A physically healthy, 35-year-old single client lives with parents who provide total financial support. According to Eriksons theory, which developmental task should a nurse assist the client to accomplish?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the developmental task for a 35-year-old individual falls within the stage of "Intimacy vs. Isolation." During this stage, the focus is on establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with others, as well as finding a sense of purpose in work and life. In this case, the nurse should assist the client in achieving personal growth by helping them to establish a career, develop personal relationships, and make societal connections. This assistance can help the client progress towards a sense of fulfillment and avoid feelings of isolation or stagnation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Interpersonal theorists focus on the importance of relationships in shaping an individual's mental health. By emphasizing the impact of relationships on coping abilities, a nurse practitioner who shares this philosophy would be more likely to prioritize exploring how a patient's relationships influence their well-being. This approach aligns with the key principles of interpersonal theory, making statement B the most likely choice.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The focus of using a psychoanalytical framework when treating a client diagnosed with an anxiety disorder would involve exploring behaviors and defense mechanisms associated with the superego. In psychoanalytic theory, the superego represents internalized moral standards and values. By exploring the client's behaviors and defense mechanisms related to the superego, the nurse practitioner can gain insight into the client's unconscious conflicts and how these may be contributing to the anxiety disorder. This approach involves delving into the client's past experiences, childhood upbringing, and psychosexual development to identify underlying issues affecting their current mental state. It allows for a deeper understanding of the client's psychological dynamics and enables the nurse practitioner to tailor interventions that address the root causes of the anxiety disorder.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's perspective and beliefs about their depression being solely due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. However, it is also essential to educate the client about the complex interplay between biological, environmental, and interpersonal factors in mental health. By expressing that medications are one way to address chemical imbalances but pointing out that other factors can also impact mental health, the nurse encourages a more holistic view of mental well-being. This response opens up the conversation to the possibility of exploring various treatment options beyond just medication, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support. It promotes a collaborative approach to managing depression that considers the individual as a whole rather than focusing solely on biological factors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers responsible for transmitting signals across synapses, the junctions between neurons. In schizophrenia, there can be imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate. These imbalances can contribute to symptoms like emotional blunting, lack of motivation, and social withdrawal. Therefore, in the case of a withdrawn client diagnosed with schizophrenia who expresses little emotion and refuses group therapy, the nurse should recognize that altered neurotransmitter function is implicated in this behavior. It is crucial to address these neurotransmitter imbalances through appropriate medications and interventions to help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia and improve the client's overall well-being.