Midterm I Flashcards
Which client statement reflects an understanding of circadian rhythms in psychopathology?
- “When I dream about my mother’s horrible train accident, I become hysterical.”
- “I get really irritable during my menstrual cycle.”
- “I’m a morning person. I get my best work done before noon.”
- “Every February, I tend to experience periods of sadness.”
3
Which types of adoption studies should a nurse recognize as providing useful information for the psychiatric community?
- Studies in which children with mentally ill biological parents are raised by adoptive parents who were mentally healthy.
- Studies in which children with mentally healthy biological parents are raised by adoptive parents who were mentally ill.
- Studies in which monozygotic twins from mentally ill parents were raised separately by different adoptive parents.
- Studies in which monozygotic twins were raised together by mentally ill biological parents.
- All of the above.
5
A withdrawn client, diagnosed with schizophrenia, expresses little emotion and refuses to attend group therapy. What altered component of the nervous system should a nurse recognize as being responsible for this behavior?
- Dendrites
- Axons
- Neurotransmitters
- Synapses
3
Six months after her husband and children were killed in a car accident, a client is diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The nurse should recognize that this situation validates which study perspective?
- Neuroendocrinology
- Psychoimmunology
- Diagnostic technology
- Neurophysiology
2
An instructor is teaching nursing students about neurotransmitters. Which best explains the process of how neurotransmitters released into the synaptic cleft may return to the presynaptic neuron?
- Regeneration
- Reuptake
- Recycling
- Retransmission
2
A client is admitted to an emergency department experiencing memory deficits and decreased motor function. What alteration in brain chemistry should a nurse correlate with the production of these symptoms?
- Abnormal levels of serotonin
- Decreased levels of dopamine
- Increased levels of norepinephrine
- Decreased levels of acetylcholine
4
A nurse concludes that a restless, agitated client is manifesting a fight- or-flight response. The nurse should associate this response with which neurotransmitter?
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
4
Which part of the nervous system should a nurse identify as playing a major role during stressful situations?
- Peripheral nervous system
- Somatic nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system
3
A depressed client states, “I have a chemical imbalance in my brain. I have no control over my behavior. Medications are my only hope to feel normal again.” Which nursing response is appropriate?
- “Medications only address biological factors. Environmental and interpersonal factors must also be considered.”
- “Because biological factors are the sole cause of depression, medications will improve your mood.”
- “Environmental factors have been shown to exert the most influence in the development of depression.”
- “Researchers have been unable to demonstrate a link between nature (biology and genetics) and nurture (environment).”
1
A nurse understands that the abnormal secretion of growth hormone may play a role in which illness?
- Acute mania
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia nervosa
- Alzheimer’s disease
3
A client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with the diagnosis of catatonic schizophrenia. Which of the client’s neurotransmitters should a nurse expect to be elevated?
- Serotonin
- Dopamine
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
- Histamine
2
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder asks, “What part of my brain controls my emotions?” Which nursing response is appropriate?
- “The occipital lobe governs perceptions, judging them as positive or negative.”
- “The parietal lobe has been linked to depression.”
- “The medulla regulates key biological and psychological activities.”
- “The limbic system is largely responsible for one’s emotional state.”
4
A nurse should expect that an increase in dopamine activity might play a significant role in the development of which mental illness?
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Parkinson’s disease
1
A client’s wife of 34 years dies unexpectedly. The client cries often and becomes socially isolated. The client’s therapist encourages open discussion of feelings, proper nutrition, and exercise. What is the best rationale for the therapist’s recommendations?
- The therapist is using an interpersonal approach.
- The client has an alteration in neurotransmitters.
- It is routine practice to remind clients about nutrition, exercise, and rest.
- The client is susceptible to illness because of effects of stress on the immune system.
4
Which mental illness should a nurse identify as being associated with a decrease in prolactin hormone level?
- Major depressive episode
- Schizophrenia
- Anorexia nervosa
- Alzheimer’s disease
2
Which cerebral structure should a nursing instructor describe to students as the “emotional brain”?
- The cerebellum
- The limbic system
- The cortex
- The left temporal lobe
2
A nurse should recognize that a decrease in norepinephrine levels would play a significant role in which mental illness?
- Bipolar disorder: mania
- Schizophrenia spectrum disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Major depressive episode
4
What is the most essential task for a nurse to accomplish prior to forming a therapeutic relationship with a client?
- Clarify personal attitudes, values, and beliefs.
- Obtain thorough assessment data.
