Which therapeutic communication statement might a healthcare professional use when a patient's nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate therapeutic communication statement in this scenario. By asking the patient what the voices are telling them, the healthcare professional encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, aiding in understanding their altered thought processes. This approach can help establish a therapeutic relationship and provide valuable insight into the patient's experiences.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Inquiring about the amount of sleep a woman gets each night is crucial in understanding how her circadian rhythms may be affecting her quality of life. Circadian rhythms play a significant role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, and disruptions in these rhythms can impact overall well-being and quality of life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The medic is most likely counting energy drink containers. Energy drink containers could indicate high caffeine intake, which can exacerbate manic episodes by increasing agitation and exacerbating symptoms in individuals with mood disorders.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with an early and slow onset of schizophrenia typically have a less positive outcome or prognosis. This is because early onset schizophrenia is often associated with a more severe form of the illness and can lead to greater functional impairment in various aspects of life, including academic and social functioning. Therefore, the prognosis for Gilbert, given his presentation and age of onset, would be considered to have a less positive outcome.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar disorder, a lower dosage of lithium is often prescribed to prevent toxicity and maintain stability while minimizing side effects. Lower doses are typically used once the patient has achieved mood stabilization to reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with long-term lithium use.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The scenario describes how April's behavior is not improving with the frequent use of time-out, indicating that it is no longer an effective intervention. When a strategy such as time-out loses its effectiveness due to overuse, it is crucial to explore alternative therapeutic measures to address the underlying issues effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression. This coping mechanism can exacerbate the underlying mental health condition and hinder proper treatment. Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring issues are essential in providing holistic care for individuals with schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lurasidone (Latuda) is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can help manage symptoms of mania by stabilizing mood and reducing the intensity of manic episodes. Given Ted's history of bipolar I disorder and the need to address his manic symptoms, Lurasidone (Latuda) is a suitable recommendation by the psychiatric nurse practitioner to aid in managing Ted's condition effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Carolina should respond by showing interest in the app, as it can help maintain the therapeutic relationship and provide an opportunity to evaluate the app's effectiveness together. By asking the patient to visit and show the app, Carolina demonstrates openness to exploring new tools that the patient finds helpful, while also ensuring that the patient's well-being remains a priority. This approach fosters communication, allows for a collaborative discussion on how the app fits into the patient's treatment plan, and may potentially address any concerns or misconceptions the patient has about the app replacing traditional therapy.