An outcome for a patient experiencing anticipatory grieving for a spouse diagnosed with terminal cancer would be that the patient will:

Questions 28

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Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

An outcome for a patient experiencing anticipatory grieving for a spouse diagnosed with terminal cancer would be that the patient will:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because anticipatory grieving involves emotional involvement with the dying spouse. This allows the patient to process emotions, express love, and make meaningful connections before the actual loss. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests avoidance of pain through mental mechanisms, which is not conducive to healthy grieving. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on a specific behavior (violence) rather than the emotional process of grieving. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's agreement to care for the spouse is the primary outcome, overlooking the emotional aspect of anticipatory grief.

Question 2 of 9

A nurse assesses four patients between the ages of 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol abuse? The patient who:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient who started drinking daily after retirement as a coping mechanism for arthritis has the highest risk for alcohol abuse. This behavior indicates a potential dependence on alcohol to manage physical and emotional discomfort, leading to increased consumption and potential addiction. Choice A is not the correct answer because consuming 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner is generally considered moderate drinking and does not necessarily indicate alcohol abuse. Choice B is also not the correct answer as social drinking throughout adult life, even if justified as a reward, does not inherently suggest alcohol abuse without further evidence of problematic drinking patterns. Choice D is incorrect as the patient has a history of alcohol abuse but currently abstains and seeks support through AA, indicating active efforts to maintain sobriety and reduce the risk of alcohol abuse.

Question 3 of 9

Which response by the nurse would best assist a patient in de-escalating aggressive behavior?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and shows empathy towards the patient, which can help them feel heard and understood. By inviting the patient to express their feelings and concerns, the nurse can help de-escalate the situation by addressing the underlying issues. Choice B is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could further provoke the patient's aggression. Choice C is also incorrect as it threatens the patient with consequences, which can escalate the situation. Choice D is not appropriate as it distracts from addressing the current issue of aggression and may not be well-received by the patient in that moment.

Question 4 of 9

Planning for a patient with Asperger's disorder will be facilitated if the nurse understands that this disorder is different from autism. The nurse will base care on knowledge that Asperger's disorder is characterized by:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Age-appropriate language development. Asperger's disorder is characterized by normal to above-average language development, whereas autism typically presents with delays or impairments in language skills. This is important for planning care as it influences communication strategies and interventions for individuals with Asperger's. A: Repetitive patterns of behavior are more indicative of autism, not specific to Asperger's. C: Stereotypic movements and speech patterns are also more associated with autism and not a defining feature of Asperger's. D: Obsession with objects that move in a spinning motion is a specific behavior that may be seen in some individuals with autism, but it is not a defining characteristic of Asperger's disorder.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse is collecting the paintings from the patients after the art session is over. After art therapy, a patient hands the nurse a paper that consists of several black scribbles. Which statement demonstrates the nurse understands the goals and objectives of the therapy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and encouragement for the patient to express their feelings. By asking what prompted the artwork, the nurse demonstrates understanding and willingness to explore the patient's emotions. Choice A is judgmental and dismissive, not fostering a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is directive and may pressure the patient. Choice D makes an assumption about the patient's emotions without allowing them to share their perspective.

Question 6 of 9

Which developmental level would be characterized by a child being able to focus, coordinate, and imagine a series of events? .

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Concrete operational. At this developmental level, children typically exhibit the ability to focus, coordinate, and imagine a series of events. This stage, according to Piaget's theory, usually occurs around ages 7 to 11. Children at this stage can perform logical operations, understand conservation, and think more systematically. A: Preoperational - Children at this stage (ages 2-7) lack the ability to perform logical operations and struggle with understanding conservation and cause-and-effect relationships. C: Formal operational - This stage (typically starting around age 11) involves abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and problem-solving beyond the concrete level. D: Postoperational - This term is not a recognized developmental stage in Piaget's theory.

Question 7 of 9

Which physical disturbance is commonly assessed in patients experiencing acute grief?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tightness in the chest. This physical disturbance is commonly associated with acute grief due to the emotional pain experienced. It is a manifestation of the intense feelings of sadness and loss that accompany grief. Tightness in the chest can be a result of the stress response triggered by grief, leading to physical symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Summary: B: Hypersomnia and C: Increased appetite are more commonly associated with conditions like depression, while D: Cardiovascular problems may be a long-term consequence of chronic stress but are not typically assessed as a primary physical disturbance in acute grief.

Question 8 of 9

What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a catatonic patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a catatonic patient is Risk for deficient fluid volume (C) because catatonic patients are at risk for dehydration due to decreased fluid intake or inability to meet fluid needs. This diagnosis takes precedence over others as dehydration can lead to serious complications. Ineffective coping (A) may be secondary to the catatonic state but addressing fluid volume is more urgent. Impaired physical mobility (B) and Impaired social interaction (D) are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of dehydration in a catatonic patient.

Question 9 of 9

Family and friends rush to offer support to a friend who has lost her teenage son. Which of these persons, through an intended act of kindness, may contribute to prolonging the woman’s grief?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because prescribing antianxiety agents may mask the woman's grief instead of allowing her to process and work through it naturally. This could potentially prolong her grief by avoiding the necessary emotional processing. The other choices, B, C, and D, all involve support that can help the woman cope with her loss in a healthy way. B offers emotional support and companionship, C helps with practical tasks, and D provides assistance in managing practical matters, all of which can facilitate the grieving process rather than prolong it.

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