The nurse has been working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who experiences auditory hallucinations. The patient relates, 'When I first heard the voices they said nice things about me. Lately, they've changed and they say bad things.' What information has the least impact on therapeutic patient care at this point in the hospitalization?

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Question 1 of 5

The nurse has been working with a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who experiences auditory hallucinations. The patient relates, 'When I first heard the voices they said nice things about me. Lately, they've changed and they say bad things.' What information has the least impact on therapeutic patient care at this point in the hospitalization?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: A: Asking about trust in the nurse is not immediately relevant as the patient's primary concern is the change in voice content. Building trust is important but addressing the content of hallucinations takes priority. B: This is relevant as commanding voices could pose a safety risk. C: Monitoring frequency helps assess severity and response to treatment. D: Understanding triggers for hallucinations is important for managing symptoms.

Question 2 of 5

Which intervention would be the best initial approach for a nurse to take when a young adult patient is verbally abusive?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct initial approach is to identify the patient's verbal abuse to set standards for future dialogue. This approach addresses the behavior directly, establishes boundaries, and communicates expectations for respectful communication. Asking the patient to define 'verbally abusive language' (choice A) may not effectively address the current behavior. Providing examples of assertive communication (choice B) may not directly address the abusive behavior. Removing privileges (choice D) may escalate the situation and is not a constructive communication strategy. By identifying the patient's verbal abuse, the nurse can address the behavior effectively and work towards a respectful and therapeutic relationship.

Question 3 of 5

Which patient statement would not be considered a potential risk factor for family-directed violence?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because having to get a part-time job to help buy food may indicate financial strain within the family but does not directly relate to family-directed violence. Choice A indicates a potential history of physical discipline, which is a risk factor for violence. Choice C suggests feelings of resentment and potential retaliation, indicating a risk factor. Choice D hints at emotional abuse through manipulation and body shaming, also a risk factor. Therefore, B is the only statement that does not directly indicate a risk factor for family-directed violence.

Question 4 of 5

An 11-year-old boy stays home from school to care for his siblings while his mother works, because the family cannot afford a babysitter. During the community mental health nurse's visit, he reveals that he thinks his father does not like him because he calls him 'stupid' all the time. He states he is too dumb to learn much and has no friends at school because he does not deserve them. Which nursing diagnosis should be the priority for the child?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic low self-esteem. This diagnosis is appropriate because the child displays a negative self-concept, feeling unworthy, lacking confidence, and believing he is "stupid" and undeserving of friends. This impacts his self-worth and psychological well-being. Chronic low self-esteem is the priority to address as it affects various aspects of his life. Choice A: Helplessness may seem relevant due to the family situation, but the child's core issue is more about self-worth than feeling helpless in his situation. Choice B: Knowledge deficit is not the priority as the child's issue lies more in his emotional well-being rather than lack of information. Choice C: Ineffective coping might be a concern, but the root of his struggles is his self-esteem, making chronic low self-esteem the primary focus.

Question 5 of 5

A community mental health nurse receives a new client for his caseload. The diagnosis of the client is residual schizophrenia. Documentation states that the client has a number of negative symptoms. Which symptom would the nurse expect to assess in the client?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Emotional blunting. In residual schizophrenia, negative symptoms are prominent, including emotional blunting which refers to a reduced ability to express emotions. This is commonly seen in clients with residual schizophrenia. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Bizarre, somatic delusions are characteristic of paranoid schizophrenia, not residual schizophrenia. B: Disorganized speech pattern is a symptom of disorganized schizophrenia, not residual schizophrenia. C: Catatonic posturing is associated with catatonic schizophrenia, not residual schizophrenia.

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