A patient has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for many years. When the patient tries to reduce smoking, anxiety, craving, poor concentration, and headache occur. This scenario describes

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Psychiatric Emergencies Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for many years. When the patient tries to reduce smoking, anxiety, craving, poor concentration, and headache occur. This scenario describes

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: substance addiction. This scenario describes a patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce smoking, which is a key characteristic of substance addiction. Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms are common when the substance is not consumed. Cross-tolerance (A) refers to the development of tolerance to one substance due to exposure to another, which is not applicable here. Substance abuse (B) refers to harmful use of a substance without dependence, which does not explain the withdrawal symptoms in the scenario. Substance intoxication (D) refers to the physiological effects of a substance when taken in excess, which is also not relevant to the patient's situation.

Question 2 of 5

A patient with fluctuating levels of awareness, confusion, and disturbed orientation shouts, 'Bugs are crawling on my legs.' Which problem is the patient experiencing?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tactile hallucinations. The patient's complaint of bugs crawling on their legs indicates a sensory perception disturbance, which is characteristic of tactile hallucinations. This symptom is commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia or substance use. Aphasia (A) is a language disorder, not related to sensory perceptions. Dystonia (B) is a movement disorder, not associated with hallucinations. Mnemonic disturbance (D) refers to memory issues, not sensory hallucinations. In this case, the patient's symptom points to a sensory perception distortion, making tactile hallucinations the most appropriate choice.

Question 3 of 5

A patient previously hospitalized for 2 weeks committed suicide the day after discharge. Which initial nursing measure will be most important regarding this event?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because holding a meeting for staff to provide support, express feelings, and identify overlooked clues or faulty judgments is crucial in addressing the emotional impact of the patient's suicide and identifying any potential errors in care. This measure promotes teamwork, communication, and a culture of learning from adverse events to prevent future occurrences. Option A is incorrect because verifying the security of the patient's medical record does not directly address the emotional impact on staff or the need for reflection on care provided. Option C is incorrect as consulting the legal department focuses on potential legal consequences rather than immediate emotional and clinical considerations. Option D is incorrect because documenting a report of a sentinel event is necessary but does not address the immediate need for staff support and reflection on care provided.

Question 4 of 5

Which clinical scenario predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior toward others?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C (Paranoid delusions of being followed by alien monsters) predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior as paranoid delusions can lead to extreme fear and aggression towards perceived threats. Delusions of being followed by alien monsters can trigger a sense of imminent danger, leading to potentially violent actions. In contrast, choices A, B, and D are less likely to directly result in violent behavior towards others. Major depressive disorder with delusions of worthlessness (A) may lead to self-harm but not necessarily violence towards others. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (B) is characterized by repetitive behaviors and thoughts, not typically violent tendencies. Completed alcohol withdrawal and beginning a rehabilitation program (D) indicate a positive step towards recovery, reducing the risk of violent behavior.

Question 5 of 5

A patient who was responding to auditory hallucinations earlier in the morning now approaches the nurse shaking a fist and shouts, 'Back off!' and then goes to the dayroom. While following the patient into the dayroom, the nurse should

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: make sure there is adequate physical space between the nurse and patient. This is the best course of action to ensure the safety of both the nurse and the patient. By maintaining physical distance, the nurse can prevent any potential harm or escalation of the situation. It allows the patient to have personal space and reduces the risk of physical confrontation. Moving closer (B) or maintaining an arm's length distance (C) may provoke the patient further. Initiating a conversation about appropriate behavior (D) can be ineffective or even escalate the situation without first ensuring physical safety.

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