The nurse is determining whether the patient’s needs could be best met in a task or a process group. The decision is based on the understanding that a task group focuses on:

Questions 29

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Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

The nurse is determining whether the patient’s needs could be best met in a task or a process group. The decision is based on the understanding that a task group focuses on:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The "here and now." In a task group, the focus is on addressing specific goals, tasks, and problem-solving in the present moment. This approach helps members work together efficiently to achieve objectives. Communication styles (B) are more relevant in a group focused on improving communication skills. Relations among the members (C) are typically emphasized in a process group, where the focus is on interpersonal dynamics and relationships. Choice D is incomplete and does not align with the purpose of a task group.

Question 2 of 9

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 9

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.

Question 4 of 9

Which initial short-term outcome would be appropriate for a patient admitted with delusional thoughts?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, engage in reality-oriented conversation. This is appropriate because it helps the patient ground themselves in reality and potentially reduce the intensity of their delusions. By discussing real-life events and situations, the patient is encouraged to recognize the disparity between their delusional thoughts and actual reality. Choice A is incorrect as simply accepting the delusion as illogical does not actively address the patient's condition. Choice B, distinguishing external boundaries, is not as effective in directly challenging the delusional thoughts. Choice C, explaining the basis for the delusions, may not be helpful initially as the patient may not be receptive to logical explanations due to their distorted thinking.

Question 5 of 9

When a hospitalized patient dies, his wife stares blankly and states, "It can’t be." This indicates:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Shock and disbelief) Rationale: 1. The wife's blank stare and statement "It can’t be" suggest a state of disbelief and being stunned by the news of her husband's death, indicating shock. 2. Shock is a common initial reaction to unexpected and distressing events, such as the sudden death of a loved one. 3. This choice is the most fitting based on the wife's reaction of disbelief and being unable to accept the reality of the situation. Summary: A: Despair and protest - Despair involves a sense of hopelessness, not evident in the wife's initial reaction. Protest implies a more active response, while the wife's reaction is passive. C: Anger and hostility - There is no indication of anger or hostility in the wife's initial response; rather, it is characterized by disbelief. D: Disorganization and confusion - While the wife may feel disorganized and confused later, her initial response reflects more shock and disbelief than disorganization

Question 6 of 9

The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. The nurse will document the outcome as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sometimes demonstrated. The rationale is that the patient is not consistently meeting the desired outcome of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days. Although the patient is sleeping for an average of 4 hours nightly, the 2-hour afternoon nap indicates that the patient is not achieving the desired outcome consistently. Therefore, the nurse would document the outcome as "Sometimes demonstrated" to reflect that the patient is making progress towards the goal but has not fully achieved it. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the patient's sleep behavior does not align with being consistently, often, or never demonstrated based on the desired outcome criteria.

Question 7 of 9

Select the best outcome for a patient with the nursing diagnosis: "Impaired social interaction related to sociocultural dissonance as evidenced by stating, 'Although I’d like to, I don’t join in because I don’t speak the language very well.'” Patient will:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Select and participate in one group activity per day. This outcome directly addresses the nursing diagnosis of impaired social interaction by encouraging the patient to engage in a specific social activity daily. This goal promotes social interaction, helps the patient overcome language barriers, and gradually enhances their social skills. It provides a structured approach to improve the patient's sociocultural integration. A: Show improved use of language - This choice focuses solely on language skills but does not directly address the social interaction issue. B: Demonstrate improved social skills - While this choice is related to the nursing diagnosis, it is too broad and lacks specificity compared to choice D. C: Become more independent in decision-making - This choice is not directly related to addressing impaired social interaction caused by language barriers.

Question 8 of 9

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 9 of 9

Which statement made by a patient just prior to being transported for a scheduled ECT treatment would result in cancellation of the treatment?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because asking about memory loss indicates a lack of informed consent and understanding of ECT procedure. Memory loss is a common side effect of ECT, and a patient should be well-informed about it before treatment. Choices B, C, and D do not raise concerns about the patient's understanding or readiness for ECT, making them incorrect. Choice B asks about dietary concerns, which do not directly impact the treatment. Choice C shows the patient's hope for improvement, which is a positive attitude. Choice D indicates the patient's desire for more information, which is a sign of engagement in their care.

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