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 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

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

A group of nursing students are reviewing the standards of professional performance. The students demonstrate understanding when they identify which as a standard of professional performance?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Collegiality. Collegiality is a standard of professional performance that involves working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, showing respect, and fostering a positive work environment. It is essential for effective teamwork and patient care outcomes. A: Prescriptive authority is not a standard of professional performance but rather a specific legal authorization to prescribe medications or treatments. B: Consultation is an important aspect of professional practice but does not directly relate to the standards of professional performance. C: Planning is a necessary skill in nursing practice but is not specifically a standard of professional performance. In summary, collegiality is the correct answer as it directly relates to professional behavior and teamwork, while the other choices are not specifically standards of professional performance.

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

When reviewing several studies about Hispanic Americans and their use of mental health care facilities, the nurse notes that this cultural group tends to use all other resources before seeking help from mental health professionals. Which of the following would the nurse identify as a reason for this belief about many mental health facilities?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mental health facilities do not accommodate the cultural needs of Hispanic Americans. This is because Hispanic Americans may feel more comfortable seeking help from resources that align with their cultural beliefs and practices. Mental health facilities that do not cater to their cultural needs may not effectively communicate or provide care in a culturally sensitive manner, leading Hispanic Americans to seek help elsewhere first. A: Requiring periods of hospitalization is not a primary reason why Hispanic Americans may avoid mental health facilities. B: Lack of 24-hour emergency services is not a significant factor influencing Hispanic Americans' preference for other resources. C: Third-party payer reimbursement does not directly impact Hispanic Americans' cultural beliefs and preferences when seeking mental health care.

Question 7 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 8 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 9 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.

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