A nurse is assessing a client who experiences occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How would the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): The client experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet, with no changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or daily routine, does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. **Occasional Feelings of Sadness**: It is normal for individuals to experience feelings of sadness following a significant loss, such as the death of a beloved pet. 2. **No Changes in Appetite, Sleep Patterns, or Daily Routine**: The client's lack of changes in these areas suggests that their functioning is not significantly impaired. 3. **No Persistent or Severe Symptoms**: The client's behaviors do not indicate the presence of a major depressive episode, as there are no persistent or severe symptoms such as significant weight loss/gain, insomnia/hypersomnia, or psychomotor agitation/retardation. 4. **No Impairment in Functioning**: Since the client's behaviors

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals experiencing psychoses often have distorted perceptions of reality, leading to significant distress. They may have hallucinations or delusions, causing fear, confusion, and emotional turmoil. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with psychosis may not realize their behaviors are maladaptive due to their altered perception. Choice C is incorrect because individuals with psychosis may lack insight into their psychological problems. Choice D is incorrect as psychosis involves a disconnect from reality, leading to irrational thoughts and beliefs.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritizes safety and security needs. Aggressive behavior jeopardizes the safety of others, requiring immediate intervention to prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D relate more to social and esteem needs, which are of lower priority according to Maslow's theory. Addressing them would be important but not as urgent as ensuring physical safety in the case of aggressive behavior.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 28-year-old paramedic described in the scenario is D) Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This diagnosis is supported by his history of being involved in a traumatic event with fatalities during his work as a paramedic, his reported anxiety about returning to work, his auditory hallucinations ("voices and people screaming"), and his hypervigilance ("people are out to get me"). Option A) Persistent depressive disorder with mood-congruent psychotic features is less likely because the primary symptoms described are related to anxiety, paranoia, and auditory hallucinations, which are more indicative of PTSD than depressive disorder with psychotic features. Option B) Malingering is unlikely as there is no evidence or motive provided in the scenario to suggest that the paramedic is intentionally faking or exaggerating his symptoms for secondary gain. Option C) Unspecified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder is less likely as the symptoms described are more consistent with a trauma-related disorder like PTSD rather than a primary psychotic disorder like schizophrenia. Educationally, understanding the differentiation between these diagnoses is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially in emergency and psychiatric settings, to provide accurate assessments, interventions, and referrals for individuals experiencing mental health challenges following traumatic events. Recognizing the symptoms and diagnostic criteria for PTSD can lead to appropriate treatment and support for individuals like the paramedic in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are very safe in overdosage situations, which is not true of the other medications listed. Given this patient's history of overdosing, it is important that the medication be as safe as possible in case she takes an overdose of her prescribed medication.