An advanced practice nurse may perform which additional intervention?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the Behavioral Theory of Mental Health, an advanced practice nurse may perform additional interventions to support individuals with mental health conditions. The correct answer, A) Prescribe psychotropic medication, is appropriate for an advanced practice nurse as they have the authority and expertise to prescribe medication in many jurisdictions. This intervention is crucial in managing mental health conditions where medication is indicated and complements other therapeutic modalities. Option B) Establish therapeutic relationships is a fundamental aspect of nursing care and is not an additional intervention unique to advanced practice nurses. While establishing therapeutic relationships is essential for all nurses, advanced practice nurses are expected to go beyond this and engage in more advanced interventions. Option C) Individualize nursing care plans is a standard practice for all nurses and not exclusive to advanced practice nurses. While it is important for providing holistic care, it does not represent an additional intervention specific to advanced practice nurses. Option D) N/A is not the correct choice as advanced practice nurses have a scope of practice that allows them to perform additional interventions beyond what a registered nurse might be able to do. This option does not provide any educational value or contribute to understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in mental health care. In an educational context, understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in mental health care is crucial for students and practicing nurses. By knowing the specific interventions they can perform, such as prescribing psychotropic medication, students can better appreciate the breadth and depth of responsibilities that come with this advanced role in mental health care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Incidence. Incidence refers to the number of new cases of a condition within a specific time period. In this case, the 140 individuals diagnosed with PTSD in the 2 years following a disaster represent new cases, making it a measure of incidence. A) Prevalence refers to the total number of cases (new and existing) in a population at a given time, not just the new cases seen within a specific time frame like in this question. B) Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more conditions in an individual at the same time and is not applicable to the situation described in the question. D) Parity is not relevant to the context of new PTSD diagnoses following a disaster. Educationally, understanding these terms is crucial in research, epidemiology, and clinical practice to accurately describe and analyze the occurrence of mental health conditions like PTSD. By differentiating between incidence, prevalence, comorbidity, and parity, professionals can better communicate, track, and respond to mental health challenges in populations.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is option D: "This medication I am taking causes so many side effects, I don't know if I can keep taking it." This statement demonstrates a need for support as the client is expressing concerns about the side effects of their medication, which can impact their adherence to treatment and overall mental health. Option A indicates a proactive approach to attending group therapy, showing a willingness to engage in treatment, which is generally a positive sign and does not necessarily indicate a need for immediate support. Option B reflects a client's commitment to attending appointments and following their treatment plan, which is a responsible behavior and does not directly signal a need for support. Option C shows a client's acknowledgment of the benefits of medication despite personal dislike, which demonstrates insight and acceptance of treatment, not an immediate need for support. In an educational context, it is crucial to recognize statements that reveal underlying concerns or challenges that may require additional support or intervention to ensure the client's well-being and treatment success. Understanding these cues can help mental health professionals provide tailored support to address individual needs effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct answer as it indicates a potential sign of countertransference. Countertransference occurs when a healthcare provider develops personal feelings towards a patient that may be unrelated to the therapeutic relationship. Feeling unusually happy when a patient's mood improves can suggest that the nurse is overly invested in the patient's progress, which can cloud judgment and impact the quality of care. Option A is incorrect because a patient's realistic and appropriate reactions towards the nurse do not necessarily indicate countertransference. Option B, where the patient states that talking to the nurse feels like talking to their parents, may hint at transference (patient projecting feelings onto the nurse) but not necessarily countertransference on the nurse's part. Option D, developing a trusting relationship with the patient, is a positive aspect of therapeutic encounters and does not inherently suggest countertransference. In an educational context, understanding countertransference is crucial for healthcare providers to maintain professional boundaries and provide effective care. Recognizing signs of countertransference can help nurses address their own emotions and biases to ensure they are providing objective, patient-centered care. Practicing self-awareness and seeking supervision or consultation when needed are essential strategies to manage countertransference in therapeutic relationships.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of the Behavioral Theory of Mental Health, the correct answer to the question is option D) "I want to find a way to deal with my anger without becoming violent." This response indicates a shift from the orientation phase to the working phase of the nurse-patient relationship because the patient is showing readiness to address and work on their issues actively. Option A) "I don't have any problems" is incorrect because it reflects denial or lack of insight, which signifies a reluctance to engage in therapeutic work. Option B) "It is so difficult for me to talk about problems" suggests a barrier to communication and a lack of readiness to delve into deeper issues. Option C) "I don't know how it will help to talk to you about my problems" indicates skepticism or uncertainty about the therapeutic process. Educationally, understanding these phases of the nurse-patient relationship is crucial for effective mental health intervention. Progressing from orientation to the working phase signifies a shift towards active engagement and collaboration in exploring and addressing mental health concerns. Recognizing these cues helps nurses tailor interventions to meet patients where they are in their therapeutic journey, fostering trust and facilitating positive outcomes in mental health treatment.