Your patient tells you her husband has a serious drinking problem. Which statement tells you she may be in a codependent relationship?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is indicative of a codependent relationship because the wife is enabling her husband's drinking by covering up for him at work. Codependency is a dysfunctional relationship where one person enables another's addiction, poor mental health, or irresponsible behavior. By calling his job and lying for him, the wife is perpetuating his drinking problem and preventing him from facing consequences, thus reinforcing his behavior. Option A does not necessarily indicate codependency as setting personal boundaries and recognizing one's limit is a healthy response to dealing with a loved one's addiction. Option C shows empathy towards the children's feelings, but it does not directly enable the husband's behavior. Option D, stating that the husband is drinking less, does not signify codependency either. Educationally, understanding codependency is crucial for nurses as they often encounter patients with psychobiologic disorders and their families. By recognizing signs of codependency, nurses can provide appropriate support and interventions to help both the patient and their loved ones break free from enabling behaviors and foster healthier relationships.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders and the use of chemical restraints, it is crucial to understand the principles and best practices involved in managing agitated or aggressive patients. Option A, "the end point of rapid tranquilization is sedation," is false because the ultimate goal of rapid tranquilization is not just sedation but to quickly and safely de-escalate the patient's agitation and aggression to prevent harm to themselves or others. Sedation is a means to achieve this end but not the ultimate goal. Option B, "diazepam should not be given i.m.," is incorrect because diazepam can be administered intramuscularly in emergency situations to quickly calm an agitated patient. However, intravenous administration is preferred for faster onset of action. Option C, "a patient should be offered oral sedation first," is misleading as in acute situations where rapid tranquilization is necessary to ensure safety, oral sedation may not be a feasible option due to delayed onset of action. Intramuscular or intravenous routes are more appropriate for immediate effect. Option D, "the antipsychotic agents should not be used in seizure-prone patients," is incorrect as antipsychotic medications can be used in seizure-prone patients with caution and monitoring. However, certain antipsychotics may lower the seizure threshold and should be used judiciously. Educationally, understanding the nuances of chemical restraint in psychobiologic disorders is essential for nurses and healthcare providers working in acute care settings. Proper training on when and how to use different medications for rapid tranquilization, including considerations for routes of administration and patient-specific factors such as seizure risk, can help ensure safe and effective management of agitated patients while minimizing risks and promoting patient well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the false statement regarding dementia is option B: consciousness is sometimes clouded but not always. This is incorrect because dementia primarily affects cognitive functions, not consciousness. Option A is correct because dementia indeed involves a disturbance of cognitive and higher cortical functioning, leading to issues with memory, reasoning, and communication. Option C is also correct as short-term memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. Option D is correct as global memory impairment, affecting both recent and past memories, is often observed in individuals with dementia. Educationally, understanding the characteristics of dementia is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those in the field of psychobiologic disorders. Recognizing the symptoms of dementia, such as memory loss and cognitive decline, is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition. It is important to differentiate dementia from other disorders that may present with similar symptoms but have different underlying causes and treatment approaches.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In understanding conversion disorder, it is crucial to grasp the intricacies of this psychobiologic condition. The correct answer, A) the patient consciously produces the symptom, is accurate because conversion disorder involves the manifestation of physical symptoms that are not consciously feigned by the individual. In this disorder, the symptoms are not under voluntary control and are not intentionally produced by the patient. Option B) the symptom cannot be explained by a known organic etiology, is a characteristic feature of conversion disorder. This distinguishes it from other medical conditions where physical symptoms can be attributed to a specific organic cause. Option C) the symptom expressed is a loss or change in physical function, suggesting a physical disorder, is incorrect in the context of conversion disorder. While the symptoms may mimic physical disorders, they are not rooted in a physical cause but rather have a psychological origin. Option D) the symptom is not pain, is also incorrect as pain can be a presenting symptom in conversion disorder, although it is more commonly associated with other types of disorders. Educationally, understanding the nuances of conversion disorder is essential for healthcare professionals to provide effective care for patients presenting with this condition. Recognizing the psychological underpinnings of physical symptoms is crucial in making a proper diagnosis and developing a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. This knowledge enhances the holistic approach to patient care and promotes better outcomes for individuals affected by conversion disorder.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal social behavior. The correct answer is option C) loosening of associations. This is because schizophrenia often presents with disorganized thinking, where a person's thoughts may seem fragmented or disconnected, leading to speech that lacks coherence or logical structure. This symptom is known as loosening of associations and is a hallmark feature of schizophrenia. Option A) is incorrect because schizophrenia typically has an insidious onset, meaning symptoms develop gradually over time rather than suddenly. Option B) is incorrect because while anti-psychotic medications can help manage symptoms like hallucinations and delusions, they do not fully reverse the core cognitive symptoms such as disorganized thinking. Option D) is incorrect because the duration of psychosis in schizophrenia is typically longer than 4 weeks and is not always triggered by a specific stressor. Educationally, understanding the key features of schizophrenia is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize and appropriately manage this complex disorder. By knowing the specific symptoms like loosening of associations, healthcare professionals can provide better care and support for individuals living with schizophrenia. It is important to differentiate schizophrenia from other psychiatric disorders to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.