Which description is characteristic of an impulsive child?

Questions 29

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Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

Which description is characteristic of an impulsive child?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An impulsive child typically acts without thinking or considering consequences, such as running into the street without looking. This behavior is impulsive, risky, and disregards safety instructions. Choices B and C describe behaviors that are more indicative of other issues like hyperactivity or hallucinations. Choice D suggests difficulty concentrating, which is not directly related to impulsivity. In summary, the key characteristic of an impulsive child is acting quickly without considering potential dangers or instructions.

Question 2 of 9

Discharge planning begins for an elderly patient hospitalized for 2 weeks diagnosed with major depression. The patient needs ongoing assessment and socialization opportunities as well as education about medication and relapse prevention. The patient lives with a daughter, who works during the week. Select the best referral for this patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Behavioral health home care. This option provides ongoing assessment, socialization opportunities, and education about medication and relapse prevention, which are all essential for the elderly patient with major depression. Additionally, it allows the patient to stay in their own home environment, promoting comfort and familiarity. Option B: Partial hospitalization may not provide the ongoing support and socialization opportunities needed for the patient. Option C: A skilled nursing facility may offer medical care but may not focus on mental health needs or socialization. Option D: A halfway house is typically for individuals transitioning from addiction treatment and may not address the specific needs of an elderly patient with major depression.

Question 3 of 9

When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications the patient has recently taken. This information is crucial because certain medications can cause symptoms of delirium or exacerbate confusion in elderly patients. By reviewing the patient's recent medications, healthcare providers can identify potential drug-induced causes of confusion and adjust the treatment accordingly. Choice A (Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity) is incorrect because these symptoms are more related to neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury, not specifically delirium. Choice B (The patient’s level of motor activity) is not as relevant in distinguishing delirium from other problems as medication history, as motor activity can be influenced by various factors. Choice D (Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms) is also less relevant compared to medication history in differentiating delirium, as somatic symptoms may not always directly indicate the underlying cause of confusion in elderly patients.

Question 4 of 9

Which intervention should the nurse plan to reduce the patient's focus on delusional thinking?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because focusing on the feelings suggested by the delusion can help the patient process and manage their emotions underlying the delusion. By addressing the emotions, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into the delusion and reduce its intensity. Confronting the delusion (A) may lead to resistance and reinforcement. Refuting the delusion with logic (B) may further alienate the patient. Exploring reasons for the delusion (C) may not directly address the emotional component.

Question 5 of 9

A physically frail elderly patient with mild cognitive impairments needs services of a facility that can provide supervision and safety as well as recreation and social interaction. The family cares for this patient during the evening and night. Which type of facility should the nurse suggest to meet this patient’s needs?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adult day care program. This option best meets the needs of the patient as it provides supervision, safety, recreation, and social interaction during the day while allowing the family to care for the patient during the evening and night. Adult day care programs offer a structured environment with trained staff to ensure the patient's safety and provide activities to stimulate cognitive function. Explanation of other choices: A: Skilled nursing facility - Not ideal as the patient does not require 24-hour nursing care. C: Partial hospitalization - Typically for individuals needing intensive mental health services, not suitable for this patient's needs. D: Group home - Usually for individuals who need more permanent residential care, not appropriate for the patient's situation.

Question 6 of 9

A patient states, "I’m not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates they are experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. Suicide precautions should be the highest priority to ensure the patient's safety. This includes removing any potential means of self-harm, constant monitoring, and close supervision. Self-esteem-building activities (A) may be helpful in the long term but are not the immediate priority. Anxiety self-control measures (B) are important but addressing suicidal ideation takes precedence. Sleep enhancement activities (C) are also important but not the highest priority when dealing with suicidal thoughts.

Question 7 of 9

Which description is characteristic of an impulsive child?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An impulsive child typically acts without thinking or considering consequences, such as running into the street without looking. This behavior is impulsive, risky, and disregards safety instructions. Choices B and C describe behaviors that are more indicative of other issues like hyperactivity or hallucinations. Choice D suggests difficulty concentrating, which is not directly related to impulsivity. In summary, the key characteristic of an impulsive child is acting quickly without considering potential dangers or instructions.

Question 8 of 9

A teen is grieving the loss of her pet dog. She states to her mother, “I miss my dog so much, but I know that if I start crying, I will never stop.” The teen is expressing a fear of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Losing control over her emotions. The teen's statement indicates a fear of losing control if she starts crying. This fear suggests that she believes crying will lead to an inability to stop, indicating a concern about managing her emotions. This fear of losing control over her emotions aligns with the teen's hesitance to express her grief through tears. A: Appearing emotionally immature - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not directly suggest a fear of appearing emotionally immature. B: Embarrassing herself by crying in public - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not mention a fear of embarrassment. C: Losing the support of her friends and family - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not indicate a fear of losing support from others.

Question 9 of 9

When differentiating between bereavement symptoms and depression, the nurse will base the formulation on knowledge that in bereavement:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in bereavement, symptoms of grief and sadness tend to come and go, known as remitting and exacerbating, as the individual processes the loss over time. This is a normal part of the grieving process. On the other hand, in depression, symptoms are persistent and may not improve without intervention. Guilt feelings being overwhelming (B) is common in both bereavement and depression. Suicide thoughts being common (C) can occur in severe depression but are not a distinguishing factor between bereavement and depression. Psychomotor retardation being obvious (D) is a symptom more commonly associated with severe depression rather than bereavement.

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