1.
Mr. Marquez reports of losing his job, not being able to sleep at
night, and feeling upset with his wife. Nurse John responds to the
client, “You may want to talk about your employment situation in group
today.” The Nurse is using which therapeutic technique?
Correct Answer
D. Focusing
Explanation
The nurse is using focusing by suggesting that the client discuss a specific issue. The nurse didn’t restate the question, make observation, or ask further question (exploring).
2.
Tony refuses his evening dose of Haloperidol (Haldol), then becomes
extremely agitated in the dayroom while other clients are watching
television. He begins cursing and throwing furniture. Nurse Oliver first
action is to:
Correct Answer
D. Remove all other clients from the dayroom.
Explanation
The nurse’s first priority is to consider the safety of the clients in the therapeutic setting. The other actions are appropriate responses after ensuring the safety of other clients.
3.
Tina who is manic, but not yet on medication, comes to the drug
treatment center. The nurse would not let this client join the group
session because:
Correct Answer
A. The client is disruptive.
Explanation
Group activity provides too much stimulation, which the client will not be able to handle (harmful to self) and as a result will be disruptive to others.
4.
Dervid, an adolescent boy was admitted for substance abuse and
hallucinations. The client’s mother asks Nurse Armando to talk with his
husband when he arrives at the hospital. The mother says that she is
afraid of what the father might say to the boy. The most appropriate
nursing intervention would be to:
Correct Answer
C. Agree to talk with the mother and the father together.
Explanation
By agreeing to talk with both parents, the nurse can provide emotional support and further assess and validate the family’s needs.
5.
What is Nurse John likely to note in a male client being admitted for
alcohol withdrawal?
Correct Answer
A. Perceptual disorders.
Explanation
Frightening visual hallucinations are especially common in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
6.
Aira has taken amitriptyline HCL (Elavil) for 3 days, but now
complains that it “doesn’t help” and refuses to take it. What should the
nurse say or do?
Correct Answer
D. Suggest that it takes awhile before seeing the results.
Explanation
The client needs a specific response; that it takes 2 to 3 weeks (a delayed effect) until the therapeutic blood level is reached.
7.
Dervid, an adolescent has a history of truancy from school, running
away from home and “barrowing” other people’s things without their
permission. The adolescent denies stealing, rationalizing instead that
as long as no one was using the items, it was all right to borrow them.
It is important for the nurse to understand the psychodynamically, this
behavior may be largely attributed to a developmental defect related to
the:
Correct Answer
C. Superego
Explanation
This behavior shows a weak sense of moral consciousness. According to Freudian theory, personality disorders stem from a weak superego.
8.
In preparing a female client for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT),
Nurse Michelle knows that succinylcoline (Anectine) will be administered
for which therapeutic effect?
Correct Answer
C. Skeletal muscle paralysis.
Explanation
Anectine is a depolarizing muscle relaxant causing paralysis. It is used to reduce the intensity of muscle contractions during the convulsive stage, thereby reducing the risk of bone fractures or dislocation.
9.
Nurse Gina is aware that the dietary implications for a client in
manic phase of bipolar disorder is:
Correct Answer
D. Increase calories, carbohydrates, and protein.
Explanation
This client increased protein for tissue building and increased calories to replace what is burned up (usually via carbohydrates).
10.
What parental behavior toward a child during an admission procedure
should cause Nurse Ron to suspect child abuse?
Correct Answer
C. Acting overly solicitous toward the child.
Explanation
This behavior is an example of reaction formation, a coping mechanism.
11.
Nurse Lynnette notices that a female client with obsessive-compulsive
disorder washes her hands for long periods each day. How should the
nurse respond to this compulsive behavior?
Correct Answer
A. By designating times during which the client can focus on the behavior.
Explanation
The nurse should designate times during which the client can focus on the compulsive behavior or obsessive thoughts. The nurse should urge the client to reduce the frequency of the compulsive behavior gradually, not rapidly. She shouldn't call attention to or try to prevent the behavior. Trying to prevent the behavior may cause pain and terror in the client. The nurse should encourage the client to verbalize anxieties to help distract attention from the compulsive behavior.
12.
After seeking help at an outpatient mental health clinic, Ruby who
was raped while walking her dog is diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). Three months later, Ruby returns to the
clinic, complaining of fear, loss of control, and helpless feelings.
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for Ruby?
