During a grief-processing group, an elderly patient stated, “For the first time since my husband died, I’m having more good days than bad.” This statement suggests that the patient has:

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Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

During a grief-processing group, an elderly patient stated, “For the first time since my husband died, I’m having more good days than bad.” This statement suggests that the patient has:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Completed her "grief work" successfully. This statement indicates progress in the grieving process, moving towards acceptance and healing. The patient acknowledging having more good days than bad reflects a positive shift in coping with the loss, indicating that she has processed her grief and is beginning to adapt to life without her husband. This suggests that the patient has worked through her emotions, memories, and adjustments related to the loss, reaching a point where she is experiencing more peace and acceptance. Summary: A: Reestablishment is not the correct choice as it does not specifically address the completion of the grief work. B: Determining readiness to terminate the support group is premature, as the patient may still benefit from continued support. D: Replacing old memories with new ones is not supported by the patient's statement and does not necessarily indicate successful grief processing.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse counseling a patient with acute grief would assess the patient for:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because acute grief typically involves conflicting and unresolved emotions and thoughts related to the loss. The nurse would assess for unresolved issues to provide appropriate support and interventions. Choice A is incorrect as severe depressive symptoms may indicate complicated grief, not typical acute grief. Choice C is incorrect as increased arousal and hypervigilance are more characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder. Choice D is incorrect as preoccupation with the image of the deceased may be a common experience in grief but does not encompass the full range of emotions and conflicts that acute grief entails.

Question 3 of 5

A 70-year-old male has the nursing diagnosis of situational low self-esteem related to forced retirement. Using Maslow’s hierarchy, the nurse is confident the patient is meeting self-worth outcomes when the patient:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because volunteering at the local homeless shelter fulfills the self-actualization need in Maslow's hierarchy. By helping others and contributing to the community, the patient gains a sense of purpose and fulfillment, boosting self-esteem. A: Moving to a secure apartment building addresses safety needs, not self-esteem. B: Exercising with friends promotes social belonging but does not directly address self-esteem. C: Attending grandchildren's functions fosters social connections, but it may not directly impact self-esteem like volunteering does.

Question 4 of 5

A child who has been physically abused becomes emotionally distressed when told that the parent will no longer be allowed to visit. Which principle of social learning theory explains the child’s response?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: The child believes they are responsible for the parent being punished. According to social learning theory, individuals learn behaviors through observation and modeling. In this scenario, the child has internalized the belief that they are the cause of the parent's punishment due to the abuse. This leads to feelings of guilt and distress when the parent is no longer allowed to visit. A: The child does not view abuse as desirable; it is a harmful behavior. B: While fear may be present, the core issue lies in the child's belief of responsibility. D: The parent blaming the child for the abuse does not align with the principles of social learning theory.

Question 5 of 5

Which activities should the nurse evaluate in an assessment of an older patient’s functional status? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: A,C

Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. A nurse should evaluate if the older patient can prepare nutritious meals independently, as this indicates their ability to meet basic nutritional needs and maintain independence in daily living. Additionally, assessing if the patient can perform regular, simple maintenance on their primary residence is important for gauging their ability to live safely and comfortably. Choices B and D are incorrect as financial resources and toileting abilities, while important, do not directly reflect functional status in the same way as meal preparation and home maintenance.

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