A severely withdrawn patient diagnosed with schizophrenia will spend time in the dayroom but will not speak to staff or to other patients. The most therapeutic nursing intervention in response to this behavior would be to:

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Age Specific Considerations in Patient Care Questions

Question 1 of 5

A severely withdrawn patient diagnosed with schizophrenia will spend time in the dayroom but will not speak to staff or to other patients. The most therapeutic nursing intervention in response to this behavior would be to:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it focuses on building a therapeutic relationship with the patient without placing pressure on them to speak. By planning time for staff members to sit with the patient, even if the patient does not talk, it allows for nonverbal communication and presence to convey support and care. This approach respects the patient's boundaries and allows them to engage at their own pace, fostering trust and a sense of safety. Choice A is incorrect as it may overwhelm the patient by placing them in a social situation they are not ready for. Choice B is incorrect as discussing superficial topics does not address the patient's underlying issues. Choice C is incorrect as it may make the patient feel judged or pressured to speak, further isolating them.

Question 2 of 5

Theories based on study of the brain and its activities are called:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Biological. Theories based on the brain and its activities fall under the field of biological psychology, which focuses on how biological factors influence behavior and mental processes. This includes studying brain structures, neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and their impact on behavior. Social (A) theories focus on interactions between individuals, Psychological (C) theories relate to mental processes and behavior, and Psychobiological (D) is a term that could be used interchangeably with Biological but is less commonly used. Hence, the most specific and appropriate term for theories related to the brain is Biological.

Question 3 of 5

A client with schizophrenia tells the nurse that he is the President of the United States, and no logical reasoning with the client convinces him otherwise. This client is experiencing a:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Delusion. A delusion is a fixed false belief that is not based on reality, such as believing one is a famous figure like the President. In this scenario, the client's belief is firmly held despite evidence to the contrary, indicating a delusion. Mutism (A) is a lack of verbal communication, not applicable here. Neologism (C) is creating new words or phrases, not seen in this example. Flight of ideas (D) is a rapid, continuous flow of speech with abrupt topic changes, which is not demonstrated in the client's behavior described.

Question 4 of 5

An older adult patient who lives with a daughter and attends the Alzheimer day hospital program exhibits bilateral bruising for the second time on both upper outer arms. When the nurse questions the patient about the bruising, the patient starts to cry and pleads, 'Please don't say anything. It's not my daughter's fault. I just bruise easily.' Which intervention reflects the best management of this situation?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report the elder abuse and inform the patient and the daughter of your intention. This is the best intervention as it prioritizes the safety and well-being of the older adult. Here's the rationale: 1. The patient's repeated bruising and fear of disclosure indicate potential abuse. 2. Reporting elder abuse is mandatory to ensure protection for the patient. 3. Informing the patient and daughter shows transparency and involves them in the process. 4. It is crucial to address the situation promptly to prevent further harm. Summary: A: Calling the daughter may escalate the situation and compromise the patient's safety. C: Notifying the social worker without addressing the abuse directly may delay necessary action. D: Counseling may be beneficial, but addressing the abuse is a priority to ensure the patient's safety.

Question 5 of 5

A child, aged 11 years, has to stay home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, because the family cannot afford a babysitter. The father appears to be emotionally abusive. Which intervention could be used for the primary prevention of problems such as these?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because lobbying for subsidized childcare and increasing the minimum wage addresses the root causes of the family's situation, such as financial insecurity and lack of affordable childcare. This intervention aims to prevent similar situations from occurring by advocating for systemic changes that can support families in need. Choice A focuses on providing support to the parents, which may not address the underlying issues of financial instability and emotional abuse. Choice C addresses detection and treatment after the abuse has occurred, rather than preventing it from happening in the first place. Choice D focuses on providing counseling services after abuse or neglect has already taken place, rather than preventing it through systemic changes like subsidized childcare and increased minimum wage.

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