The patient states, "Everybody picks on me. They frobitz me." The patient’s communication exhibits:

Questions 29

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ATI RN Test Bank

Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 9

The patient states, "Everybody picks on me. They frobitz me." The patient’s communication exhibits:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A neologism. A neologism is a made-up word or phrase that only has meaning to the individual. In this case, "frobitz" is not a known word in the English language, indicating a neologism. This suggests possible language or thought disorder. B: Loose associations involve disconnected or tangential thoughts. C: Delusional thinking involves fixed false beliefs. D: Circumstantial speech includes excessive, irrelevant detail before reaching the main point.

Question 2 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 3 of 9

A grief support group is held at the local community center to assist persons who are dealing with issues of loss. Which remark by one of the members would the nurse interpret as indicating unresolved feelings of guilt?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates feelings of guilt about not getting help sooner, suggesting the member may blame themselves for the loss. This remark reflects a sense of responsibility and regret, common in unresolved guilt. Choice A expresses acceptance, B reflects natural grief progression, and D highlights difficulty during specific times, not necessarily linked to guilt. By analyzing the content of each statement, the nurse can identify cues related to unresolved feelings of guilt.

Question 4 of 9

An 85-year-old has difficulty walking after a knee replacement. The patient tells the nurse, “It’s awful to be old. Every day is a struggle. No one cares about old people.” Select the nurse’s best response.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and active listening. By encouraging the patient to share their feelings, the nurse validates their emotions and builds a therapeutic relationship. This approach helps the nurse understand the patient's perspective and provides an opportunity for emotional support. Choice A does not actively invite the patient to share their feelings and may come off as dismissive. Choice C ignores the patient's emotional distress and may seem invalidating. Choice D, while positive, fails to address the patient's emotional concerns and misses an opportunity for meaningful communication.

Question 5 of 9

During the first family therapy session, the mother of a child being treated for truancy and emotional outbursts asks the nurse, “Why are you bothering to ask the rest of us questions? My son is the one with the problems.” The best response for the nurse would be:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because involving the entire family in therapy sessions allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the family dynamics and how they may be contributing to the child's issues. By including all family members, the nurse can gather diverse perspectives and insights that can inform the treatment plan. This approach also promotes family unity and collaboration in addressing the child's problems. Option B is not the best response as it lacks a clear rationale for involving the whole family. Option C, while partially true, does not directly address the question raised by the mother. Option D emphasizes the importance of every family member's perceptions but does not specifically address the benefits of involving the entire family in therapy sessions.

Question 6 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 7 of 9

Which statement best explains how a mother of several children should prepare to help them cope with the loss of a dear aunt?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because each child will indeed grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable. This approach recognizes the individuality of each child's emotions and coping mechanisms. By understanding and respecting their differences, the mother can provide tailored support and comfort. Option B oversimplifies the grieving process and ignores the complexity of individual responses. Option C generalizes the stages of grief for all people and does not account for variations in how children may process loss. Option D incorrectly suggests that extreme reactions are more common in young children, which is not necessarily true as grief responses can vary widely among children.

Question 8 of 9

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) provides standards of care for which of the following?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Older adults. OBRA primarily focuses on setting standards of care for older adults in long-term care facilities, ensuring their safety and well-being. This is because older adults are a vulnerable population requiring specialized care and attention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because OBRA does not specifically address very young individuals, those with intellectual communication difficulties, or individuals without medical insurance. The Act mainly pertains to the care and rights of older adults in long-term care settings.

Question 9 of 9

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.

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