A nursing student is initiating a relationship with an assigned patient. After meeting and spending approximately 20 minutes talking with the patient, the student makes arrangements to visit again after lunch. After lunch, fellow classmates invite the student to go to the gym with them and a group of patients to play volleyball. The student starts to go with them but then remembers the promise to meet with the patient. The student decides to stay behind and talk to with her patient. The student’s decision reflects which ethical principle?

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Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Exam Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A nursing student is initiating a relationship with an assigned patient. After meeting and spending approximately 20 minutes talking with the patient, the student makes arrangements to visit again after lunch. After lunch, fellow classmates invite the student to go to the gym with them and a group of patients to play volleyball. The student starts to go with them but then remembers the promise to meet with the patient. The student decides to stay behind and talk to with her patient. The student’s decision reflects which ethical principle?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fidelity. Fidelity refers to the principle of keeping promises and commitments made to others. In this scenario, the nursing student made a promise to visit the patient again after lunch, demonstrating a commitment to the patient's well-being and building a trusting relationship. By choosing to stay behind and talk to the patient instead of going to the gym with classmates, the student is honoring their commitment and acting in accordance with the ethical principle of fidelity. Autonomy (A) relates to respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions, beneficence (B) involves doing good and promoting the patient's well-being, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness and honesty, none of which are directly applicable in this context.

Question 2 of 9

A 25-year-old woman who recently had abdominal surgery was admitted to the psychiatric unit, where it was determined that she had a borderline personality disorder. During the first week on the unit, it was determined that she also has diabetes. Her diabetes mellitus would be listed in which axis of her DSM-IV-TR diagnosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C (Axis III). Axis III in the DSM-IV-TR is used to list any medical conditions that may be relevant to the individual's psychological presentation. In this case, the woman's diabetes would be listed under Axis III because it is a medical condition that can impact her mental health. Axis I is for clinical disorders, Axis II is for personality disorders, and Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental stressors. Therefore, the correct placement for diabetes in this scenario is on Axis III to highlight its significance in the overall assessment and treatment plan.

Question 3 of 9

After reviewing the major beliefs of Hinduism, a nursing student identifies the following castes. The student demonstrates understanding by identifying which of the following as the highest caste?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Brahmans. In Hinduism, the caste system places Brahmans at the top as priests and scholars. They are considered the highest caste due to their role in maintaining spiritual knowledge and performing religious rituals. Brahmans are traditionally respected for their wisdom, knowledge, and purity. Kshatriyas are the warrior caste, Vaisyas are the merchant caste, and Untouchables are considered outside the caste system altogether. Therefore, Brahmans hold the highest status in Hindu society based on their spiritual and intellectual contributions.

Question 4 of 9

When describing the influence of Harry Stack Sullivan on psychiatric-mental health nursing, which of the following would the instructor address as a major concept?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interpersonal relations. Harry Stack Sullivan emphasized the importance of interpersonal relationships in shaping an individual's mental health. He focused on how interactions with others influence one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sullivan's interpersonal theory highlights the significance of social connections in understanding and treating mental health issues. Choice B: Harmony between the individual and society is not a major concept associated with Sullivan's work. While he did consider the impact of societal factors on mental health, his primary focus was on interpersonal dynamics. Choice C: Collective unconscious is a concept from Jungian psychology, not Sullivan. Sullivan's theory was more focused on individual experiences and relationships. Choice D: Unconditional positive regard is a concept from Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy, not Sullivan. While positive regard is important in therapeutic relationships, it is not a central concept in Sullivan's interpersonal theory.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse working on the psychiatric unit receives a telephone call from the employer of one of the patients on the unit. The employer asks to be sent a copy of Mr. Murray’s latest laboratory work and psychological testing results so Mr. Murray’s medical records in employee health can be kept up to date. Based on the nurse’s knowledge about issues surrounding breach of confidentiality, which response would be the most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: `I’ll have to get the patient’s signed consent before we can send that information to you. This response is appropriate as it upholds the patient's confidentiality rights as per HIPAA regulations. By obtaining the patient's signed consent, the nurse ensures that Mr. Murray's privacy is protected and that information is not disclosed without authorization. Choice A is incorrect because it is a direct violation of patient confidentiality without obtaining proper consent. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the request and does not protect patient privacy. Choice D is incorrect as it also discloses patient information without consent, violating confidentiality laws.

