Which principle takes priority for the psychiatric inpatient staff when addressing behavioral crises?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a psychiatric inpatient setting, the principle of resolving behavioral crises using the least restrictive intervention possible takes priority for several important reasons. Firstly, it upholds the ethical principle of beneficence by prioritizing the well-being and autonomy of the individual patient. By choosing the least restrictive intervention, the staff respects the patient's dignity and right to self-determination. Additionally, this approach aligns with the recovery-oriented care philosophy in mental health, which emphasizes empowering individuals to actively participate in their care and decision-making process. By minimizing the use of coercive measures, staff can build trust with patients and foster a therapeutic relationship essential for long-term recovery. On the other hand, options B and C prioritize the collective over individual rights, potentially compromising the therapeutic alliance and patient-centered care. Option D, although advocating for patient autonomy, neglects the responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals in the unit. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind choosing the least restrictive intervention not only enhances clinical decision-making skills but also reinforces the importance of respecting patients' rights and promoting a recovery-focused approach in psychiatric nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Clarification because the nurse is seeking to obtain more information and a better understanding of the patient's experience by encouraging them to verbalize the content of the auditory hallucinations. This technique helps to clarify the patient's thoughts and feelings, fostering a therapeutic relationship based on trust and empathy. Option B) Reflection involves paraphrasing the patient's words to show understanding and empathy, which is not demonstrated in the given scenario where the nurse is specifically asking for more details about the hallucinations. Option C) Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the patient, which is not what the nurse is doing in this situation as she is seeking specific information about the hallucinations. Option D) Focusing involves directing the conversation to a specific topic, which is not the case here as the nurse is aiming to explore the content of the auditory hallucinations. In an educational context, understanding therapeutic communication techniques is crucial for nurses to effectively communicate with patients, especially those with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. By using appropriate techniques like clarification, nurses can build rapport, gather important information, and provide better care for their patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa, option C - vomiting, laxative use, and preoccupation with weight, is the correct answer. This is because these signs are characteristic symptoms of bulimia nervosa, including recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Vomiting and laxative use are common purging behaviors in individuals with bulimia nervosa, and a preoccupation with weight is a key psychological aspect of this eating disorder. Option A is incorrect because while low self-esteem and difficulty with impulse control can be present in individuals with bulimia nervosa, they are not specific or defining signs of this disorder. Option B is also incorrect as excessive weight gain and sedentary behavior are more commonly associated with binge eating disorder rather than bulimia nervosa. Option D is incorrect as extreme weight loss and severe food intake restriction are characteristic features of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia nervosa. It is crucial for nurses working in mental health and eating disorder settings to accurately identify the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders to provide appropriate care and support to their patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Lewy body disease. The nurse can expect this client to have Lewy body disease based on the symptoms of fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations. Lewy body disease is characterized by cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. These hallucinations are often vivid and detailed, which is a key feature of Lewy body dementia. Option B) Traumatic brain injury is incorrect as it is typically associated with a history of head trauma and cognitive symptoms related to the specific area of the brain affected by the injury, rather than fluctuating cognition and visual hallucinations. Option C) HIV infection is incorrect because while HIV can impact neurological function, it does not typically present with the specific symptoms described in the scenario. Option D) Prion disease is also incorrect as it usually presents with rapid progression of dementia, muscle stiffness, and myoclonus, rather than the fluctuating cognitive symptoms and visual hallucinations seen in Lewy body disease. Understanding the specific symptoms and characteristics of different types of dementia is crucial for nurses caring for clients with cognitive impairments. Recognizing these distinctions can help nurses provide appropriate care and support tailored to the individual needs of each client.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Relax the client. Introducing a therapy dog to a client with dementia can help in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving overall well-being. Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic effects, including lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and increasing feelings of comfort and security. For individuals with dementia, who may experience agitation and confusion, the presence of a therapy dog can provide a calming and soothing effect. Option A) Evoke the client's memories may not be the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit for a client with dementia. While interactions with animals can sometimes trigger memories, the main goal in this context is typically to provide emotional support and comfort rather than specifically targeting memory recall. Option B) Decrease the client's depression is not the primary purpose of a therapy dog visit, although it may indirectly contribute to improving the client's mood. Therapy dogs are more focused on providing companionship and emotional support rather than directly addressing clinical depression. Option C) Improve the client's cognitive function is not the primary goal of a therapy dog visit. While animal-assisted therapy can have various benefits for cognitive function in certain populations, the main aim in this scenario is to promote relaxation and emotional well-being rather than specifically targeting cognitive enhancement. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind using therapy dogs in healthcare settings is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals. By recognizing the therapeutic benefits that animals can provide, healthcare providers can incorporate these interventions into patient care plans to enhance the overall well-being of their patients, particularly those with conditions such as dementia.