Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?

• A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• B. Fear of social situations
• C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
• D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with borderline personality disorder often exhibit impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. These behaviors can include reckless driving, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidal gestures. These actions are often attempts to cope with intense emotional pain or to avoid feelings of emptiness and abandonment. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to recognize and address these symptoms when diagnosing and treating borderline personality disorder.

2. Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Frequent panic attacks
• B. Persistent and excessive worry
• C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent and excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things, even when there is little or no reason to worry. This worry is difficult to control and can significantly impact daily life. While panic attacks, recurrent intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors can occur in other anxiety disorders, persistent and excessive worry is the hallmark symptom of GAD. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary symptom associated with GAD.

3. When the caregiver of a child asks the nurse for reassurance about their child’s condition, which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. “I think your child is getting better. What have you noticed?”
• B. “I’m sure everything will be okay. It just takes time to heal.”
• C. “I’m not sure what’s wrong. Have you asked the doctor about your concerns?”
• D. “I understand you’re concerned. Let’s discuss what concerns you specifically.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When providing reassurance to a caregiver about their child’s condition, it's essential to acknowledge their concern and address it specifically. Response D demonstrates empathy and a willingness to discuss the caregiver's specific concerns, which can help in providing accurate information and support to them. Choices A and B provide general reassurance without addressing the caregiver's specific concerns, which may not alleviate their worries effectively. Choice C deflects the question back to the caregiver and suggests consulting the doctor without directly engaging with the caregiver's worries, which may not offer the needed support and reassurance.

4. A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

• A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
• B. Monitoring the patient's weight weekly
• C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
• D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the patient's weight weekly is crucial in the care of individuals with anorexia nervosa as it allows healthcare providers to track changes in weight, which is a key indicator of nutritional status. Regular weight monitoring helps in identifying any significant weight loss or gain, enabling prompt intervention and adjustment of the treatment plan to address the patient's nutritional needs effectively.

5. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'

• A. A higher dosage
• B. Once-a-week dosing
• C. A lower dosage
• D. A different drug

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar disorder, a lower dosage of lithium is often prescribed to prevent toxicity and maintain stability while minimizing side effects. Lower doses are typically used once the patient has achieved mood stabilization to reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with long-term lithium use.

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