Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a symptom associated with sensory overload?

• A. Disorientation
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Emotional lability
• D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Disorientation is a common symptom associated with sensory overload. When an individual experiences sensory overload, their brain may become overwhelmed with excessive information, leading to disorientation. This can manifest as an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts, and restless behavior. Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to either control the amount of environmental stimuli they are exposed to or process the stimuli effectively. Drowsiness, emotional lability, and depression are not typical symptoms of sensory overload. Drowsiness may indicate fatigue or boredom, emotional lability refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, and depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

2. A client is receiving treatment for delusional behavior. He believes that his neighbor is purposefully poisoning his water system in an attempt to make him sick. Which of the following responses of the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Did you have the water tested to be sure?
• B. Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?
• C. Let's just sit here and watch this television program.
• D. Don't be silly; your neighbor would do no such thing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with delusional beliefs, the nurse should avoid arguing with the client and should accept the client's initial need to hold onto the delusions. By asking the client 'Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?' the nurse encourages the client to express his beliefs further. This open-ended question allows the client to elaborate on his delusions without feeling judged. It helps build trust between the nurse and the client, which is crucial for therapeutic communication. This approach may eventually lead to the client being more receptive to exploring and addressing his delusions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A may come off as dismissive and does not address the client's underlying beliefs. Choice C is a distraction and does not address the client's concerns. Choice D is confrontational and dismissive of the client's beliefs, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.

3. A client is being assessed by a nurse for increased anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Which of the following interventions is the first priority for the nurse?

• A. Administer anti-anxiety medications as prescribed by the healthcare provider
• B. Engage in a conversation with the client regarding methods to enhance rest and sleep
• C. Escort the client to a private room and stay with them
• D. Review the client's medical history to determine previous treatment for these issues

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first priority when dealing with a client experiencing potential mental health issues is to ensure their safety. Taking the client to a private room helps to reduce external stimuli and staying with them ensures constant monitoring and support. This intervention can prevent any escalation of anxiety or restlessness and promote a sense of security for the client. Engaging in a conversation about improving rest and sleep is important but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Administering medications should only be done after the client's safety is assured. Reviewing the client's medical history, while important, is not the immediate priority when the client is exhibiting acute symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.

4. A newly diagnosed client with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comments to the nurse, 'There are so many rotten people around. Why couldn't one of them get HIV instead of me?' Which statement is the nurse's best response?

• A. 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying.'
• B. 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder.'
• C. 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?'
• D. 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client is expressing feelings of unfairness and questioning why they have HIV. The nurse's best response is to acknowledge the client's emotions. Choice B, 'It seems unfair that you contracted this disorder,' reflects empathy and validates the client's feelings, which can help them move towards acceptance. Choice A, 'I can understand why you are afraid of dying,' introduces the topic of death, which may not be the primary concern at this stage. Choice C, 'Do you really wish this disorder on someone else?' is judgmental and could induce guilt in the client. Choice D, 'Have you thought of speaking with your religious adviser?' deflects the conversation and does not address the client's current emotional needs.

5. Which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency?

• A. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• B. Depression with melancholic features
• C. Major depressive episode with psychotic features
• D. Bipolar depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A major depressive episode with psychotic features is considered a psychiatric emergency because it poses a significant risk to the individual's safety. Psychotic features in depression can include hallucinations, delusions, or other severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression with melancholic features are serious conditions, they do not inherently represent an acute emergency that necessitates immediate hospitalization. Bipolar depression, although severe, does not inherently involve psychotic symptoms that would classify it as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. It's crucial to recognize the urgency and severity of major depressive episodes with psychotic features to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

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