Correct Answer
D. Exploring the meaning of the traumatic event with the client.
Explanation
The client with PTSD needs encouragement to examine and understand the meaning of the traumatic event and consequent losses. Otherwise, symptoms may worsen and the client may become depressed or engage in self-destructive behavior such as substance abuse. The client must explore the meaning of the event and won't heal without this, no matter how much time passes. Behavioral techniques, such as relaxation therapy, may help decrease the client's anxiety and induce sleep. The physician may prescribe antianxiety agents or antidepressants cautiously to avoid dependence; sleep medication is rarely appropriate. A special diet isn't indicated unless the client also has an eating disorder or a nutritional problem.
13.
Meryl, age 19, is highly dependent on her parents and fears leaving
home to go away to college. Shortly before the semester starts, she
complains that her legs are paralyzed and is rushed to the emergency
department. When physical examination rules out a physical cause for her
paralysis, the physician admits her to the psychiatric unit where she
is diagnosed with conversion disorder. Meryl asks the nurse, "Why has
this happened to me?" What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer
C. "Your problem is real but there is no pHysical basis for it. We'll work on what is going on in your life to find out why it's happened."
Explanation
The nurse must be honest with the client by telling her that the paralysis has no physiologic cause while also conveying empathy and acknowledging that her symptoms are real. The client will benefit from psychiatric treatment, which will help her understand the underlying cause of her symptoms. After the psychological conflict is resolved, her
symptoms will disappear. Saying that it must be awful not to be able to move her legs wouldn't answer the client's question; knowing that the cause is psychological wouldn't necessarily make her feel better. Telling her that she has developed paralysis to avoid leaving her parents or that her personality caused her disorder wouldn't help her understand and resolve the underlying conflict.
14.
Nurse Krina knows that the following drugs have been known to
be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):
Correct Answer
C. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and clomipramine (Anafranil)
Explanation
The antidepressants fluvoxamine and clomipramine have been effective in the treatment of OCD. Librium and Valium may be helpful in treating anxiety related to OCD but aren't drugs of choice to treat the illness. The other medications mentioned aren't effective in the treatment of OCD.
15.
Alfred was newly diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The
physician prescribed buspirone (BuSpar). The nurse is aware that the
teaching instructions for newly prescribed buspirone should include
which of the following?
Correct Answer
A. A warning about the drugs delayed therapeutic effect, which is from 14 to 30 days.
Explanation
The client should be informed that the drug's therapeutic effect might not be reached for 14 to 30 days. The client must be instructed to continue taking the drug as directed. Blood level checks aren't necessary. NMS hasn't been reported with this drug, but tachycardia is frequently reported.
16.
Richard with agoraphobia has been symptom-free for 4 months.
Classic signs and symptoms of phobias include:
Correct Answer
B. Severe anxiety and fear.
Explanation
Phobias cause severe anxiety (such as a panic attack) that is out of proportion to the threat of the feared object or situation. Physical signs and symptoms of phobias include profuse sweating, poor motor control, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. Insomnia, an inability to concentrate, and weight loss are common in depression. Withdrawal and failure to distinguish reality from fantasy occur in schizophrenia.
17.
Which medications have been found to help reduce or eliminate
panic attacks?
Correct Answer
B. Anticholinergics
Explanation
Tricyclic and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants have been found to be effective in treating clients with panic attacks. Why these drugs help control panic attacks isn't clearly understood. Anticholinergic agents, which are smooth-muscle relaxants, relieve physical symptoms of anxiety but don't relieve the anxiety itself. Antipsychotic drugs are inappropriate because clients who experience panic attacks aren't psychotic. Mood stabilizers aren't indicated because panic attacks are rarely associated with mood changes.
18.
A client seeks care because she feels depressed and has gained
weight. To treat her atypical depression, the physician prescribes
tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate), 10 mg by mouth twice per day. When
this drug is used to treat atypical depression, what is its onset of
action?
Correct Answer
B. 3 to 5 days
Explanation
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as tranylcypromine, have an onset of action of approximately 3 to 5 days. A full clinical response may be delayed for 3 to 4 weeks. The therapeutic effects may continue for 1 to 2 weeks after discontinuation.
19.
A 65 years old client is in the first stage of Alzheimer's disease.
Nurse Patricia should plan to focus this client's care on:
Correct Answer
B. Providing emotional support and individual counseling.
Explanation
Clients in the first stage of Alzheimer's disease are aware that something is happening to them and may become overwhelmed and frightened. Therefore, nursing care typically focuses on providing emotional support and individual counseling. The other options are appropriate during the second stage of Alzheimer's disease, when the
client needs continuous monitoring to prevent minor illnesses from progressing into major problems and when maintaining adequate nutrition may become a challenge. During this stage, offering nourishing finger foods helps clients to feed themselves and maintain adequate nutrition.
