry
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a characteristic feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, health, or family, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical in conditions like schizophrenia, while compulsive behaviors are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, in the context of GAD, excessive worry is the symptom that the nurse is most likely to observe.

3. Which of the following therapies is considered the most effective for treating phobias?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• B. Psychoanalysis
• C. Medication management
• D. Group therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is widely recognized as the most effective treatment for phobias. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with their phobias, leading to long-lasting improvement and symptom reduction. Unlike psychoanalysis, which focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts, CBT provides practical strategies to address phobias directly. Medication management may be used in conjunction with therapy but is not typically considered a standalone treatment for phobias. Group therapy can be beneficial for some individuals, but CBT is specifically tailored to target and alleviate phobia symptoms effectively.

4. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient psychiatric unit would require priority intervention by a nurse?

• A. A client rudely complaining about limited visiting hours
• B. A client exhibiting aggressive behavior toward another client
• C. A client stating that no one cares
• D. A client verbalizing feelings of failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs are considered fundamental and must be addressed before higher-level needs. When a client exhibits aggressive behavior toward another client, it poses an immediate threat to safety and requires priority intervention by the nurse to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved. Clients who are rude in their complaints (Choice A), express feelings of failure (Choice D), or state that no one cares (Choice C) are addressing higher-level needs related to social interactions, esteem, and self-actualization, respectively, which can be addressed once safety needs are secured.

5. Which therapeutic intervention is most effective for social anxiety disorder?

• A. Group therapy
• B. Behavioral rehearsal
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Medication management

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the most effective therapeutic intervention for social anxiety disorder. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety, leading to long-term symptom relief and improved coping strategies. Group therapy (choice A) can be beneficial as a complementary approach but may not be as effective as CBT for directly targeting individual cognitive and behavioral patterns. Behavioral rehearsal (choice B) is a technique used within CBT and not a standalone intervention for social anxiety disorder. Medication management (choice D) can be used as an adjunct to therapy in some cases but is not the first-line treatment for social anxiety disorder.

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