Nursing Elites

1. What intervention should the nurse implement when caring for a patient demonstrating manic behavior?

• A. Monitor the patient’s vital signs frequently.
• B. Engage the patient in calming activities.
• C. Offer the patient a quiet environment for relaxation.
• D. Reduce environmental stimuli and create a calm atmosphere.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a patient demonstrating manic behavior, the nurse should implement the intervention of reducing environmental stimuli and creating a calm atmosphere. This approach is crucial in managing manic behavior as it helps decrease triggers that may worsen the patient's symptoms. Engaging the patient in calming activities (Choice B) may not be effective during a manic episode as the patient may have difficulty focusing. While offering a quiet environment for relaxation (Choice C) is beneficial, it may not be sufficient to address the heightened stimulation experienced during mania. Monitoring the patient’s vital signs frequently (Choice A) is important in general patient care but may not directly address the specific needs of a patient exhibiting manic behavior.

2. Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?

• A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
• B. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
• C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
• D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.

3. After a severe automobile accident, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were brought to the hospital. Mrs. Johnson is unable to remember anything about the accident or the two days preceding it. The nurse recognizes this as:

• A. Generalized amnesia
• B. Localized amnesia
• C. Selective amnesia
• D. Continuous amnesia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to an inability to recall specific events, often traumatic, within a particular time frame. In this case, Mrs. Johnson's memory loss about the accident and the preceding two days aligns with the characteristics of localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia involves a more extensive memory loss, often encompassing a person's entire life, which is not the case here. Selective amnesia involves forgetting specific details but not a whole chunk of time like in this scenario. Continuous amnesia is not a recognized term in psychology.

4. Luc’s family comes home one evening to find him extremely agitated, and they suspect he is in a full manic episode. The family calls emergency medical services. While one medic is talking with Luc and his family, the other medic is counting something on his desk. What is the medic most likely counting?

• A. Hypodermic needles
• B. Fast food wrappers
• C. Empty soda cans
• D. Energy drink containers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The medic is most likely counting energy drink containers. Energy drink containers could indicate high caffeine intake, which can exacerbate manic episodes by increasing agitation and exacerbating symptoms in individuals with mood disorders.

5. What is an important aspect of patient education regarding buspirone when prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Buspirone is an as-needed medication for anxiety.
• B. Buspirone has a high risk of addiction and dependence.
• C. Buspirone may not become effective until 2-4 weeks after starting the medication.
• D. Buspirone should be taken with food to increase absorption.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When educating a patient about buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to highlight that buspirone may take 2-4 weeks to become effective. Patients need to be aware of this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue the medication as prescribed. This information helps patients understand that they may not experience immediate relief and should not discontinue the medication prematurely. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not as-needed, it has a lower risk of addiction compared to other anxiety medications, and it does not need to be taken with food for increased absorption.

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