A nurse worked with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who was severely withdrawn and dependent on others. After 3 weeks, the patient did not improve. The nurse is at risk for what emotional response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Guilt and despair. The nurse, after working with a patient with major depressive disorder for 3 weeks without improvement, may start to feel guilty for not being able to help the patient effectively and may experience despair due to the lack of progress despite their efforts. This emotional response is common when healthcare professionals feel personally responsible for a patient's well-being and outcomes. Option A) Overinvolvement is incorrect because the nurse is not showing excessive involvement but rather a lack of improvement in the patient's condition. Option C) Disinterest and apathy is incorrect as it does not reflect the emotional toll of caring for a patient who is not improving. Option D) Ineffectiveness and frustration is incorrect as it does not capture the specific emotional response of guilt and despair that is likely in this situation. From an educational perspective, understanding the emotional responses that healthcare providers may experience when faced with challenging patient situations is crucial for self-awareness, self-care, and effective patient care. It highlights the importance of providing support and resources for nurses to cope with the emotional demands of their profession to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa, option C - vomiting, laxative use, and preoccupation with weight, is the correct answer. This is because these signs are characteristic symptoms of bulimia nervosa, including recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Vomiting and laxative use are common purging behaviors in individuals with bulimia nervosa, and a preoccupation with weight is a key psychological aspect of this eating disorder. Option A is incorrect because while low self-esteem and difficulty with impulse control can be present in individuals with bulimia nervosa, they are not specific or defining signs of this disorder. Option B is also incorrect as excessive weight gain and sedentary behavior are more commonly associated with binge eating disorder rather than bulimia nervosa. Option D is incorrect as extreme weight loss and severe food intake restriction are characteristic features of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia nervosa. It is crucial for nurses working in mental health and eating disorder settings to accurately identify the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders to provide appropriate care and support to their patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Lewy body disease. The nurse can expect this client to have Lewy body disease based on the symptoms of fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations. Lewy body disease is characterized by cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. These hallucinations are often vivid and detailed, which is a key feature of Lewy body dementia. Option B) Traumatic brain injury is incorrect as it is typically associated with a history of head trauma and cognitive symptoms related to the specific area of the brain affected by the injury, rather than fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations. Option C) HIV infection is incorrect because while HIV can impact neurological function, it does not typically present with the specific symptoms described in the scenario. Option D) Prion disease is also incorrect as it usually presents with rapid progression of dementia, muscle stiffness, and myoclonus, rather than the fluctuating cognitive symptoms and visual hallucinations seen in Lewy body disease. Understanding the specific symptoms and characteristics of different types of dementia is crucial for nurses caring for clients with cognitive impairments. Recognizing these distinctions can help nurses provide appropriate care and support tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Relax the client. Introducing a therapy dog to a client with dementia can help in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being. Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic effects, including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of comfort and security. For individuals with dementia, who may experience agitation and confusion, the presence of a therapy dog can provide a calming and soothing effect. Option A) Evoke the client's memories may not be the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit for a client with dementia. While interactions with animals can sometimes trigger memories, the main goal in this context is typically to provide emotional support and comfort rather than specifically targeting memory recall. Option B) Decrease the client's depression is not the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit, although it may indirectly contribute to improving the client's mood. Therapy dogs are more focused on providing companionship and emotional support rather than directly addressing clinical depression. Option C) Improve the client's cognitive function is not the primary goal of a therapy dog visit. While animal-assisted therapy can have various benefits for cognitive function in certain populations, the main aim in this scenario is to promote relaxation and emotional well-being rather than specifically targeting cognitive enhancement. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind using therapy dogs in healthcare settings is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals. By recognizing the therapeutic benefits that animals can provide, healthcare providers can incorporate these interventions into patient care plans to enhance the overall well-being of their patients, particularly those with conditions such as dementia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In caring for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder, understanding the behaviors associated with the manic phase is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer is B) Extreme risk-taking and impulsive behavior. During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, individuals often experience elevated mood, increased energy levels, and engage in risky behaviors such as excessive spending, substance abuse, or reckless driving. This behavior can pose serious risks to the individual's safety and well-being. Option A) Low energy and lack of motivation is not characteristic of the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Mania is characterized by increased energy levels and heightened activity. Option C) Excessive sleep and lack of communication are more indicative of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, where individuals may experience prolonged periods of sadness, fatigue, and social withdrawal. Option D) Social withdrawal and limited interaction with others are also more commonly associated with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, where individuals may isolate themselves and have difficulty engaging in social activities. Educationally, understanding the different phases of bipolar disorder and the behaviors associated with each phase is essential for nurses to provide appropriate care, support, and interventions for patients. Recognizing the signs of mania, such as extreme risk-taking and impulsive behavior, can help nurses ensure the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing this phase of the disorder.