Question 6 of 9

After teaching a group of students about mental health and mental illness, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the group identifies which of the following as reflecting mental disorders?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an alteration in mood or thinking is a key characteristic of mental disorders. Mental disorders often manifest through changes in mood (such as depression or mania) or thinking (such as delusions or impaired cognition). This reflects the presence of significant disturbances in mental functioning. A, B, and D are incorrect because: A: Capacity to interact with others is a broad concept that may not necessarily indicate the presence of a mental disorder. B: Ability to deal with ordinary stress is a measure of resilience rather than a specific indicator of a mental disorder. D: Lack of impaired functioning implies normal functioning, which does not capture the complexity and diversity of mental disorders.

Question 7 of 9

During an assessment, the patient states, `We rely on our large extensive family for moral support and help and we treat our elders with a great deal of respect. If someone gets sick, the family takes care of him.​ The nurse interprets this as indicating which of the following? 10

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cultural identity. The patient's statement reflects their cultural beliefs, values, and practices related to family support and respect for elders, indicating a strong sense of cultural identity. This choice best captures the patient's deep connection to their cultural heritage and traditions. Choice A, Acculturation, refers to the process of adapting to a new culture, which is not evident in the patient's statement. Choice C, Cultural competence, relates to the ability to effectively work with individuals from diverse cultures, which is not explicitly demonstrated by the patient's statement. Choice D, Linguistic competence, pertains to the ability to communicate effectively in different languages, which is not the focus of the patient's statement.

Question 8 of 9

A nursing student is initiating a relationship with an assigned patient. After meeting and spending approximately 20 minutes talking with the patient, the student makes arrangements to visit again after lunch. After lunch, fellow classmates invite the student to go to the gym with them and a group of patients to play volleyball. The student starts to go with them but then remembers the promise to meet with the patient. The student decides to stay behind and talk to with her patient. The student’s decision reflects which ethical principle?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fidelity. Fidelity refers to the principle of keeping promises and commitments made to others. In this scenario, the nursing student made a promise to visit the patient again after lunch, demonstrating a commitment to the patient's well-being and building a trusting relationship. By choosing to stay behind and talk to the patient instead of going to the gym with classmates, the student is honoring their commitment and acting in accordance with the ethical principle of fidelity. Autonomy (A) relates to respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions, beneficence (B) involves doing good and promoting the patient's well-being, and veracity (D) refers to truthfulness and honesty, none of which are directly applicable in this context.

Question 9 of 9

A patient is being discharged from the psychiatric unit this afternoon, and the nurse needs to teach the patient about discharge medications. The patient is exhibiting signs of moderate anxiety about the upcoming discharge. Based on Peplau’s views regarding anxiety, the nurse would expect to implement the teaching plan at which time?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety stabilizes at its current level aligns with Peplau's views on anxiety. At this point, the patient is more receptive to learning and can process information effectively without overwhelming anxiety hindering the learning process. This approach enables the patient to engage in the teaching plan with a manageable level of anxiety, promoting a more successful learning experience. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Implementing the teaching plan when the patient's anxiety decreases to a mild level may not be the most effective timing. The patient may still have some residual anxiety that could impact their ability to fully engage in the learning process. C: Waiting until the patient is completely free of anxiety may not be realistic or necessary. A certain level of anxiety is normal, and the goal is to teach the patient to manage anxiety effectively rather than eliminate it entirely. D: Waiting until the patient's anxiety escalates to the panic level is not ideal as it can lead

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