Nursing Elites

1. Which statement about the concept of neuroses is most accurate?

• A. An individual experiencing neurosis is unaware of the distress they are experiencing.
• B. An individual experiencing neurosis feels helpless to change their situation.
• C. An individual experiencing neurosis is aware of psychological causes of their behavior.
• D. An individual experiencing neurosis has a loss of contact with reality.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Neurosis involves feelings of distress and anxiety, but individuals experiencing neurosis are usually aware of their distress and its causes. They may recognize that their behaviors are maladaptive and are generally in contact with reality. The accurate statement about neurosis is that an individual feels helpless to change their situation. Choice A is incorrect because individuals with neurosis are usually aware of their distress. Choice C is incorrect because while individuals may be aware of psychological causes, it is not the defining characteristic of neurosis. Choice D is incorrect because a loss of contact with reality is more characteristic of psychosis, not neurosis.

2. Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select one that does not apply.

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diagnosing mental illness in young children can be complex due to their limited language skills, cognitive development, and emotional development. However, parental denial does not directly affect the child's inherent challenges, making it the factor that does not apply to the difficulty of diagnosis.

3. A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, 'I work hard to provide for my family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax.' The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Rationalization
• C. Regression
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is using rationalization, a common defense mechanism. Rationalization involves creating logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. In this scenario, the client is justifying excessive drinking by linking it to hard work and the need for relaxation, masking the true underlying issue of alcohol abuse. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development, and sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, none of which are demonstrated in the client's statement.

4. An individual who has survived incest and is receiving treatment at the mental health clinic feels relief upon understanding that her anxiety and depression are:

• A. Going to be eradicated with treatment
• B. Normal and will soon pass
• C. Abnormal but will pass
• D. A normal reaction to posttraumatic events

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important to recognize that anxiety and depression are common responses to traumatic events like incest. Understanding that these feelings are normal reactions can help validate the individual's experiences and reduce stigma. By acknowledging that anxiety and depression are expected outcomes of posttraumatic events, the mental health clinic can provide appropriate support and treatment to help the survivor cope and heal. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it reflects a compassionate and informed approach to addressing the survivor's emotional struggles.

5. Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the effective use of newly prescribed lithium to manage bipolar mania? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. I remind myself to consistently drink six 12-ounce glasses of fluid every day.
• B. I discussed the diuretic prescribed by my cardiologist with my psychiatric care provider.
• C. Lithium may help me lose the few extra pounds I tend to carry around.
• D. I take my lithium on an empty stomach to help with absorption.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper hydration, discussing other medications, and taking lithium with or without food are important for effective and safe use of lithium. However, lithium is not prescribed for weight loss, and its usage should not be associated with losing extra pounds.

Similar Questions