A nurse working on an inpatient psychiatric unit observes a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rearranging the magazines in the dayroom. The nurse understands this action is primarily meant to do which of the following?

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Psychiatric Emergency Questions

Question 1 of 5

A nurse working on an inpatient psychiatric unit observes a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rearranging the magazines in the dayroom. The nurse understands this action is primarily meant to do which of the following?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client with OCD rearranging the magazines is likely engaging in a compulsive behavior to temporarily reduce the anxiety they are feeling. This action provides the client with a sense of control and relief from their obsessive thoughts, albeit temporarily. This behavior is a manifestation of the client's need to alleviate distress caused by their obsessions. A: While rearranging the magazines may result in a structured environment, the primary motivation is to reduce anxiety, not necessarily to ensure order. B: The client's actions are not primarily intended to show others how to stay organized but rather to cope with their anxiety. D: The client's behavior is not focused on showing the nursing staff they can handle emotions but rather on managing their own distress.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is assessing the client in a fugue state. What assessment findings would the nurse recognize as most significant to experiencing a fugue state?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a recent history of severe trauma is most significant to experiencing a fugue state. Fugue state is often triggered by severe trauma or stress, causing a person to temporarily lose their sense of identity and wander aimlessly. Choice A, depersonalization, is more related to dissociative disorders rather than fugue state. Choice B, depressive symptoms, may be present but are not specific to a fugue state. Choice C, childhood trauma, may contribute to dissociative disorders but is not directly linked to experiencing a fugue state. Therefore, the recent history of severe trauma is the most relevant assessment finding in this scenario.

Question 3 of 5

A client is diagnosed with agoraphobia. Which question indicates the nurse understands the etiology related to this disorder?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because agoraphobia is characterized by a fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult. Asking about specific places causing fear demonstrates understanding of the etiology. Choice B is incorrect as parental support is not directly related to agoraphobia. Choice C is incorrect as impulse control issues are not a primary feature of agoraphobia. Choice D is incorrect as feeling like the mind goes blank is not a typical symptom of agoraphobia.

Question 4 of 5

At which point would the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental illness?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Mental illness involves maladaptive responses and interference in daily functioning. Step 2: Maladaptive responses + interference = risk for mental illness. Step 3: Choice B states maladaptive responses + interference, aligning with the risk factors for mental illness. Summary: Choices A, C, and D do not specifically address the key factors of maladaptive responses and interference in daily functioning, which are crucial indicators of being at risk for developing a mental illness.

Question 5 of 5

During an intake assessment, a nurse asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, “I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.” Which is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides a logical and evidence-based explanation for why psychosocial questions are relevant to the client's heart condition. By highlighting the connection between psychological factors and medical conditions, the nurse can help the client understand the importance of addressing both aspects for optimal health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it simply dismisses the client's concerns without providing a meaningful explanation. Choice B is incorrect as it fails to address the client's resistance and may come off as confrontational. Choice D is incorrect as it undermines the significance of psychosocial questions in the assessment process.

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