A patient with schizophrenia is admitted to the psychiatric unit in an acutely disturbed, violent state. He is given several doses of haloperidol (Haldol) and becomes calm and approachable. During rounds the nurse notices the patient has his head rotated to one side in a stiffly fixed position. His lower jaw is thrust forward and he appears severely anxious. The patient has ______, and the nurse should ______.

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Question 1 of 5

A patient with schizophrenia is admitted to the psychiatric unit in an acutely disturbed, violent state. He is given several doses of haloperidol (Haldol) and becomes calm and approachable. During rounds the nurse notices the patient has his head rotated to one side in a stiffly fixed position. His lower jaw is thrust forward and he appears severely anxious. The patient has ______, and the nurse should ______.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: a dystonic reaction"¦administer PRN IM benztropine (Cogentin). 1. Dystonic reaction is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, causing abnormal posture or movements. 2. The patient's symptoms of head rotation, jaw thrust, and severe anxiety align with dystonic reaction. 3. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat dystonic reactions by blocking acetylcholine in the brain. 4. Administering benztropine promptly can alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications. Other choices are incorrect: B: Tardive dyskinesia develops with long-term antipsychotic use, presenting as repetitive, involuntary movements. Seeking a change in drug or dosage is not appropriate for acute dystonic reaction. C: Waxy flexibility is a symptom of catatonia, not related to the patient's presentation of dystonic reaction. D: Akathisia is restlessness and agitation often caused by

Question 2 of 5

The nurse at the clinic is interviewing a patient who offers a number of vague somatic complaints that might not ordinarily prompt a visit to a caregiver: fatigue, back pain, headaches, and sleep disturbance. The patient seems tense, and after having spoken of the symptoms, seems reluctant to provide more information and is in a hurry to leave. The nurse can best serve the patient by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol. Given the patient's vague complaints, tension, reluctance to provide more information, and hurry to leave, these could be signs of potential abuse. Completing a structured abuse assessment protocol allows the nurse to systematically assess for any signs of abuse, which could be contributing to the patient's somatic complaints. This approach is necessary to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Incorrect choices: A: Asking if the patient has ever had psychiatric counseling - This choice does not directly address the potential abuse concerns indicated by the patient's behavior. C: Exploring the possibility of patient social isolation - While social isolation could be a contributing factor, the urgency to leave and reluctance to provide information are more indicative of potential abuse. D: Asking the patient to disrobe to check for signs of abuse - This choice is invasive and inappropriate without first completing a structured abuse assessment protocol to determine if abuse is likely.

Question 3 of 5

After a rape victim visited a rape crisis counselor weekly for 8 weeks, which finding best demonstrates that reorganization was successful?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the absence of signs or symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder indicates successful reorganization after therapy. This demonstrates that the victim has effectively processed and coped with the trauma. Choice B indicates lingering somatic reactions, C suggests ongoing self-esteem issues, and D implies unresolved trauma manifesting in nightmares, all of which do not reflect successful reorganization.

Question 4 of 5

A child, age 5, was admitted to the children's unit, having been sexually abused by an acquaintance of her family. The child refuses to talk and participate in unit activities, choosing to stay in her room with her stuffed animals. Which therapeutic intervention will best help the child release pent-up feelings about the abuse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Play therapy. Play therapy is the most suitable therapeutic intervention for a child in this scenario because it allows the child to express their feelings and experiences through play, which is a natural form of communication for children. Through play therapy, the child can act out their experiences using toys and create a safe space to process their emotions without having to verbally communicate. It helps the child release pent-up feelings and trauma in a non-threatening environment. Summary of other choices: A: Individual communication with the nurse may not be as effective as play therapy in this case as the child is not yet comfortable verbalizing their feelings. C: Family therapy may not be appropriate at this stage as the child is not ready to engage with family members about the abuse. D: Role-play with other children on the unit may not be beneficial as it can potentially trigger more anxiety and discomfort for the abused child.

Question 5 of 5

A client, age 42, has been battered by her husband since they were married 8 years ago. Until this hospitalization for major depression, she had avoided dealing with her situation, but she now expresses a desire to deal with the problem. The attacks are occurring more often. Which outcome is realistic for the client?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verbalizing an awareness of her increasingly dangerous situation. This choice is the most realistic outcome for the client as it shows an initial step towards acknowledging the severity of her situation. By verbalizing awareness, the client can begin to understand the potential dangers she faces, which is crucial for developing a safety plan and seeking appropriate help. Choice A is incorrect as it may lead to victim-blaming and does not address the root cause of the abuse. Choice C is premature as setting a goal date for divorcing her husband requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Choice D is inappropriate as retaliation can escalate the violence and put the client at further risk. In summary, choice B is the best option as it focuses on increasing the client's awareness of her situation, which is a crucial first step towards addressing and eventually overcoming the abusive relationship.

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