20.
The nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted to
the emergency department. Which signs would suggest an overdose of
an antianxiety agent?
Correct Answer
C. Emotional lability, eupHoria, and impaired memory
Explanation
Signs of antianxiety agent overdose include emotional lability, euphoria, and impaired memory. Phencyclidine overdose can cause combativeness, sweating, and confusion. Amphetamine overdose can result in agitation, hyperactivity, and grandiose ideation. Hallucinogen overdose can produce suspiciousness, dilated pupils, and increased blood pressure.
21.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with antisocial
personality disorder. The client has a history of fighting, cruelty to
animals, and stealing. Which of the following traits would the nurse be
most likely to uncover during assessment?
Correct Answer
D. A low tolerance for frustration
Explanation
Clients with an antisocial personality disorder exhibit a low tolerance for frustration, emotional immaturity, and a lack of impulse control. They commonly have a history of unemployment, miss work repeatedly, and quit work without other plans for employment. They don't feel guilt about their behavior and commonly perceive themselves as victims. They also display a lack of responsibility for the outcome of their actions. Because of a lack of trust in others, clients with antisocial personality disorder commonly have difficulty developing stable, close relationships.
22.
Nurse Amy is providing care for a male client undergoing
opiate withdrawal. Opiate withdrawal causes severe physical discomfort
and can be life-threatening. To minimize these effects, opiate users are
commonly detoxified with:
Correct Answer
C. Methadone
Explanation
Methadone is used to detoxify opiate users because it binds with opioid receptors at many sites in the central nervous system but doesn’t have the same deterious effects as other opiates, such as cocaine, heroin, and morphine. Barbiturates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines are highly addictive and would require detoxification treatment.
23.
Nurse Cristina is caring for a client who experiences false
sensory perceptions with no basis in reality. These perceptions are
known as:
Correct Answer
B. Hallucinations
Explanation
Hallucinations are visual, auditory, gustatory, tactile, or olfactory perceptions that have no basis in reality. Delusions are false beliefs, rather than perceptions, that the client accepts as real. Loose associations are rapid shifts among unrelated ideas. Neologisms are bizarre words that have meaning only to the client.
24.
Nurse Marco is developing a plan of care for a client with
anorexia nervosa. Which action should the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer
C. Set up a strict eating plan for the client.
Explanation
Establishing a consistent eating plan and monitoring the client’s weight are very important in this disorder. The family and friends should be included in the client’s care. The client should be monitored during meals-not given privacy. Exercise must be limited and supervised.
25.
Tim is admitted with a diagnosis of delusions of grandeur. The nurse
is aware that this diagnosis reflects a belief that one is:
Correct Answer
A. Highly important or famous.
Explanation
A delusion of grandeur is a false belief that one is highly important or famous. A delusion of persecution is a false belief that one is being persecuted. A delusion of reference is a false belief that one is connected to events unrelated to oneself or a belief that one is responsible for the evil in the world.
26.
Nurse Jen is caring for a male client with manic depression. The plan
of care for a client in a manic state would include:
Correct Answer
D. Listening attentively with a neutral attitude and avoiding power struggles.
Explanation
The nurse should listen to the client’s requests, express willingness to seriously consider the request, and respond later. The nurse should encourage the client to take short daytime naps because he expends so much energy. The nurse shouldn’t try to restrain the client when he feels the need to move around as long as his activity isn’t harmful. High calorie finger foods should be offered to supplement the client’s diet, if he can’t remain seated long enough to eat a complete meal. The nurse shouldn’t be forced to stay seated at the table to finish a meal. The nurse should set limits in a calm, clear, and self-confident tone of voice.
27.
Ramon is admitted for detoxification after a cocaine overdose. The
client tells the nurse that he frequently uses cocaine but that he can
control his use if he chooses. Which coping mechanism is he using?
Correct Answer
D. Denial
Explanation
Denial is unconscious defense mechanism in which emotional conflict and anxiety is avoided by refusing to acknowledge feelings, desires, impulses, or external facts that are consciously intolerable. Withdrawal is a common response to stress, characterized by apathy. Logical thinking is the ability to think rationally and make responsible decisions, which would lead the client admitting the problem and seeking help. Repression is suppressing past events from the consciousness because of guilty association.