- Determine the client’s length of stay.
- Establish personal goals for the interaction.
1
If a client demonstrates transference toward a nurse, how should the nurse respond?
- Promote safety and immediately terminate the relationship with the client.
- Encourage the client to ignore these thoughts and feelings.
- Immediately reassign the client to another staff member.
- Help the client to clarify the meaning of the relationship, based on the present situation.
4
What should be the priority nursing action during the orientation (introductory) phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- Acknowledge the client’s actions and generate alternative behaviors.
- Establish rapport and develop treatment goals.
- Attempt to find alternative placement.
- Explore how thoughts and feelings about this client may adversely impact nursing care.
2
Which client action should a nurse expect during the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- The client gains insight and incorporates alternative behaviors.
- The client establishes rapport with the nurse and mutually develops treatment goals.
- The client explores feelings related to reentering the community.
- The client explores personal strengths and weaknesses that impact behavioral choices.
1
Which client statement should a nurse identify as a typical response to stress most often experienced in the working phase of the nurse-client relationship?
- “I can’t bear the thought of leaving here and failing.”
- “I might have a hard time working with you, because you remind me of my mother.”
- “I really don’t want to talk any more about my childhood abuse.”
- “I’m not sure that I can count on you to protect my confidentiality.”
3
A mother who is notified that her child was killed in a tragic car accident states, “I can’t bear to go on with my life.” Which nursing statement conveys empathy?
- “This situation is very sad, but time is a great healer.”
- “You are sad, but you must be strong for your other children.”
- “Once you cry it all out, things will seem so much better.”
- “It must be horrible to lose a child, and I’ll stay with you until your husband arrives.”
4
When an individual is “two-faced,” which characteristic essential to the development of a therapeutic relationship should a nurse identify as missing?
- Respect
- Genuineness
- Sympathy
- Rapport
2
On which task should a nurse place priority during the working phase of relationship development?
- Establishing a contract for intervention
- Examining feelings about working with a particular client
- Establishing a plan for continuing aftercare
- Promoting the client’s insight and perception of reality
4
Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in the following nurse-client interaction?
Client: “My father spanked me often.”
Nurse: “Your father was a harsh disciplinarian.”
- Restatement
- Offering general leads
- Focusing
- Accepting
1
Which therapeutic communication technique is being used in the following nurse-client interaction?
Client: “When I am anxious, the only thing that calms me down is alcohol.”
Nurse: “Other than drinking, what alternatives have you explored to decrease anxiety?”
- Reflecting
- Making observations
- Formulating a plan of action
- Giving recognition
3
The nurse is interviewing a newly admitted psychiatric client. Which of the following nursing statements is an example of offering a “general lead”?
- “Do you know why you are here?”
- “Are you feeling depressed or anxious?”
- “Yes, I see. Go on.”
- “Can you order the specific events that led to your admission?”
3
A nurse says to a client, “Things will look better tomorrow after a good night’s sleep.” This is an example of which communication technique?
- The therapeutic technique of giving advice
- The therapeutic technique of defending
- The nontherapeutic technique of presenting reality
- The nontherapeutic technique of giving reassurance
4
A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder related to a rape is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for evaluation and medication stabilization. Which therapeutic communication technique might a nurse use that is an example of “broad openings”?
- “What occurred prior to the rape, and when did you go to the emergency department?”
- “What would you like to talk about?”
- “I notice you seem uncomfortable discussing this.”
- “How can we help you feel safe during your stay here?”
2
A nurse maintains an uncrossed arm and leg posture when communicating with a client. This nonverbal behavior is reflective of which letter of the SOLER acronym for active listening?
- S
- O
- L
- E
- R
2
An instructor is correcting a nursing student’s clinical worksheet. Which instructor statement is the best example of effective feedback?
- “Why did you use the client’s name on your clinical worksheet?”
- “You were very careless to refer to your client by name on your clinical worksheet.”
- “Surely you didn’t do this deliberately, but you breeched confidentiality by using names.”
- “It is disappointing that after being told you’re still using client names on your worksheet.”
3
What is a nurse’s purpose for providing appropriate feedback?
- To give the client good advice
- To advise the client on appropriate behaviors
- To evaluate the client’s behavior
- To give the client critical information
4
A client exhibiting dependent behaviors says, “Do you think I should move from my parent’s house and get a job?” Which nursing response is most appropriate?
- “It would be best to do that in order to increase independence.”
- “Why would you want to leave a secure home?”
