A patient attending group therapy mentions, “In the beginning, I was so sick that everyone had to help me. For the last few days, it’s felt good to be able to give something back to the group.” This statement can be assessed as an example of Yalom’s factor of:

Questions 29

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Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient attending group therapy mentions, “In the beginning, I was so sick that everyone had to help me. For the last few days, it’s felt good to be able to give something back to the group.” This statement can be assessed as an example of Yalom’s factor of:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Altruism. This statement reflects the concept of altruism in group therapy, as the patient expresses the satisfaction of being able to give back to the group after receiving help in the beginning. Altruism refers to the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. In this case, the patient's experience of feeling good by being able to contribute positively to the group reflects a sense of altruism. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and unity within a group, which is not directly reflected in the patient's statement. B: Imitative behavior involves mimicking the actions of others, which is not evident in the patient's statement. D: Harmonizing refers to the process of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement, which is not explicitly mentioned in the patient's statement.

Question 2 of 9

The parents of an 8-year-old are attempting to help their child comprehend new information. Which intervention suggested by the nurse shows an understanding of the cognitive development theory for this age group?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Comparing the child’s experiences to the new material. At the age of 8, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's cognitive development theory. This stage is characterized by the ability to think logically about concrete events and understand the concept of conservation. By comparing the child's experiences to the new material, the parents are helping the child make connections between what they already know and the new information, which facilitates understanding. Drawing and illustrations (choice A) are helpful for visual learners but may not necessarily tap into the child's cognitive development stage. Encouraging the child to talk about new information (choice C) is beneficial for communication skills but may not directly address cognitive development. Asking the child to give a reason for how they feel about new information (choice D) focuses more on emotions rather than cognitive understanding.

Question 3 of 9

When a patient asks the nurse, “How can jolting me with an electrical shock possibly do me any good?” the answer most reflective of current biologic theory would be:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for severe depression and other mental health disorders. Step 2: Current biological theory suggests that ECT produces changes in brain chemistry, specifically neurotransmitters, leading to improved mood. Step 3: The correct answer (A) aligns with this theory by explaining how ECT impacts brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms. Step 4: Answer B is incorrect as ECT is not used as punishment but as a therapeutic intervention. Step 5: Answer C is incorrect as ECT is not primarily used to interrupt brain impulses causing hallucinations and delusions. Step 6: Answer D is incorrect as ECT does not shock the brain into re-establishing normal electrical patterns but rather affects neurotransmitter levels.

Question 4 of 9

A chronically depressed and suicidal client is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During the course of ECT, a nurse should recognize the continued need for which critical intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because suicide assessment must continue throughout the ECT course to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. During ECT, the client may experience changes in mood and behavior, which could impact their risk of suicide. It is essential for the nurse to monitor and assess the client's suicidal ideation and intent regularly. This ongoing assessment helps in identifying any exacerbation of suicidal thoughts and allows for timely intervention to prevent self-harm. Choice B is incorrect because antidepressant medications are not necessarily contraindicated throughout the ECT course. In some cases, a client may still require antidepressants in addition to ECT for optimal treatment outcomes. Choice C is incorrect because it is important to acknowledge and validate the client's feelings of hopelessness rather than discouraging them. By addressing and exploring these feelings, the nurse can provide support and facilitate the client's emotional processing. Choice D is incorrect because encouraging a high-caloric diet is not directly related to the critical intervention needed during

Question 5 of 9

Discharge planning begins for an elderly patient hospitalized for 2 weeks diagnosed with major depression. The patient needs ongoing assessment and socialization opportunities as well as education about medication and relapse prevention. The patient lives with a daughter, who works during the week. Select the best referral for this patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Behavioral health home care. This option provides ongoing assessment, socialization opportunities, and education about medication and relapse prevention, which are all essential for the elderly patient with major depression. Additionally, it allows the patient to stay in their own home environment, promoting comfort and familiarity. Option B: Partial hospitalization may not provide the ongoing support and socialization opportunities needed for the patient. Option C: A skilled nursing facility may offer medical care but may not focus on mental health needs or socialization. Option D: A halfway house is typically for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment and may not address the specific needs of an elderly patient with major depression.

Question 6 of 9

Which description is characteristic of an impulsive child?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An impulsive child typically acts without thinking or considering consequences, such as running into the street without looking. This behavior is impulsive, risky, and disregards safety instructions. Choices B and C describe behaviors that are more indicative of other issues like hyperactivity or hallucinations. Choice D suggests difficulty concentrating, which is not directly related to impulsivity. In summary, the key characteristic of an impulsive child is acting quickly without considering potential dangers or instructions.

Question 7 of 9

A teen is grieving the loss of her pet dog. She states to her mother, “I miss my dog so much, but I know that if I start crying, I will never stop.” The teen is expressing a fear of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Losing control over her emotions. The teen's statement indicates a fear of losing control if she starts crying. This fear suggests that she believes crying will lead to an inability to stop, indicating a concern about managing her emotions. This fear of losing control over her emotions aligns with the teen's hesitance to express her grief through tears. A: Appearing emotionally immature - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not directly suggest a fear of appearing emotionally immature. B: Embarrassing herself by crying in public - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not mention a fear of embarrassment. C: Losing the support of her friends and family - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not indicate a fear of losing support from others.

Question 8 of 9

Which statement best defines the nurse’s initial role as the patient’s source of help in addressing interpersonal problems?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it emphasizes the nurse's role in actively working with the patient to address interpersonal problems. The nurse's initial role is to provide support and assistance to the patient in resolving their issues collaboratively. Choice A focuses on medical treatment and collaboration with the doctor, not specifically addressing interpersonal problems. Choice C solely emphasizes the role of medications in improving the patient's well-being, neglecting the interpersonal aspect. Choice D suggests passing off the responsibility to other professionals, which contradicts the nurse's initial role as a source of help for the patient. In summary, choice B is correct because it highlights the nurse's active involvement in solving the patient's interpersonal problems.

Question 9 of 9

Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because sudden, traumatic deaths can lead to complicated grief reactions. This type of loss can disrupt the individual's ability to process and accept the death, resulting in prolonged and intense emotional distress. The other choices, A, B, and D, do not inherently indicate a higher potential for dysfunctional grief as they do not involve the same level of suddenness or trauma. Teen popularity, expressing love for a deceased spouse, and experiencing multiple losses over time are common situations that may not necessarily lead to dysfunctional grief if appropriate support and coping mechanisms are in place.

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