28.
Richard is admitted with a diagnosis of schizotypal personality
disorder. Which signs would this client exhibit during social
situations?
Correct Answer
B. Paranoid thoughts
Explanation
Clients with schizotypal personality disorder experience excessive social anxiety that can lead to paranoid thoughts. Aggressive behavior is uncommon, although these clients may experience agitation with anxiety. Their behavior is emotionally cold with a flattened affect, regardless of the situation. These clients demonstrate a reduced capacity for close or dependent relationships.
29.
Nurse Mickey is caring for a client diagnosed with bulimia. The
most appropriate initial goal for a client diagnosed with bulimia is to:
Correct Answer
C. Identify anxiety-causing situations
Explanation
Bulimic behavior is generally a maladaptive coping response to stress and underlying issues. The client must identify anxiety-causing situations that stimulate the bulimic behavior and then learn new ways of
coping with the anxiety.
30.
Rudolf is admitted for an overdose of amphetamines. When assessing
the client, the nurse should expect to see:
Correct Answer
A. Tension and irritability
Explanation
An amphetamine is a nervous system stimulant that is subject to abuse because of its ability to produce wakefulness and euphoria. An overdose increases tension and irritability. Options B and C are incorrect because amphetamines stimulate norepinephrine, which increase the heart rate and blood flow. Diarrhea is a common adverse effect so option D in is incorrect.
31.
Nicolas is experiencing hallucinations tells the nurse, “The voices
are telling me I’m no good.” The client asks if the nurse hears the
voices. The most appropriate response by the nurse would be:
Correct Answer
B. “No, I do not hear your voices, but I believe you can hear them”.
Explanation
The nurse, demonstrating knowledge and understanding, accepts the client’s perceptions even though they are hallucinatory.
32.
The nurse is aware that the side effect of electroconvulsive therapy
that a client may experience:
Correct Answer
C. Confusion for a time after treatment
Explanation
The electrical energy passing through the cerebral cortex during ECT results in a temporary state of confusion after treatment.
33.
A dying male client gradually moves toward resolution of
feelings regarding impending death. Basing care on the theory of
Kubler-Ross, Nurse Trish plans to use nonverbal interventions when
assessment reveals that the client is in the:
Correct Answer
D. Acceptance stage
Explanation
Communication and intervention during this stage are mainly nonverbal, as when the client gestures to hold the nurse’s hand.
34.
The outcome that is unrelated to a crisis state is:
Correct Answer
D. A higher level of anxiety continuing for more than 3 months.
Explanation
This is not an expected outcome of a crisis because by definition a crisis would be resolved in 6 weeks.
35.
Miranda a psychiatric client is to be discharged with orders for
haloperidol (haldol) therapy. When developing a teaching plan for
discharge, the nurse should include cautioning the client against:
Correct Answer
B. Staying in the sun
Explanation
Haldol causes photosensitivity. Severe sunburn can occur on exposure to the sun.
36.
Jen a nursing student is anxious about the upcoming board
examination but is able to study intently and does not become distracted
by a roommate’s talking and loud music. The student’s ability to
ignore distractions and to focus on studying demonstrates:
Correct Answer
D. Moderate-level anxiety
Explanation
A moderately anxious person can ignore peripheral events and focuses on central concerns.
37.
When assessing a premorbid personality characteristics of a client
with a major depression, it would be unusual for the nurse to find that
this client demonstrated:
Correct Answer
C. Diverse interest
Explanation
Before onset of depression, these clients usually have very narrow, limited interest.
38.
Nurse Krina recognizes that the suicidal risk for depressed client
is greatest:
Correct Answer
A. As their depression begins to improve
Explanation
At this point the client may have enough energy to plan and execute an attempt.
39.
Nurse Kate would expect that a client with vascular dementis
would experience:
Correct Answer
D. Disturbance in recalling recent events related to cerebral hypoxia.
Explanation
Cell damage seems to interfere with registering input stimuli, which affects the ability to register and recall recent events; vascular dementia is related to multiple vascular lesions of the cerebral cortex and subcortical structure.
40.
Josefina is to be discharged on a regimen of lithium carbonate. In
the teaching plan for discharge the nurse should include:
Correct Answer
D. Encouraging the client to have blood levels checked as ordered.
Explanation
Blood levels must be checked monthly or bimonthly when the client is on maintenance therapy because there is only a small range between therapeutic and toxic levels.
41.
