A patient asks the nurse manager to help resolve a situation between her and another patient. Which action would best support the patient’s feelings of safety when experimenting with new ways of being?

Questions 28

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Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient asks the nurse manager to help resolve a situation between her and another patient. Which action would best support the patient’s feelings of safety when experimenting with new ways of being?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Offering to be present and help the patient discuss her feelings about the incident with the other patient would best support the patient’s feelings of safety when experimenting with new ways of being. This option encourages open communication between the two patients in a safe and mediated environment. It allows the patient to express her feelings assertively while feeling supported by the nurse manager. Mediation can help both patients understand each other's perspectives, resolve conflicts, and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, this approach empowers the patient to address the situation directly while providing a sense of safety and support.

Question 2 of 9

Which response is appropriate when a patient’s mother expresses guilt over causing my child to be schizophrenic?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Schizophrenia is primarily linked to biological factors, including genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and brain structure abnormalities. This response helps dispel guilt and provides reassurance to the mother.

Question 3 of 9

The physician has ordered atropine 5 mg intramuscularly (IM) for a patient to be administered 30 minutes prior to ECT. The rationale for use of this medication is that it reduces secretions and:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The rationale for using atropine 5 mg IM prior to ECT is to protect against vagal bradycardia, not to improve the scope of convulsive activity, reduce the need for recovery room staff, or prevent incontinence of bladder and bowel. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to an increase in heart rate and protection against bradycardia that can occur during ECT.

Question 4 of 9

A nurse plans a staff education program for employees of a senior living community. Which topic has priority?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Depression and suicide are serious concerns for elderly individuals and should be prioritized in education for caregivers to ensure early identification and intervention.

Question 5 of 9

Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The person with the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief is an adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over their lifetime. Losing multiple family members can create a cumulative effect, leading to unresolved grief and complicated bereavement reactions. These repeated losses can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of developing dysfunctional grief patterns. The ongoing experience of loss and grief can make it challenging for the individual to process their emotions effectively and adjust to their new reality, potentially leading to prolonged and complicated mourning.

Question 6 of 9

A 19-year-old patient with undifferentiated schizophrenia is acutely psychotic. The nurse assesses the primary deficit as:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acute psychosis primarily affects thought processes, evidenced by delusions or disorganized thinking.

Question 7 of 9

For which patient is the nurse most likely to need to schedule a pre-ECT workup and teaching?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse is most likely to need to schedule a pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) workup and teaching for Patient D, who has depression associated with the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. In such cases, ECT may be considered as a treatment option due to the severity of the depression and the limitations in using other treatments. Before ECT can be initiated in a patient with such complex medical conditions, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation and preparation process, which includes obtaining informed consent, assessing the patient's medical history, conducting pre-ECT laboratory tests, and providing patient and family education about the procedure. Given the unique circumstances of Patient D's inoperable brain tumor, the nurse must ensure all necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety and efficacy of ECT as a treatment option.

Question 8 of 9

The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. What is the nurse’s next action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When goals are partially met, the plan of care should be re-evaluated, and adjustments should be made to interventions or timelines.

Question 9 of 9

Which older adult patient’s medical conditions support the hypothesis upon which the immunologic theory of aging is based?

Correct Answer: B, C

Rationale: he immunologic theory of aging suggests that aging is associated with increased autoimmunity. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves’ disease reflect immune dysfunction.

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