A patient with severe injuries is irritable... Which intervention uses a cognitive technique?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C) Continue, saying, “This is needed so your wound will not get infected.” This intervention uses a cognitive technique by offering a rationale for the action being taken, which can help the patient understand the importance of the dressing change and potentially reduce their irritability. Option A is incorrect as abruptly stopping the dressing change without any explanation or communication can escalate the situation and lead to further distress for the patient. Option B is also incorrect as it puts the responsibility solely on the patient without providing any supportive or educational information, which may not be effective in calming an irritable patient in a psychiatric emergency. Option D is incorrect as it uses a directive approach without considering the patient's feelings or providing any rationale, which can further agitate the patient and hinder effective communication and cooperation. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to use cognitive techniques such as providing explanations and rationales to help patients understand the reasons behind interventions, especially in psychiatric emergencies where patients may be experiencing heightened emotions or distress. Effective communication strategies can help de-escalate situations, build trust, and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of psychiatric emergencies, understanding the central nervous system structures associated with anger and aggression is crucial for healthcare professionals to effectively manage and intervene in such situations. The correct answer is A) Amygdala. The amygdala plays a key role in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression. It is known to be involved in the regulation of aggressive behavior and the perception of threats, making it a central structure in the manifestation of anger and aggression. Option B) Cerebellum is primarily involved in motor control and coordination, not in the regulation of emotions like anger and aggression. Therefore, it is not the most associated structure with these behaviors. Option C) Basal ganglia is involved in motor control, learning, and habitual behaviors, but it is not as directly linked to the processing of emotions like anger and aggression as the amygdala. Option D) Temporal lobe is important for memory, language, and emotion processing, but it is not as specifically tied to the regulation of anger and aggression as the amygdala. Educationally, understanding the role of the amygdala in anger and aggression can help healthcare professionals identify potential triggers and develop appropriate interventions to manage aggressive behaviors in psychiatric emergencies. This knowledge can inform the use of targeted therapies and behavioral strategies to effectively address and de-escalate aggressive situations.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of psychiatric emergencies, nurses often encounter abusive families, which can evoke a range of complex emotions. The correct answer, option B, states that nurses commonly experience helplessness regarding the victim and anger toward the abuser. This response is the most appropriate because it reflects the common emotional responses of healthcare providers in such situations. Nurses may feel helpless when they witness the suffering of the victim, as they are often bound by legal and ethical constraints in intervening directly in family dynamics. This feeling of helplessness can be exacerbated by the power dynamics at play in abusive relationships. Additionally, nurses may experience anger toward the abuser due to a sense of injustice and a desire to protect the vulnerable individual from harm. Options A, C, and D are incorrect for various reasons. Option A suggests that nurses may feel outrage toward the victim, which is unlikely as healthcare providers are trained to prioritize the well-being of patients and victims of abuse. Feeling discouragement regarding the abuser is also less common than feeling anger. Option C, which suggests unconcern for the victim and dislike for the abuser, is not aligned with the professional and ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. Option D, vulnerability for self and empathy with the abuser, is also not typical in these situations as nurses are more likely to prioritize the safety and well-being of the victim over identifying with the perpetrator. In an educational context, understanding the emotional responses of healthcare providers to psychiatric emergencies, including abusive situations, is crucial for providing effective care. By acknowledging and addressing these emotions, nurses can develop strategies to cope with the stress and challenges inherent in such scenarios while maintaining professionalism and a patient-centered approach. Training and support in managing emotions in these high-stress situations are essential components of psychiatric emergency care education.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of psychiatric emergencies involving children, the presence of bruises on the extremities (Option C) would raise the most suspicion. This finding could be indicative of physical abuse, which is a serious concern in cases of psychiatric emergencies. Children may not always verbalize abuse or trauma, so physical signs such as bruises are crucial indicators that healthcare providers must be vigilant about. Option A, complaints of abdominal pain, are common and can have various causes not necessarily related to psychiatric emergencies. Option B, repeated middle ear infections, is also a common childhood issue and is unlikely to directly point to a psychiatric emergency. Option D, diarrhea, is a common symptom that is typically not specific to psychiatric emergencies. Educationally, understanding the significance of physical signs like bruises in children presenting with psychiatric emergencies is crucial for healthcare professionals. It emphasizes the importance of thorough assessment, including recognizing subtle signs of potential abuse or trauma in vulnerable populations like children. This knowledge equips healthcare providers to intervene appropriately and ensure the safety and well-being of their pediatric patients in psychiatric crisis situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of psychiatric emergencies, understanding risk factors that can lead to adverse outcomes is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers. The correct answer is A) History of family violence. This is the most predictive risk factor in the scenario described because the patient's statement about their husband losing his job may be an indicator of increased stress and potential escalation of violence within the family dynamic. Option B) Loss of employment, while a significant stressor, does not directly predict violence unless there is a history of family violence present. Option C) Abuse of alcohol is also a significant risk factor for psychiatric emergencies, but it is not directly related to the information provided in the question. Option D) Poverty is a social determinant of health that can contribute to increased stress and mental health issues, but it is not the most predictive risk factor in this specific scenario. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and assessing risk factors for psychiatric emergencies, especially in situations involving potential family violence. Nurses need to be vigilant in identifying signs of distress and potential violence to intervene promptly and ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Understanding the interconnectedness of social determinants, stressors, and mental health is essential in providing effective care in psychiatric emergencies.