The nurse is interviewing a client on the psychiatric unit. The client tilts his head to the side, stops talking in midsentence, and listens intently. The nurse recognizes these behaviors as a symptom of the client's illness. The most appropriate nursing intervention for this symptom is to:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the client to describe what he is hearing. This intervention is appropriate because the client is displaying auditory hallucinations, a common symptom in psychiatric disorders. By asking the client to describe what he is hearing, the nurse can gather important information about the nature and content of the hallucinations, which can guide further assessment and treatment planning. Choice A is incorrect because the client is not displaying physical symptoms that need immediate attention. Choice C is incorrect as benztropine is typically used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, not auditory hallucinations. Choice D is also incorrect as calling the physician for additional orders may not address the immediate need to assess and address the auditory hallucinations.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) biological. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex condition with various contributing factors, including biological, psychological, and social elements. Dr. Anastasia's belief in an over-secretion of cortisol as a cause of MDD aligns with the biological perspective of this disorder. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is known to play a role in regulating mood, stress response, and inflammation, and dysregulation of cortisol levels has been linked to the development of mood disorders like depression. Option A) psychological is incorrect because while psychological factors such as trauma, negative thought patterns, and personality traits can contribute to MDD, Dr. Anastasia's focus on cortisol secretion points more towards a biological cause. Option B) supernatural is incorrect as MDD is a clinically recognized mental health disorder with well-established biological underpinnings, and attributing it to supernatural causes lacks empirical evidence. Option D) diathesis-stress is incorrect in this context as it refers to a psychological theory that suggests individuals inherit a predisposition for a disorder (diathesis) which may only manifest when triggered by stress. While stress can certainly exacerbate MDD, Dr. Anastasia's emphasis on cortisol secretion points more directly to a biological perspective. In an educational context, understanding the various perspectives on the etiology of MDD is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to individuals struggling with this disorder. By recognizing the biological, psychological, and social factors at play, healthcare providers can offer holistic and personalized treatment approaches to address the multifaceted nature of major depressive disorder.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is option C) are related to hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Research has shown that individuals with OCD have hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in decision-making and emotional processing. This hyperactivity is believed to contribute to the development and maintenance of OCD symptoms. Option A) are similar to the symptoms of panic disorder is incorrect because while both OCD and panic disorder are anxiety disorders, they have distinct symptom profiles. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden and intense periods of fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations and sweating, whereas OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Option B) are triggered by low levels of stress hormones is incorrect as there isn't conclusive evidence linking low levels of stress hormones to the development or exacerbation of OCD symptoms. OCD is a complex disorder with multiple factors contributing to its etiology, including genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Option D) are reduced if people are asked to view photos of stimuli that trigger the symptoms is incorrect because exposure therapy, which involves facing feared stimuli, is a common treatment for OCD. However, the reduction of symptoms through exposure therapy is not solely based on viewing triggering stimuli but rather on systematically confronting and habituating to feared situations or objects. Understanding the neurobiological basis of OCD, such as the hyperactivity in the orbitofrontal cortex, is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing effective care and interventions for individuals with OCD. By knowing the underlying mechanisms, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans that target specific brain regions and pathways involved in OCD symptomatology.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders, it is important to understand the factors influencing suicide rates. The correct answer is C) higher; lower. Suicide rates are indeed higher among men than among women, which can be attributed to various factors such as differences in coping mechanisms, help-seeking behaviors, and social stigmas surrounding mental health in men. Moreover, the statement that suicide rates are lower during the winter holiday season than during the spring months is accurate. This can be explained by the phenomenon known as the "holiday effect," where social support, family gatherings, and community engagement during the holiday season can act as protective factors against suicide. Conversely, during the spring months, individuals may experience increased feelings of isolation, seasonal affective disorder, and financial stress post-holiday season, leading to higher suicide rates. Option A) higher; higher is incorrect because suicide rates are not higher during the winter holiday season. Option B) lower; lower is incorrect as suicide rates are not lower among men compared to women. Option D) lower; higher is also incorrect as suicide rates are not higher during the winter holiday season. Educationally, understanding these trends in suicide rates can help healthcare professionals and individuals recognize the importance of social support, mental health awareness, and timely interventions in preventing suicides, especially during vulnerable periods. This knowledge can inform strategies for suicide prevention and emphasize the significance of addressing mental health concerns throughout the year.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states within an individual. The correct answer, option D, "different personalities," directly aligns with the defining feature of DID. Individuals with DID experience a fragmentation or splitting of their identity, leading to the presence of distinct alters or personalities that may emerge and take control of behavior at different times. Option A, depersonalization, refers to a feeling of being detached from one's body or self, which is more commonly associated with Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder rather than DID. Option B, derealization, involves a sense of unreality or detachment from the environment rather than distinct personalities. Option C, schizophrenia, is a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior, but it is not synonymous with DID. In an educational context, understanding the differentiation between these terms is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those specializing in mental health. Recognizing the unique features of DID, such as the presence of multiple personalities, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. By grasping these nuances, clinicians can provide better support and care for individuals living with dissociative identity disorder.