A patient is being seen for symptoms of insomnia and significant weight loss that has occurred during the 2 months since her husband’s death. What is the purpose of the query, “Describe how it has been for you since your husband died?”

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the query "Describe how it has been for you since your husband died?" is to determine the risk for pathologic grief and the need for grief therapy. The patient is experiencing symptoms of insomnia and significant weight loss following her husband's death, which could indicate complicated or pathologic grief. By asking this open-ended question, the healthcare provider can gain insight into the patient's emotional well-being, coping mechanisms, and overall adjustment to the loss. The response can help assess whether the patient might benefit from additional support or interventions, such as grief therapy, to help her navigate through the grieving process in a healthy manner. It is essential to identify and address any potential complications related to grieving to provide appropriate care and support to the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Each child will grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable. It is essential for the mother to acknowledge and understand that each of her children will process the loss of their dear aunt differently. Some children might show their emotions openly and seek comfort, while others might prefer to process their feelings more privately. By recognizing and respecting these individual differences, the mother can provide the necessary support tailored to each child's specific needs. This approach helps create a supportive environment where each child feels understood and cared for as they navigate their grief journey.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of midlife transition, option C, "I’ll never be rich, but I can save enough to live comfortably," provides support that the patient is successfully managing the stressor. This response demonstrates a realistic and adaptive approach to goal-setting, reflecting a healthy adjustment to changing life expectations during midlife. The other options illustrate less adaptive coping mechanisms. Option A reflects denial and stubbornness, which can hinder personal growth and adaptation. Option B shows self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion, which can exacerbate distress. Option D, while insightful, does not directly address the patient's personal coping strategies. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of coping strategies and resilience during life transitions. It emphasizes the need for realistic goal-setting and adaptive responses to change, which are crucial skills in managing stress and promoting mental well-being, especially during significant life stages like midlife transition. Students can learn from this rationale the significance of flexibility, self-awareness, and positive coping mechanisms in navigating life challenges effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In understanding Piaget's theory of cognitive development, it is essential to recognize that children progress through stages that shape their understanding of the world. At the age of 6, children are typically in Piaget's concrete operational stage, characterized by logical thought and understanding of conservation and classification. The correct answer, option C, "Enjoying putting puzzles together," aligns with this stage as it reflects the child's ability to engage in structured, logical activities that require problem-solving skills. Enjoying puzzles indicates the child's developing cognitive abilities in terms of spatial awareness, reasoning, and problem-solving. Option A, "Playing with an imaginary friend," is more characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage, where children engage in symbolic play. While common and developmentally appropriate, it is not the most indicative of a 6-year-old's cognitive abilities in the concrete operational stage. Option B, "Talking about their best friend," pertains more to social and emotional development rather than cognitive development in the context of Piaget's stages. This option focuses on interpersonal relationships rather than cognitive tasks. Option D, "Knowing it's wrong to tell a lie," involves moral development, which is not the primary focus of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. While moral reasoning is important, Piaget's stages primarily address cognitive processes such as problem-solving, classification, and logical thinking. In an educational context, understanding Piaget's stages of cognitive development is crucial for nurses working with children to assess their growth and development accurately. By recognizing the characteristics of each stage, nurses can tailor their interactions and interventions to support children's cognitive abilities effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and advanced practice nursing in psychiatry, the correct answer is B) Prescribe psychotropic medication. Advanced practice nurses with specialized training and certification are often granted prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including psychotropic drugs, to patients within their scope of practice. This responsibility requires advanced knowledge of pharmacology, understanding of mental health conditions, and the ability to assess, diagnose, and manage patients' medication needs. Option A) Perform mental health assessment interviews is a crucial nursing skill, but it does not specifically pertain to pharmacology or the prescribing of medications, which is the focus of this question. Option C) Establish therapeutic relationships is an essential nursing skill in psychiatric care, but it does not directly relate to the prescribing of psychotropic medications, which is the primary scope of this question. Option D) Individualize nursing care plans is important in providing holistic care to psychiatric patients, but it does not specifically address the advanced practice nurse's role in pharmacology and medication management, as prescribing medications requires a higher level of training and expertise. Understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in psychiatric pharmacology is essential for providing safe and effective care to patients with mental health disorders. By prescribing psychotropic medications, these nurses play a crucial role in managing patients' symptoms, improving their quality of life, and promoting better mental health outcomes.