A patient was arrested for breaking windows in the home of a former domestic partner. The patient's history also reveals childhood abuse by a punitive parent, torturing family pets, and an arrest for disorderly conduct. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

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Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient was arrested for breaking windows in the home of a former domestic partner. The patient's history also reveals childhood abuse by a punitive parent, torturing family pets, and an arrest for disorderly conduct. Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Risk for other-directed violence. Priority is given to the safety of the patient and others. The patient's history of past violent behavior, including breaking windows and torturing animals, suggests a propensity for violence. This places the patient and others at risk of harm. Option A (Risk for injury) is not as appropriate as it focuses on the patient's risk of self-harm rather than harming others. Option B (Ineffective coping) may be a contributing factor, but the immediate concern is the risk of violence. Option C (Impaired social interaction) does not address the potential for harm. Therefore, prioritizing the diagnosis of Risk for other-directed violence is crucial in ensuring the safety of all involved.

Question 2 of 5

A patient with a new diagnosis of cancer says, 'My father died of pancreatic cancer. I took care of him during his illness, so I know what is ahead for me.' Which nursing diagnosis applies?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Anticipatory grieving is appropriate as the patient is already preparing for the loss. 2. Ineffective coping is not the best choice as the patient is not actively avoiding dealing with the situation. 3. Ineffective denial is not applicable as the patient is acknowledging the situation openly. 4. Spiritual distress does not directly address the patient's emotional response to the cancer diagnosis.

Question 3 of 5

A child drowned while swimming in a local lake 2 years ago. Which behavior best indicates the child's parents are mourning in an effective way? The parents

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because throwing flowers on the lake at each anniversary date indicates a healthy way of mourning by honoring and remembering the child in a positive and symbolic manner. It shows an active and ongoing effort to pay tribute to the deceased child while also finding closure. A: Forbidding other children from swimming may indicate overprotectiveness or fear rather than effective mourning. B: Keeping a place set for the deceased child at the dinner table could be a constant reminder and hinder the mourning process by not allowing for acceptance and moving on. C: Sealing the child's room exactly as it was could prevent the parents from processing their grief and moving forward in a healthy manner. In summary, choice D is the most effective way of mourning as it allows for remembrance, closure, and honoring the deceased child without hindering the grieving process.

Question 4 of 5

A widow repeatedly tells details of finding her elderly husband not breathing, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and seeing him pronounced dead. Family members are concerned and ask, 'What can we do?' The nurse should counsel the family that

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because repeating the story and her feelings is a helpful and necessary part of the grieving process. It allows the widow to process her emotions and come to terms with her loss. By actively listening to her and providing support, the family can help her cope with her grief. Option A is incorrect because asking the widow not to retell the story may hinder her grieving process. Option B is incorrect as limiting the retelling could suppress her emotions. Option D is incorrect as retelling memories in this context is more about grieving the loss of a loved one rather than a part of the aging process.

Question 5 of 5

A leader plans to start a new self-help group. Which intervention would be most helpful for assuring mutual respect within the group?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it sets the foundation for mutual respect from the beginning, emphasizing its importance and establishing it as a group norm. This approach promotes a positive and respectful group culture. Option B is incorrect as excluding potential members preemptively may not address disrespectful behavior effectively and can create a negative atmosphere. Option C provides information but may not actively promote mutual respect within the group, lacking the direct emphasis on its importance like option A. Option D, while addressing disrespectful behavior, may create conflict and tension within the group if not handled tactfully, rather than fostering a culture of mutual respect.

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