Nursing Elites

1. Which response would the nurse make to a client with schizophrenia who claims to be Joan of Arc about to be burned at the stake?

• A. ''Tell me more about being Joan of Arc.''
• B. 'We both know that you're not Joan of Arc.''
• C. ''It seems like the world is a pretty scary place for you.''
• D. 'You're safe here, because we won't let you be burned.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse would say, ''It seems like the world is a pretty scary place for you.'' This response allows the nurse to understand the symbolism, reflect on and acknowledge the client's feelings, and help preserve the client's integrity. The statement, ''Tell me more about being Joan of Arc,'' validates the client's delusion and does not test reality. The statement, ''We both know that you're not Joan of Arc,'' rejects the client's feelings and does not address the client's fears of being harmed; clients cannot be argued out of delusions. The statement, ''You're safe here, because we won't let you be burned,'' is false reassurance; the nurse is agreeing with the client's false perceptions of reality, which is nontherapeutic.

2. What should be the initial action for a client admitted to an alcohol rehabilitation center who has a strong odor of alcohol on their breath on the fourth day after admission?

• A. Ask where the client obtained the alcohol.
• B. Locate the alcoholic substance.
• C. Convey empathy and support to the client.
• D. Document the client's drinking behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial action should be to locate the alcoholic substance. The nurse needs to find and remove the substance to prevent the client or others from consuming more alcohol. Asking where the client obtained the alcohol is not the priority; the focus is on ensuring the client's safety. Conveying empathy and support is essential but should not be the first action in this scenario. Documenting the client's drinking behavior can be done after ensuring immediate safety measures are in place.

3. Which action often triggers an episode of violence or aggression in a patient with a psychiatric diagnosis involving violent behavior?

• A. Obtaining a history
• B. Asking for input into care
• C. Enforcing rules
• D. Taking a walk

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Enforcing rules is often a trigger for patients with psychiatric diagnoses involving violent behavior. Limit-setting or denying patient demands can be perceived as control and intimidation, leading to aggressive responses. Nursing staff must respond calmly and professionally to prevent escalation. Avoiding such patients or matching their emotions can worsen the situation. Therefore, enforcing rules can provoke violent episodes in these patients.

4. A 37-year-old woman with a history of fibroids and menorrhagia that have not been responsive to hormonal treatments is admitted with severe menorrhagia resulting in anemia. She also has depression and pelvic pain. She is crying and states, 'I don't know what to do"?my primary health care provider is recommending a hysterectomy, but I haven't had children yet!' Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. 'There are so many children up for adoption, looking for a mother.'
• B. 'This must feel so difficult for you. Children are really important to you?'
• C. This must feel so difficult for you. Although Children should not be important to you.'
• D. Believe me when I tell you that kids are so difficult to raise"?you're better off without them.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide an open-ended question to encourage further expression. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse can create a supportive environment for the client. This approach allows the client to explore her emotions and concerns freely. Option A, suggesting adoption, may come across as dismissive of the client's current emotional state and may not address her immediate needs. Option D is insensitive and dismissive of the client's feelings and desires regarding having children. It is important to avoid making assumptions or judgments about the client's situation. Option C is a duplicate of Option B, and while it shows empathy, it lacks variety in communication, which may limit the depth of the conversation and the nurse's understanding of the client's needs.

5. A client becomes angry while waiting for a supervised break to smoke a cigarette outside and states, 'I want to go outside now and smoke. It takes forever to get anything done here!' Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the client to use a nicotine patch.
• B. Reassure the client that it is almost time for another break.
• C. Have the client leave the unit with another staff member.
• D. Review the schedule of outdoor breaks with the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best nursing action is to review the schedule of outdoor breaks and provide concrete information about the schedule. Suggesting a nicotine patch (Option A) is not suitable as the client wants to smoke. Reassuring the client about another break (Option B) does not address the client's frustration and does not promote effective communication. Having the client leave the unit with another staff member (Option C) is not appropriate as it goes against unit rules and does not address the client's concerns. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to review the schedule of outdoor breaks with the client to provide clarity and address the client's frustration effectively.

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