A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?

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Question 1 of 5

A catatonic patient admitted in a stuporous condition begins to demonstrate increased motor activity. During his assessment, the psychiatrist raises the patient's arm above his head and releases it. The patient maintains the position his arm was placed in, immobile in that position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers his arm. What symptom is demonstrated by this assessment technique?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Waxy flexibility. This symptom is demonstrated by the patient's ability to maintain the position his arm was placed in, immobile, for an extended period of time. This is characteristic of catatonia, where individuals exhibit increased motor activity and abnormal posturing. Waxy flexibility refers to the tendency of catatonic patients to maintain positions that they are placed in by others, almost as if their limbs are made of wax and can be molded into different positions. Explanation for other choices: A: Echopraxia involves mimicking the movements of others, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. C: Depersonalization refers to feeling detached from oneself, which is not evident in the patient's behavior during the assessment. D: Thought withdrawal is a symptom of schizophrenia where thoughts are believed to be removed from one's mind by an external force, which is not relevant to the patient's motor behavior in this case.

Question 2 of 5

A woman has been severely beaten by her husband, has no relatives or friends in the community, is afraid to return home, has no financial resources of her own, and has no job skills. Which would be the most important referral for the nurse to make?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Safe house or shelter. This option is the most important referral because the woman is in immediate danger and needs a safe place to stay away from her abusive husband. It prioritizes her safety and well-being. Referring her to a safe house can provide her with protection, resources, and support to help her escape the abusive situation. Choice A (Community food cupboard) is incorrect as it does not address the woman's immediate safety needs. Choice B (Vocational counseling) is also not the most urgent referral in this situation as the woman's safety should be the priority. Choice C (Law enforcement) might be necessary in the long run, but the immediate concern is ensuring the woman's safety by referring her to a safe house or shelter.

Question 3 of 5

A rape victim tells the nurse, "I should not have been out on the street alone." Select the nurse's most helpful response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the victim's feelings without placing blame or judgment. By reflecting the victim's feelings back to them, the nurse validates their experience and shows empathy. This response encourages the victim to express their emotions and helps in building trust with the nurse. Other choices are incorrect: A: This choice does not address the victim's feelings of self-blame and does not provide the needed support. B: While this choice acknowledges the negative impact of self-blame, it does not directly address the victim's statement. C: This choice may be perceived as dismissive or blaming, which can further harm the victim's emotional well-being.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse cares for a rape victim who was given flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) by the assailant. Which intervention has priority? Monitoring for:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory depression. Flunitrazepam is a sedative-hypnotic drug that can cause central nervous system depression, leading to respiratory depression, which is life-threatening. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial to prevent respiratory failure. A: Coma may occur but is a consequence of severe respiratory depression, hence monitoring respiratory status is more critical. B: Seizures are not a common side effect of flunitrazepam and do not pose immediate life-threatening risks compared to respiratory depression. C: Hypotonia (muscle weakness) is a potential side effect but does not require immediate intervention like respiratory depression. In summary, monitoring for respiratory depression is the priority as it can lead to respiratory failure and death, while the other choices are not as immediately life-threatening.

Question 5 of 5

According to statistical research data, which of these children currently being followed by the pediatric nurse practitioner is at the greatest risk for fatal abuse?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because young children with disabilities, like cerebral palsy, are at the highest risk for fatal abuse based on statistical research. These children may be more vulnerable due to their dependency on caregivers and communication challenges. Choice B is incorrect as measles, although serious, is not associated with fatal abuse. Choice C is incorrect as appendicitis is a medical condition and not a risk factor for abuse. Choice D is incorrect as a fractured humerus, while concerning, does not indicate a higher risk for fatal abuse compared to a child with cerebral palsy.

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