An advanced practice nurse is qualified to perform which action for patients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and advanced practice nursing in psychiatry, the correct answer is B) Prescribe psychotropic medication. Advanced practice nurses with specialized training and certification are often granted prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including psychotropic drugs, to patients within their scope of practice. This responsibility requires advanced knowledge of pharmacology, understanding of mental health conditions, and the ability to assess, diagnose, and manage patients' medication needs. Option A) Perform mental health assessment interviews is a crucial nursing skill, but it does not specifically pertain to pharmacology or the prescribing of medications, which is the focus of this question. Option C) Establish therapeutic relationships is an essential nursing skill in psychiatric care, but it does not directly relate to the prescribing of psychotropic medications, which is the primary scope of this question. Option D) Individualize nursing care plans is important in providing holistic care to psychiatric patients, but it does not specifically address the advanced practice nurse's role in pharmacology and medication management, as prescribing medications requires a higher level of training and expertise. Understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in psychiatric pharmacology is essential for providing safe and effective care to patients with mental health disorders. By prescribing psychotropic medications, these nurses play a crucial role in managing patients' symptoms, improving their quality of life, and promoting better mental health outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and psychiatry, the correct answer to the question is option C) Identify events that increase anxiety and promote hallucinations. This answer is appropriate because it focuses on addressing the underlying factors contributing to the patient's hallucinations, which is crucial in managing psychotic symptoms in psychiatric patients. Option A) Respond verbally to the voices may not be the best course of action as it does not address the root cause of the hallucinations and may even reinforce the patient's belief in the voices. Option B) Verbalize the reason the voices say they are evil does not address the need to manage the anxiety and hallucinations that the patient is experiencing. Understanding the reason behind the voices may not necessarily lead to effective symptom management. Option D) Integrate the voices into their personality structure in a positive manner can be a risky approach as it may lead to further entrenchment of the hallucinations and could potentially worsen the patient's condition. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to understand the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations. By identifying and addressing triggers for hallucinations, healthcare providers can help patients better manage their symptoms and improve overall outcomes. This rationale highlights the significance of a holistic approach to psychiatric care that goes beyond just symptom management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Impaired impulse control. Impaired impulse control refers to the inability to resist or control impulsive behaviors. In the case described, the patient's action of trying to gouge out their eye in response to auditory hallucinations demonstrates a significant lack of control over their impulses. Option A) Derealization is not the correct answer because derealization refers to feeling detached from one's surroundings, which is not the behavior exhibited by the patient in the question. Option B) Inappropriate affect is also incorrect as it refers to emotions that are not suitable for the circumstances, rather than impulsive behavior like attempting self-harm. Option D) Inability to manage anger is not the best choice because the behavior described is more indicative of impulse control issues rather than solely anger management problems. From an educational standpoint, understanding the concept of impaired impulse control is crucial in psychiatric nursing as it helps nurses recognize and respond to behaviors that may pose a risk to the patient or others. By differentiating between various psychiatric symptoms and behaviors, nurses can provide appropriate care and interventions to ensure patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a patient diagnosed with residual schizophrenia exhibiting ambivalence, choosing between two outfits to wear each morning (Option C) would be the most appropriate short-term outcome. This choice provides the patient with a manageable decision-making task that can help them practice making choices and regain a sense of control over their daily routine. Option A, deciding their own daily schedule, might be overwhelming for a patient struggling with ambivalence due to the high level of complexity involved. Option B, deciding which unit groups to attend, may also be challenging as it requires more cognitive load and decision-making capacity. Option D, choosing which clinic staff member to work with, may not directly address the ambivalence issue and may not be as relevant to daily functioning as choosing an outfit. In the educational context, it is important to understand that individuals with schizophrenia often struggle with decision-making and may benefit from structured tasks that gradually build their confidence in making choices. Providing opportunities for small, manageable decisions like choosing an outfit can be a valuable therapeutic intervention in addressing ambivalence in schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of post-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it is crucial for the nurse to place the client on his or her side (Option A) to prevent aspiration. As ECT can induce confusion, disorientation, and muscle weakness immediately after the procedure, there is a risk of regurgitation and aspiration if the client is lying flat on their back. Placing the client on their side helps to ensure that any vomitus or secretions can easily drain out of the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory complications. Option B, placing the client in semi-Fowler's position to promote oxygenation, is incorrect in this scenario because the priority post-ECT is to prevent aspiration rather than focusing solely on oxygenation. Placing the client in Trendelenburg's position (Option C) could actually be harmful as it may increase intracranial pressure and is not indicated for this situation. Option D, placing the client in a prone position to prevent airway blockage, is also incorrect as lying prone could further increase the risk of aspiration. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind positioning post-ECT is essential for nurses working in psychiatric settings. It not only ensures the safety and well-being of the client but also demonstrates the nurse's knowledge of proper post-procedural care. By prioritizing the prevention of aspiration in this scenario, nurses can provide effective and evidence-based care to clients undergoing ECT.