A client experienced the death of their grandmother six months ago. They present to the clinic today with feelings of hopelessness, sadness, not sleeping, and crying throughout the day. What does the nurse anticipate the cause of the client’s symptoms to be?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should anticipate the cause of the client's symptoms to be prolonged grief (option B). Prolonged grief occurs when a person experiences intense, persistent grief symptoms lasting beyond what is considered a normal grieving period. In this case, the client's symptoms of hopelessness, sadness, sleep disturbances, and frequent crying six months after the death of their grandmother suggest a prolonged and unresolved grief reaction. Option A (Anxiety) is not the most appropriate choice as the client's symptoms align more closely with grief reactions rather than anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, or excessive worry. Option C (Normal grieving process) is incorrect because the client's symptoms extend beyond what is typically expected in a normal grieving process, indicating a more complex and prolonged response to the loss. Option D (Emotional numbness) does not align with the client's presentation of intense emotions such as sadness, hopelessness, and crying, which are indicative of unresolved grief rather than emotional numbness. Educationally, it is crucial for nurses to differentiate between normal grief reactions and prolonged grief to provide appropriate support and interventions for clients experiencing complicated grief responses. Understanding the nuances of grief reactions can help nurses tailor their care to meet the individual needs of clients experiencing loss and facilitate the grieving process effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The revolving door effect refers to shorter, but more frequent, hospital stays. Clients are quickly discharged into the community where services are not adequate; without adequate community services, clients become acutely ill and require rehospitalization. The revolving door effect does not refer to flexible treatment settings for mentally ill. Even though hospitalization is more expensive than outpatient treatment, if utilized appropriately could result in stabilization and less need for emergency department visits and/or rehospitalization. The revolving door effect does not relate to the incidence of severe mental illness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Education is a standard of professional performance. Other standards of professional performance include the quality of practice, professional practice evaluation, collegiality, collaboration, ethics, research, resource utilization, and leadership. Assessment, planning, and implementation are components of the nursing process, not standards of professional performance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the Behavioral Health Certification for Nurses exam, the correct answer is B) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is because the DSM-5 is considered the authoritative guide for diagnosing mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders. It provides detailed diagnostic criteria, descriptions, and classification of mental health conditions, making it the most comprehensive and reliable resource for nurses seeking information on anxiety disorders. Option A) Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) is focused on outcomes rather than diagnostic criteria, so it would not provide the detailed information needed to understand the diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Option C) The ANA's Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice outlines the scope of practice and standards for psychiatric-mental health nurses, but it does not contain the specific diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders. Option D) International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) is primarily used for coding and billing purposes and provides codes for diseases and health conditions but does not offer the detailed diagnostic criteria found in the DSM-5. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health to have a solid understanding of diagnostic criteria for various mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, to ensure accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Familiarity with the DSM-5 is essential for nurses in this field to provide high-quality care and support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C) Research shows that this condition more likely has a biological basis. This response is the best choice because schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Research has consistently pointed towards abnormalities in brain structure and neurotransmitter function as contributing to the development of schizophrenia. By emphasizing the biological basis of the disorder, the nurse can help the spouse understand that it is not solely attributed to events from childhood or psychological stress. Option A) Psychological stress is the basis of most mental disorders, is incorrect because while stress can exacerbate symptoms, it is not the sole cause of schizophrenia. Option B) This illness results from developmental factors rather than stress, is incorrect as schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder with contributions from various factors, including genetics and brain chemistry. Option D) It must be frustrating for you that your spouse is sick so much of the time, is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's question about the cause of the disorder. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental disorders like schizophrenia to provide accurate information and support to patients and their families. By explaining the biological basis of schizophrenia, nurses can help reduce stigma, improve treatment adherence, and foster a more supportive environment for patients and their loved ones.