The psychiatrist orders lithium carbonate 600 mg p.o t.i.d for a
female client. Nurse Katrina would be aware that the teaching about the
side effects of this drug were understood when the client state, “I will
call my doctor immediately if I notice any:
Correct Answer
B. Fine hand tremors or slurred speech
Explanation
These are common side effects of lithium carbonate.
42.
Nurse Mylene recognizes that the most important factor necessary for
the establishment of trust in a critical care area is:
Correct Answer
D. Presence
Explanation
The constant presence of a nurse provides emotional support because the client knows that someone is attentive and available in case of an emergency.
43.
When establishing an initial nurse-client relationship, Nurse Hazel
should explore with the client the:
Correct Answer
A. Client’s perception of the presenting problem.
Explanation
The nurse can be most therapeutic by starting where the client is, because it is the client’s concept of the problem that serves as the starting point of the relationship.
44.
Tranylcypromine sulfate (Parnate) is prescribed for a depressed
client who has not responded to the tricyclic antidepressants. After
teaching the client about the medication, Nurse Marian evaluates that
learning has occurred when the client states, “I will avoid:
Correct Answer
B. Chocolate milk, aged cheese, and yogurt’”
Explanation
These high-tyramine foods, when ingested in the presence of an MAO inhibitor, cause a severe hypertensive response.
45.
Nurse John is a aware that most crisis situations should resolve in
about:
Correct Answer
B. 4 to 6 weeks
Explanation
Crisis is self-limiting and lasts from 4 to 6 weeks.
46.
Nurse Judy knows that statistics show that in adolescent
suicide behavior:
Correct Answer
D. Males are more likely to use lethal methods than are females
Explanation
This finding is supported by research; females account for 90% of suicide attempts but males are three times more successful because of methods used.
47.
Dervid with paranoid schizophrenia repeatedly uses profanity during
an activity therapy session. Which response by the nurse would be
most appropriate?
Correct Answer
C. "Your cursing is interrupting the activity. Take time out in your room for 10 minutes."
Explanation
The nurse should set limits on client behavior to ensure a comfortable environment for all clients. The nurse should accept hostile or quarrelsome client outbursts within limits without becoming personally offended, as in option A. Option B is incorrect because it implies that the client's actions reflect feelings toward the staff instead of the client's own misery. Judgmental remarks, such as option D, may decrease the client's self-esteem.
48.
Nurse Maureen knows that the nonantipsychotic medication used to
treat some clients with schizoaffective disorder is:
Correct Answer
C. Lithium carbonate (Lithane)
Explanation
Lithium carbonate, an antimania drug, is used to treat clients with cyclical schizoaffective disorder, a psychotic disorder once classified under schizophrenia that causes affective symptoms, including maniclike activity. Lithium helps control the affective component of this disorder. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor prescribed for clients who don't respond to other antidepressant drugs such as imipramine. Chlordiazepoxide, an antianxiety agent, generally is contraindicated in psychotic clients. Imipramine, primarily considered an antidepressant agent, is also used to treat clients with agoraphobia and that undergoing cocaine detoxification.
49.
Which information is most important for the nurse Trinity to include
in a teaching plan for a male schizophrenic client taking clozapine
(Clozaril)?
Correct Answer
B. Report a sore throat or fever to the pHysician immediately.
Explanation
A sore throat and fever are indications of an infection caused by agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening complication of clozapine. Because of the risk of agranulocytosis, white blood cell (WBC) counts are
necessary weekly, not monthly. If the WBC count drops below 3,000/μl, the medication must be stopped. Hypotension may occur in clients taking this medication. Warn the client to stand up slowly to avoid dizziness from orthostatic hypotension. The medication should be continued, even when symptoms have been controlled. If the medication must be stopped, it should be slowly tapered over 1 to 2 weeks and only under the supervision of a physician.
50.
Ricky with chronic schizophrenia takes neuroleptic medication is
admitted to the psychiatric unit. Nursing assessment reveals rigidity,
fever, hypertension, and diaphoresis. These findings suggest which
lifethreatening reaction:
Correct Answer
C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Explanation
The client's signs and symptoms suggest neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a life-threatening reaction to neuroleptic medication that requires immediate treatment. Tardive dyskinesia causes involuntary movements of the tongue, mouth, facial muscles, and arm and leg muscles. Dystonia is characterized by cramps and rigidity of the tongue, face, neck, and back muscles. Akathisia causes restlessness, anxiety, and jitteriness.