A client has a co-occurring diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder. He was brought to the emergency department by two policemen who had broken up a fight that the client had gotten into in a neighborhood bar. The client is intrusive and verbose about having diplomatic immunity and his pressing need to tour the bistate area to promote his bid for the presidency. The client has had multiple admissions to the hospital's psychiatric unit, and he has almost always experienced alcohol withdrawal syndrome immediately after his previous admissions. Which of the following would be a priority for this client?

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Question 1 of 5

A client has a co-occurring diagnosis of alcoholism and bipolar disorder. He was brought to the emergency department by two policemen who had broken up a fight that the client had gotten into in a neighborhood bar. The client is intrusive and verbose about having diplomatic immunity and his pressing need to tour the bistate area to promote his bid for the presidency. The client has had multiple admissions to the hospital's psychiatric unit, and he has almost always experienced alcohol withdrawal syndrome immediately after his previous admissions. Which of the following would be a priority for this client?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because monitoring the client's vital signs is crucial in assessing for early signs of alcohol withdrawal, which is a life-threatening condition. This is a priority as the client has a history of experiencing alcohol withdrawal after previous admissions. Administering mood-stabilizing medications (A) may be necessary but not the immediate priority. Asking the client to refrain from being intrusive (C) is not addressing the underlying issue of alcohol withdrawal and bipolar disorder. Referring the client to a substance abuse treatment center (D) is important but not the priority when the client is exhibiting signs of potential alcohol withdrawal.

Question 2 of 5

When considering an eating disorder, what is a physical criterion for hospital admission?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A daytime heart rate of less than 50 beats per minute. This criterion indicates severe bradycardia, which is a sign of cardiac compromise in individuals with eating disorders. Bradycardia is a serious medical complication associated with malnutrition and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, and even sudden death. Monitoring heart rate is crucial in assessing the severity of an eating disorder and the need for hospitalization. Choice B (an oral temperature of 100°F or more) is not a specific criterion for hospital admission in eating disorders. Choice C (90% of ideal body weight) is an important indicator of malnutrition but does not directly reflect the severity of cardiac compromise. Choice D (systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mm Hg) is not typically a criterion for hospital admission in eating disorders unless it is extremely elevated and indicating hypertensive crisis.

Question 3 of 5

The use of a patient-centered interview technique works well for gathering information about abusive situations. It is a good use of clinical time to sit near the patient and:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Establish trust and rapport. Patient-centered interview techniques focus on building a trusting relationship with the patient, which is crucial when discussing sensitive topics like abuse. Sitting near the patient helps create a sense of closeness and comfort, facilitating open communication. Trust and rapport are essential for the patient to feel safe enough to disclose abuse. Asking lots of questions (B) may feel intrusive and overwhelming for the patient. Interrupting the patient's story (C) can disrupt the flow and hinder the patient's ability to express themselves fully. Utilizing closed-ended questions (D) may limit the information shared and inhibit a deeper understanding of the patient's situation.

Question 4 of 5

What is the benefit of biological theory, related to perspectives on mental illness?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because biological theory emphasizes that mental illnesses have biological origins, reducing the misconception that they are solely due to personal weakness or character flaws. This understanding decreases stigma by promoting the view that mental illnesses are medical conditions that can be treated. Choice A is incorrect as there is no universal cure for all psychiatric disorders. Choice B is incorrect as medication is not the only treatment option, and not all clients may need or benefit from medication. Choice C is incorrect as providers' compassion is not directly related to biological theory but rather to their individual attitudes and training.

Question 5 of 5

A distraught mother brings her ten-year-old-son to the pediatrician and explains that no matter how much she tries to encourage her son to read books, he shows no interest and gets really upset when she pushes him to have reading time. In school, he gets average grades and explains that he gets frustrated because the schoolwork makes no sense. What diagnosis would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. In this case, the child's lack of interest in reading, frustration with schoolwork, and difficulty understanding the material points towards dyslexia. Dysphagia (choice A) is difficulty swallowing, not related to reading. Dyscalculia (choice B) is a learning disability related to math, not reading. Dysgraphia (choice C) is a learning disability related to writing, not reading. Therefore, based on the symptoms described, dyslexia is the most likely diagnosis.

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