Mental health 47 Flashcards
The nurse observes a coworker who is always behind because he checks and rechecks the accuracy of his medication dosages. Even after being reassured his dosages are correct, he checks them again. The nurse suspects her coworker suffers from which disorder?
OCD
The nurse is helping a patient get dressed to go to her dialysis treatment. The patient bursts into tears and says, “I can’t
go! I can’t stand another day in that awful place. I will die if I have to go!” Which intervention is best?
Stop the dressing process and calmly ask the patient talk about her feelings.
The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted with fractures sustained during an MVC (motor vehicle collision).
The patient tearfully confesses that she relives the accident in her dreams and is afraid to sleep. The nurse recognizes that this
scenario is consistent with which disorder?
. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The nurse explains that anxiety disorders differ from normal anxiety. Which statement accurately describes anxiety
disorders?
. Anxiety disorders interfere with effective functioning
The nurse is caring for a patient with moderate anxiety. Which activity should the nurse encourage to best manage the
patient’s anxiety?
Taking a walk
The nurse is educating a patient who has just been prescribed diazepam (Valium). The nurse cautions the patient that
diazepam (Valium) may cause which problem?
. Dependency
The nurse is educating a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who has a new prescription for buspirone
(BuSpar). Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
Taper this medication before discontinuing.
A long-term care facility resident with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) enters the dining room and discovers that a
visitor is sitting in her regular seat. The resident becomes agitated and insists that she cannot eat unless she sits in her chair.
Which response is most appropriate?
. Reassure the resident that she can sit in her regular spot at supper
An older adult resident in a long-term care facility expresses multiple minor complaints at the nurse’s station and
wanders about aimlessly in the hallway. The nurse examines the patient’s chart. Which newly prescribed drug may explain his
behavior?
Theophylline
After having refused lunch and dinner because her “regular” chair was occupied at breakfast, the resident in a long-term care facility asks for a snack. How should the nurse respond?
. “You are hungry now. Is there something else you could have done earlier besides refusing to eat?
A resident in a long-term care facility has been in a manic stage for 2 days. He has not slept and cannot focus long
enough to eat a meal. How should the nurse best enhance the resident’s nutrition?
Offer him small glasses of high-protein drinks every hour.
The nurse is educating a patient with a new prescription for lithium carbonate. Which information is most important for
the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
It can take up to two weeks for Lithium to reach a therapeutic level in the body.
A patient has been taking lithium for 5 days. The nurse notes his gait is a little unsteady with a walker, and he
complains of thirst and insomnia. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report?
Unsteady gait
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient with a history of anxiety. Which complaint could indicate that the patient
may actually be experiencing emotional distress?
Upset stomach
The depressed patient who has been taking amitriptyline (Elavil) for the past 2 weeks complains of still feeling
depressed and wants to abandon the drug. How should the nurse respond?
“These drugs take several weeks to become effective.”
The nurse is caring for a suicidal patient who has been treated effectively with antidepressant therapy. The patient
verbalizes that he feels better. The nurse is alert that the patient is most at risk for which potential complication?
Increased risk of self-harm
What thought process underscores a patient’s anorexia nervosa?
A desire to gain a sense of control by limiting food intake
Which classic behavior characterizes bulimia?
Bingeing and purging
The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of serotonin syndrome. Which type of medication will most
likely be included in the plan of treatment?
Intravenous (IV) therapy
Which signs and symptoms are consistent with general anxiety disorder (GAD)? (Select all that apply.
Heart rate of over 100 beats/min, Restlessness, Fatigue, Muscular tension
