A patient living in community housing for the elderly says, “I don’t go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past because that’s all they can do.” The nurse analyzes these remarks to represent:

Questions 29

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Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient living in community housing for the elderly says, “I don’t go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past because that’s all they can do.” The nurse analyzes these remarks to represent:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thinking associated with ageism. This is because the patient's statement reflects a negative stereotype about older adults, assuming they are limited to playing cards and reminiscing about the past. Ageism involves discrimination or prejudice based on someone's age, which can lead to stereotyping and marginalization. A: Failure to achieve developmental tasks - This choice does not directly relate to the patient's statement about ageism. B: Hypercritical behavior - The patient's statement does not indicate hypercritical behavior, but rather a biased perspective on aging. C: Paranoid thinking - The patient's statement does not demonstrate paranoid thinking, but rather a biased view of older adults based on ageist beliefs. In summary, the correct answer is D as the patient's remarks reflect ageist thinking, while the other choices do not align with the content of the patient's statement.

Question 2 of 9

When a hospitalized patient dies, his wife stares blankly and states, "It can’t be." This indicates:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Shock and disbelief) Rationale: 1. The wife's blank stare and statement "It can’t be" suggest a state of disbelief and being stunned by the news of her husband's death, indicating shock. 2. Shock is a common initial reaction to unexpected and distressing events, such as the sudden death of a loved one. 3. This choice is the most fitting based on the wife's reaction of disbelief and being unable to accept the reality of the situation. Summary: A: Despair and protest - Despair involves a sense of hopelessness, not evident in the wife's initial reaction. Protest implies a more active response, while the wife's reaction is passive. C: Anger and hostility - There is no indication of anger or hostility in the wife's initial response; rather, it is characterized by disbelief. D: Disorganization and confusion - While the wife may feel disorganized and confused later, her initial response reflects more shock and disbelief than disorganization

Question 3 of 9

A patient asks, “What advantage does a durable power of attorney for health care have over a living will?” The nurse should reply, A durable power of attorney for health care:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Gives your agent authority to make decisions during any illness if you are incapacitated. Rationale: 1. A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to appoint a trusted individual (agent) to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so. 2. This authority is not limited to a specific type of illness or condition, ensuring your agent can make decisions for any illness that renders you incapacitated. 3. This flexibility ensures that your wishes are carried out regardless of the circumstances. Summary of Other Choices: B: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be given to any trusted individual, not just a relative. C: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be used in any situation where you are unable to make decisions, not just in terminal illness. D: Incorrect - A durable power of attorney can be implemented immediately upon signing, providing timely decision-making support.

Question 4 of 9

During the first family therapy session, the mother of a child being treated for truancy and emotional outbursts asks the nurse, “Why are you bothering to ask the rest of us questions? My son is the one with the problems.” The best response for the nurse would be:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because involving the entire family in therapy sessions allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics and how they may be contributing to the child's issues. By including all family members, the nurse can gather diverse perspectives and insights that can inform the treatment plan. This approach also promotes family unity and collaboration in addressing the child's problems. Option B is not the best response as it lacks a clear rationale for involving the whole family. Option C, while partially true, does not directly address the question raised by the mother. Option D emphasizes the importance of every family member's perceptions but does not specifically address the benefits of involving the entire family in therapy sessions.

Question 5 of 9

Select the best outcome for a patient with the nursing diagnosis: "Impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance as evidenced by stating, 'Although I’d like to, I don’t join in because I don’t speak the language very well.'” Patient will:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Select and participate in one group activity per day. This outcome directly addresses the nursing diagnosis of impaired social interaction by encouraging the patient to engage in a specific social activity daily. This goal promotes social interaction, helps the patient overcome language barriers, and gradually enhances their social skills. It provides a structured approach to improve the patient's sociocultural integration. A: Show improved use of language - This choice focuses solely on language skills but does not directly address the social interaction issue. B: Demonstrate improved social skills - While this choice is related to the nursing diagnosis, it is too broad and lacks specificity compared to choice D. C: Become more independent in decision-making - This choice is not directly related to addressing impaired social interaction caused by language barriers.

Question 6 of 9

After undergoing two of nine electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures, a client states, "I can’t even remember eating breakfast, so I want to stop the ECT." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It acknowledges the client's autonomy while also addressing their concerns. First, it recognizes the client's right to discontinue treatment. Second, it opens the door for a discussion to explore the client's worries and provide support. This response shows empathy and respects the client's decision-making. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the client's autonomy and fails to address their concerns. Choice B is not as appropriate as it suggests only talking to the doctor, missing the opportunity for the nurse to provide immediate support. Choice D is incorrect as it invalidates the client's experience of memory loss and fails to address their concerns.

Question 7 of 9

Which activities should the nurse evaluate in an assessment of an older patient’s functional status? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A,C

Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. A nurse should evaluate if the older patient can prepare nutritious meals independently, as this indicates their ability to meet basic nutritional needs and maintain independence in daily living. Additionally, assessing if the patient can perform regular, simple maintenance on their primary residence is important for gauging their ability to live safely and comfortably. Choices B and D are incorrect as financial resources and toileting abilities, while important, do not directly reflect functional status in the same way as meal preparation and home maintenance.

Question 8 of 9

A 70-year-old male has the nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem related to forced retirement. Using Maslow’s hierarchy, the nurse is confident the patient is meeting self-worth outcomes when the patient:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because volunteering at the local homeless shelter fulfills the self-actualization need in Maslow's hierarchy. By helping others and contributing to the community, the patient gains a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting self-esteem. A: Moving to a secure apartment building addresses safety needs, not self-esteem. B: Exercising with friends promotes social belonging but does not directly address self-esteem. C: Attending grandchildren's functions fosters social connections, but it may not directly impact self-esteem like volunteering does.

Question 9 of 9

A patient living in community housing for the elderly says, “I don’t go to the senior citizens club. They play cards and talk about the past because that’s all they can do.” The nurse analyzes these remarks to represent:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Thinking associated with ageism. This is because the patient's statement reflects a negative stereotype about older adults, assuming they are limited to playing cards and reminiscing about the past. Ageism involves discrimination or prejudice based on someone's age, which can lead to stereotyping and marginalization. A: Failure to achieve developmental tasks - This choice does not directly relate to the patient's statement about ageism. B: Hypercritical behavior - The patient's statement does not indicate hypercritical behavior, but rather a biased perspective on aging. C: Paranoid thinking - The patient's statement does not demonstrate paranoid thinking, but rather a biased view of older adults based on ageist beliefs. In summary, the correct answer is D as the patient's remarks reflect ageist thinking, while the other choices do not align with the content of the patient's statement.

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