Which question by the nurse would gain the most information from a patient experiencing a marital crisis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) "What is it like at home with your spouse?" because it is an open-ended question that encourages the patient to provide detailed information about their current living situation and dynamics with their spouse. This question allows the nurse to gain a holistic understanding of the patient's experiences and challenges within the context of their marital crisis. Option A) "Do you hate your spouse?" is a closed-ended question that may lead to a simple yes or no response, limiting the information obtained from the patient. This question also carries a negative connotation that could potentially alienate the patient. Option B) "Do you get along with your in-laws?" is not directly related to the marital crisis and may not provide relevant information to address the primary issue at hand. Option C) "Do you talk out your problems with your spouse?" is a good question to ask but may not delve deep enough into the specifics of the current situation at home with the spouse, which is crucial in understanding the context of the marital crisis. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to learn how to ask open-ended questions that encourage patients to share their experiences openly and provide detailed information. This skill is essential in psychiatric nursing to build rapport with patients, understand their perspectives, and develop appropriate care plans tailored to their specific needs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Treat the homeless patient as you would treat any patient. This option is appropriate because it upholds the ethical principle of beneficence, which emphasizes the importance of providing the best care possible to all individuals regardless of their social or economic status. Option A is incorrect because healthcare should be provided based on patient needs, not their ability to pay. Denying care based on financial status goes against nursing ethics and the principle of justice. Option B is also incorrect as it suggests discriminatory practices against homeless patients by limiting their access to care based on their housing status. This approach contradicts the nursing principle of nonmaleficence, which requires nurses to avoid causing harm and provide care to all patients in need. Option D is incorrect as all patients, including the homeless, have the right to quality healthcare and should be afforded the same rights and respect as any other patient. Disregarding parts of the Patient Bill of Rights for homeless patients is unethical and goes against the principles of patient-centered care and advocacy. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses, especially those seeking psychiatric nurse certification, to understand the ethical and legal considerations surrounding the care of vulnerable populations, such as the homeless. By treating all patients with dignity, respect, and compassion, nurses can contribute to promoting health equity and social justice in healthcare delivery.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Short-term goal. In this scenario, the patient's immediate need is to address the physical pain she is experiencing in her leg. By setting a short-term goal focused on addressing her pain, the healthcare team can provide timely and effective interventions to alleviate her discomfort. This will also help in de-escalating the situation by attending to her physical needs, which may be contributing to her agitated behavior. Option B) Long-term goal would not be appropriate in this situation because the patient's immediate pain needs to be addressed before considering long-term goals. Option C) Intervention would be the next step after setting a short-term goal, as interventions are the actions taken to achieve the established goals. Option D) Evaluation comes after implementing interventions to assess their effectiveness in meeting the established goals. In an educational context, understanding the importance of setting short-term goals in response to immediate patient needs is crucial for psychiatric nurses. It allows them to prioritize care, address urgent concerns, and provide patient-centered interventions to promote safety and well-being. By mastering this concept, nurses can effectively manage crises and deliver comprehensive care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of preparing a care plan for an elderly patient with moderate cognitive impairment, it is crucial for the LPN/LVN to understand the principles of person-centered care. Option A, stating that the entire responsibility lies with the nurse, is the correct answer that does not apply. This is because person-centered care emphasizes the active involvement of the patient in their care planning process. In this case, the patient with cognitive impairment should still be included in discussions about their care plan to the best of their ability. Options B and C, which mention that goals should be measurable and realistic, are essential components of effective care planning. Measurable goals allow for tracking progress and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. Realistic goals ensure that the care plan is achievable and tailored to the individual's needs and abilities. Option D, stating that the patient should be included in the process, is a fundamental aspect of person-centered care. Involving the patient in care planning promotes autonomy, dignity, and a sense of control over their own health outcomes. It also helps healthcare providers gain a better understanding of the patient's preferences and values, leading to more tailored and effective care. In an educational context, understanding the principles of person-centered care is essential for healthcare providers working with elderly patients, especially those with cognitive impairments. By involving patients in their care planning process, healthcare professionals can enhance the quality of care, promote patient satisfaction, and improve health outcomes. This approach also aligns with ethical principles of respect for autonomy and beneficence in healthcare practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct defense mechanism being used by the patient, Karen Ann, is denial (Option A). Denial is a common defense mechanism where individuals refuse to acknowledge reality or emotions to protect themselves from uncomfortable truths. Karen Ann's statement that there is nothing wrong with her behavior and that she doesn't need medication demonstrates her denial of her psychotic symptoms. Option B, obsession, is not the correct answer because obsession involves persistent, intrusive thoughts and behaviors, which are not evident in Karen Ann's response. Option C, displacement, involves transferring emotions from one situation to another, which is not illustrated in this scenario. Option D, projection, involves attributing one's own unacceptable impulses onto others, which is also not demonstrated by Karen Ann's response. From an educational perspective, understanding defense mechanisms is crucial for psychiatric nurses as it helps them interpret patients' behaviors and responses. Recognizing defense mechanisms can aid in therapeutic communication and interventions to support patients in addressing underlying issues. In this case, identifying Karen Ann's denial can guide the nurse in approaching her with empathy and understanding to encourage her to engage in treatment.