A psychiatric technician asks the nurse to explain the difference between schizotypal personality disorder and schizophrenia. The information that should serve as the basis for the nurse's response is the fact that with schizotypal personality disorder:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: There may be misinterpretation of events but not psychosis. In schizotypal personality disorder, individuals may have odd beliefs, behaviors, and experiences, leading to misinterpretation of events, but they do not typically experience full-blown psychosis as seen in schizophrenia. This is a key distinction between the two disorders. Choice A is incorrect because schizophrenia is characterized by more severe disorganization of thoughts and behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as individuals with schizotypal personality disorder typically do not require long hospitalizations compared to those with schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect as individuals with schizotypal personality disorder tend to be more socially isolated and have difficulty forming close relationships.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Splitting. Splitting is a defense mechanism commonly seen in individuals with borderline personality disorder where they perceive others as either all good or all bad. In this scenario, the patient's sudden shift from viewing the nurse as wonderful to hateful demonstrates splitting. The patient is unable to integrate both positive and negative aspects of the nurse's behavior, leading to extreme and polarized perceptions. Choice B: Denial involves refusing to accept reality to protect oneself from uncomfortable truths, which is not demonstrated in this response. Choice C: Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual behaves in a way that is opposite to their true feelings, which is not evident in the patient's response. Choice D: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else, which is not the case in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because anorexia nervosa involves a refusal to maintain a healthy weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. This disorder is characterized by restrictive eating habits leading to significant weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often perceive themselves as overweight despite being underweight. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they describe characteristics more closely associated with bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia, respectively. Binge eating followed by purging (A) is a behavior seen in bulimia nervosa, frequent overeating episodes without purging (C) is typical of binge eating disorder, and extreme preoccupation with body image and excessive exercise (D) may be seen in orthorexia or other eating disorders, but not specifically in anorexia nervosa.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it describes the hallmark behavior of bulimia nervosa, which involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise. This behavior pattern distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders. Refusal to eat and excessive weight loss (A) is more indicative of anorexia nervosa. Severe caloric restriction and weight obsession (C) are more characteristic of anorexia as well. Compulsive overeating with no attempt to control intake (D) is more aligned with binge eating disorder, not bulimia nervosa.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assessing for complications related to electrolyte imbalances. This is the primary concern when caring for a patient with bulimia nervosa who has been purging regularly because purging behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or laxative abuse, can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances which can be life-threatening. Electrolyte imbalances can result in cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other serious complications. Managing weight gain (A), encouraging exercise (C), and promoting food restriction (D) are not appropriate approaches as they can exacerbate the patient's unhealthy behaviors and may worsen their condition. It is crucial to prioritize assessing and addressing electrolyte imbalances to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.