A nurse has been confronted about stealing and taking drugs from the narcotics cart in the med room. The nurse has been reported to the board of nursing in their state. What is the likely initial outcome?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The nurse will be assisted into drug treatment. This is the likely initial outcome because when a nurse is confronted about stealing drugs and reported to the board of nursing for substance abuse issues, the primary concern is the nurse's health and well-being. Nursing regulatory bodies and healthcare institutions prioritize the rehabilitation and support of healthcare professionals struggling with substance abuse to ensure patient safety and provide the nurse with the necessary resources for recovery. Option B) The nurse will need to transfer to a different unit is incorrect because simply transferring the nurse to a different unit does not address the underlying issue of substance abuse. It is important to address the root cause of the problem through appropriate interventions. Option C) The nurse will be fired immediately may not be the best course of action as termination without offering support or assistance for rehabilitation does not address the nurse's potential for recovery and may not comply with labor laws or ethical considerations. Option D) The nurse will lose their nursing license immediately is also an extreme measure that is usually not the initial step taken in cases of substance abuse. Licensing boards typically aim to protect the public while also providing avenues for nurses to seek help and rehabilitation before resorting to revoking their license. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students and professionals to understand the importance of addressing substance abuse issues with compassion, support, and appropriate interventions. Nurses should be aware of the resources available for seeking help and the potential consequences of not addressing substance abuse problems in a timely manner.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Secondary data. Secondary data is information obtained from sources other than the client themselves, such as family members or medical records. In this case, the information provided by the client's family is considered secondary data because it is coming from a source external to the client. Option B) Objective data refers to measurable and observable data obtained through physical assessments or tests. In this case, information provided by the client's family is not objective data as it is based on their perceptions and experiences, rather than concrete measurements. Option C) Subjective data is information based on the client's feelings, perceptions, and experiences. While the family's information may contain subjective elements, the term "subjective" typically refers to data provided directly by the client themselves during assessments. Option D) Historical data refers to past information about the client's health status, treatments, and outcomes. While the information from the client's family may include historical elements, the term "historical" typically refers to data collected from the client's medical records or previous healthcare encounters. Understanding the difference between these types of data is crucial for nurses in assessing and providing care for clients. By recognizing that the information from the client's family is secondary data, the nurse can appropriately integrate it into the client's care plan while being mindful of its source and potential limitations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) The client adapts well to change. When a client verbalizes the use of coping mechanisms during stress, it indicates that they have developed healthy strategies to manage challenging situations. Coping mechanisms help individuals navigate stressors effectively, leading to better adaptability to changes in their environment or health status. Option A) The client prefers solitary activities to group activities is incorrect because coping mechanisms do not necessarily indicate a preference for solitude. It simply means the client has strategies to manage stress. Option B) The client follows all rules is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the use of coping mechanisms. Following rules may be a behavior unrelated to stress management. Option D) The client prefers to sit quietly is incorrect as it assumes a specific behavior that may not be indicative of how the client copes with stress. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding coping mechanisms in nursing practice. It emphasizes the significance of assessing clients' abilities to manage stress and adapt to changes, which are essential skills for providing holistic and effective care. Nurses need to be aware of clients' coping strategies to support their overall well-being and resilience.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B, "I don't want to think or talk about what happened with anyone," indicates the client is experiencing avoidance symptoms. This response aligns with the avoidance symptom criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where individuals actively avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the traumatic event. Option A, "I just cannot remember anything about the accident," reflects dissociation, not avoidance. Option C, "I am just so sad. I cannot believe that my partner is gone," demonstrates grief and sadness, not avoidance. Option D, "If I wasn't such a bad person, this never would have happened," suggests guilt, not avoidance. In an educational context, understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses in assessing and providing holistic care for clients recovering from traumatic events. Recognizing avoidance symptoms can guide appropriate interventions and support clients in processing their experiences effectively. It also underscores the importance of assessing mental health alongside physical recovery in nursing practice.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Schedule weekly clinic appointments because it allows the nurse to closely monitor the patient's mood over time without immediately escalating to a more restrictive intervention like hospitalization or crisis intervention. This approach respects the patient's autonomy by involving them in the decision-making process and giving them the opportunity to engage in their treatment plan actively. Option A) Arrange for a short hospitalization may be too drastic of a step at this point and could potentially infringe on the patient's autonomy by taking away their independence and control over their care without exploring less restrictive options first. Option C) Referring the patient to the crisis intervention clinic may be premature and could escalate the situation unnecessarily. It may not be the most appropriate response for a patient who is not in immediate crisis but rather showing a decline in mood. Option D) Calling the family to observe the patient closely may breach the patient's confidentiality and may not provide an accurate assessment of the patient's current state as they may behave differently in front of their family members. It is essential to prioritize the patient's autonomy and confidentiality in mental health care. In an educational context, understanding the importance of assessing and responding to changes in mental health behavior while respecting patient autonomy is crucial for nursing practice. By choosing less restrictive interventions that involve the patient in decision-making, nurses can build trust with their patients and promote a collaborative approach to care. It is essential to approach each situation with sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to upholding ethical principles in mental health nursing.