A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

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Question 1 of 9

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it validates the patient's feelings without directly challenging their delusion. By acknowledging the patient's concern about privacy, the nurse shows empathy and maintains a therapeutic relationship. Choice A avoids addressing the patient's underlying fear and may be dismissive. Choice C provides factual information but does not address the patient's emotional needs. Choice D uses confrontational language and may increase the patient's distress by labeling their belief as a symptom of illness. Overall, option B demonstrates empathy and builds rapport with the patient, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.

Question 2 of 9

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it validates the patient's feelings without directly challenging their delusion. By acknowledging the patient's concern about privacy, the nurse shows empathy and maintains a therapeutic relationship. Choice A avoids addressing the patient's underlying fear and may be dismissive. Choice C provides factual information but does not address the patient's emotional needs. Choice D uses confrontational language and may increase the patient's distress by labeling their belief as a symptom of illness. Overall, option B demonstrates empathy and builds rapport with the patient, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.

Question 3 of 9

A nurse is presenting a program to a church group about domestic violence. During the presentation, a member of the audience asks the nurse to explain what intergenerational transmission of violence means because he has seen that phrase used in the media. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because intergenerational transmission of violence refers to the cycle where individuals who grow up in violent households are more likely to perpetuate domestic violence in their own relationships. This response directly addresses the concept by highlighting the link between childhood exposure to violence and adult behavior. Choice A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue by attributing violence solely to neurochemical imbalances, ignoring the impact of environmental factors like upbringing. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests violence is solely genetic, which is not supported by research that shows the influence of learned behavior. Choice D is incorrect as it presents an inaccurate statement about domestic violence skipping generations, which is not a recognized pattern in the transmission of violence.

Question 4 of 9

After working with a patient who has a history of violent behavior to identify possible clues that suggest that his behavior is escalating, the nurse and patient develop a plan for prevention. Which strategy would they be least likely to include?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turning up the music loud. This strategy would be least likely to be included because it does not directly address the escalation of violent behavior. Counting to 10 and taking slow deep breaths are both commonly used techniques to help manage anger and prevent escalation. Taking a voluntary time out is also effective in creating a safe space to de-escalate. Turning up the music loud may serve as a distraction, but it does not actively address the underlying issues or help the patient stay in control of their emotions.

Question 5 of 9

When considering the goals of complementary and alternative medicines, which patient would be of particular interest to researchers studying advances in symptom management?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because chronic pain related to a neck injury is a common condition that complementary and alternative medicines often aim to address through symptom management. Researchers studying advances in this area would be interested in patients with chronic pain as they provide an opportunity to explore the effectiveness of alternative treatments. Choice B is incorrect because acute gastrointestinal infections are typically managed through conventional medical interventions, rather than complementary or alternative medicines. Choice C is incorrect as gestational diabetes in pregnant women requires close monitoring and management by medical professionals, making it less likely to be a focus for researchers studying advances in complementary and alternative medicines for symptom management. Choice D is incorrect because surgery for a clubbed foot is a condition that is usually addressed through surgical interventions and physical therapy, rather than complementary or alternative medicines for symptom management.

Question 6 of 9

Which patient is the best candidate for brief psychodynamic therapy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because brief psychodynamic therapy is typically suitable for individuals with specific, time-limited issues like the aftermath of an extramarital affair. This type of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and patterns related to the specific problem. Choices B, C, and D present more complex and severe issues that would likely require longer-term or more intensive therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or medical interventions. It is important to match the therapy approach to the individual's needs and presenting concerns.

Question 7 of 9

What is a true statement regarding the treatment of personality disorders?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because psychotherapy is a key treatment for personality disorders, including cluster A disorders like schizoid or paranoid personality disorder. While medications may help manage symptoms, they do not treat the core issues. Option A is incorrect because personality disorders are deeply ingrained and not typically cured. Option B is incorrect as DBT primarily targets emotion regulation in borderline personality disorder. Option C is incorrect as medications are not considered primary treatment for personality disorders.

Question 8 of 9

As a nurse escorts a patient being discharged after treatment for major depression, the patient gives the nurse a necklace with a heart pendant and says, "Thank you for helping mend my broken heart." Which is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because accepting gifts from patients can create a conflict of interest and compromise the nurse's professional boundaries. By politely declining the gift in response to the patient's gratitude, the nurse maintains professionalism and reinforces the therapeutic relationship. This response acknowledges the patient's gratitude while emphasizing the nurse's commitment to ethical practice. Choices A and B are incorrect because they either violate facility policies or fail to address the issue of accepting gifts. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the ethical dilemma of accepting gifts from patients.

Question 9 of 9

On an inpatient locked psychiatric unit, a newly admitted client requests to leave against medical advice (AMA). What should be the initial nursing action for this client?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct initial nursing action for a client wanting to leave against medical advice from an inpatient locked psychiatric unit is to check the client's admission status and discuss the reasons for wanting to leave (Choice B). This approach allows the nurse to assess the client's mental status, risk factors, and reasons for wanting to leave, which are essential for providing appropriate care and interventions. By understanding the client's perspective and concerns, the nurse can work collaboratively with the client to address underlying issues and potentially prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not prioritize understanding the client's reasons for wanting to leave or assessing the client's mental status and risk factors. Choice A dismisses the client's request without exploring the underlying issues. Choice C focuses on punitive measures rather than therapeutic communication. Choice D, placing the client on one-on-one observation, does not address the client's concerns or reasons for wanting to leave.

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