One of the female patients on the mental health unit starts to have delusions of persecution and is hearing voices. Prior to this admission, she attempted several times to poison her boyfriend after the voices told her to do so. During your initial rounds, you enter her room and ask her how she is doing. The patient states, shes a bad person. Your patient is exhibiting:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Dissociation. The patient displaying delusions of persecution and hearing voices, along with the history of attempting to poison her boyfriend due to these voices, indicates a disconnection from reality, which is characteristic of dissociation. Transference (option A) is the redirection of a patient's feelings from a significant person to the healthcare provider, which is not evident in this situation. Aggression (option B) involves hostile or violent behavior, which is not explicitly demonstrated by the patient in the scenario. Denial (option D) is a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to acknowledge reality, but the patient here is acknowledging her actions, albeit in a negative light. In an educational context, understanding these concepts is vital for nurses working in behavioral health settings. Recognizing signs of dissociation can help nurses provide appropriate care and interventions for patients experiencing severe disturbances in their perception of reality, ensuring their safety and well-being. This knowledge also underscores the importance of effective communication and assessment skills in managing complex mental health presentations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of palliative care, the correct answer is C) Consent, confidentiality, privacy. This ethical framework is essential in providing care that respects the autonomy and dignity of patients facing serious illnesses. Option A (Autonomy, privacy, self-awareness) is incorrect because while autonomy and privacy are important in palliative care, self-awareness is not a core ethical principle in this context. Option B (Confidentiality, justice, access) is incorrect because while confidentiality is crucial in palliative care, justice and access are not specifically highlighted in the ethical framework of palliative care. Option D (Self-awareness, beneficence, privacy) is incorrect because while privacy is important in palliative care, self-awareness and beneficence are not the primary ethical principles guiding care in this context. Understanding the ethical framework of palliative care is crucial for nurses working in this field to ensure they provide holistic and patient-centered care that upholds ethical standards and respects the wishes and values of patients and their families.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of preoperative care, the correct answer is C) Atropine sulfate. Atropine is a medication commonly used to minimize respiratory secretions before surgery by drying up mucous membranes. This action helps prevent potential complications during anesthesia induction and intubation, such as aspiration pneumonia. Valium (A) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and sedation, but it does not specifically target respiratory secretions. Phenergan (B) is an antihistamine with antiemetic properties, primarily used for nausea and vomiting, not respiratory secretions. Demerol (D) is an opioid analgesic, which helps with pain relief but does not address respiratory secretions. For nurses preparing for the Behavioral Health Certification exam, understanding the rationale behind preoperative medications is crucial. It ensures safe and effective patient care by minimizing risks associated with anesthesia administration. Knowing the specific indications and actions of each drug option helps nurses make informed decisions based on patient needs and the desired outcomes of the surgical process.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), electrodes are placed on the bitemporal region (Option B), one on each side of the forehead, to induce a generalized seizure effectively. Biparietal (A) and frontal (C) placements are less common, and occipital (D) is not used due to its distance from seizure-inducing brain areas.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of anorexia nervosa, the correct response is option A) 'I’m fat and ugly.' This response is consistent with body dysmorphic thoughts commonly seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa. People with this condition often have a distorted perception of their body weight and shape, believing they are overweight even when they are severely underweight. Option B) 'What I think about myself is my business' is incorrect as it does not reflect the body image distortion characteristic of anorexia nervosa. Option C) 'I’m grossly underweight, but thin is interesting' is also incorrect as it does not demonstrate the negative self-perception typical of this disorder. Option D) 'I’m a few pounds overweight, but I can live with it' is incorrect as it does not align with the extreme weight loss and distorted body image associated with anorexia nervosa. Educationally, understanding the thought processes and self-perception of individuals with anorexia nervosa is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health. Recognizing these distorted beliefs can help nurses provide appropriate support and interventions to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the eating disorder. It also highlights the importance of sensitivity and empathy in communicating with patients struggling with body image issues and disordered eating behaviors.