- “Let’s discuss and explore all of your options.”
- “I’m afraid you would feel very guilty leaving your parents.”
3
A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In an emergency department, she cries, “I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them.” What is the nurse’s best response?
- “The smoke was too thick. You couldn’t have gone back in.”
- “You’re experiencing feelings of guilt, because you weren’t able to save your children.”
- “Focus on the fact that you could have lost all four of your children.”
- “It’s best if you try not to think about what happened. Try to move on.”
2
A newly admitted client, diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), washes his hands continually. This behavior prevents unit activity attendance. Which nursing statement best addresses this situation?
- “Everyone diagnosed with OCD needs to control their ritualistic behaviors.”
- “It is important for you to discontinue these ritualistic behaviors.”
- “Why are you asking for help, if you won’t participate in unit therapy?”
- “Let’s figure out a way for you to attend unit activities and still wash your hands.”
4
During an inpatient educational group, a client shouts out, “This information is worthless. Nothing you have said can help me.” These statements indicate to a nurse leader that the client is assuming which group role?
- The group role of aggressor
- The group role of initiator
- The group role of gatekeeper
- The group role of blocker
1
During a group discussion, members freely interact with each other. Which member statement is an example of Yalom’s curative group factor of imparting information?
- “I found a Web site explaining the different types of brain tumors and their treatment.”
- “My brother also had a brain tumor and now is completely cured.”
- “I understand your fear and will be by your side during this time.”
- “My mother was also diagnosed with cancer of the brain.”
1
An experienced psychiatric registered nurse has taken a new position leading groups in a day treatment program. Which group is this nurse most qualified to lead?
- A psychodrama group
- A psychotherapy group
- A parenting group
- A family therapy group
3
Prayer group members at a local Baptist church are meeting with a poor, homeless family whom they are supporting. Which member statement is an example of Yalom’s curative group factor of altruism?
- “I’ll give you the name of a friend that rents inexpensive rooms.”
- “The last time we helped a family, they got back on their feet and prospered.”
- “I can give you all of my baby clothes for your little one.”
- “I can appreciate your situation. I had to declare bankruptcy last year.”
3
When planning group therapy, a nurse should identify which configuration as most optimal for a therapeutic group?
- Open-ended membership; circle of chairs; group size of 5 to 10 members
- Open-ended membership; chairs around a table; group size of 10 to 15 members
- Closed membership; circle of chairs; group size of 5 to 10 members
- Closed membership; chairs around a table; group size of 10 to 15 members
3
During a community meeting, a nurse encourages clients to present unit problems and discuss possible solutions. Which type of leadership style is the nurse demonstrating?
- Democratic
- Autocratic
- Laissez-faire
- Bureaucratic
1
During a therapeutic group, which nursing action demonstrates a laissez-faire leadership style?
- The nurse mandates that all group members reveal an embarrassing personal situation.
- The nurse asks for a show of hands to determine group topic preference.
- The nurse sits silently as the group members stray from the assigned topic.
- The nurse shuffles through papers to determine the facility policy on length of group.
3
A nursing instructor is teaching about psychodrama, a specialized type of therapeutic group. Which student statement indicates that further teaching is necessary?
- “Psychodrama provides a safe setting in which to discuss painful issues.”
- “In psychodrama, the client is the protagonist.”
- “In psychodrama, the client observes actor interactions from the audience.”
- “Psychodrama facilitates resolution of interpersonal conflicts.”
2
During a group session, which client statement demonstrates that the group has progressed to the middle, or working, phase of group development?
- “It’s hard for me to tell my story when I’m not sure about the reactions of others.”
- “I think Joe’s Antabuse suggestion is a good one and might work for me.”
- “My situation is very complex, and I need professional, not peer, advice.”
- “I am really upset that you expect me to solve my own problems.”
2
A 10-week, prenuptial counseling group composed of five couples is terminating. At the last group meeting, a nurse notices that the two most faithful and participative couples are absent. When considering concepts of group development, what might explain this behavior?
- They are experiencing problems with termination, leading to feelings of abandonment.
- They did not think any new material would be covered at the last session.
- They were angry with the leader for not extending the length of the group.
- They were bored with the material covered in the group.
1
A single, pregnant teenager in a parenting class discloses her ambivalence toward the pregnancy and the subsequent guilt that these thoughts generate. A mother of three admits to having felt that way herself. Which of Yalom’s curative group factors does this illustrate?
- Imparting of information
- Instillation of hope
- Altruism
- Universality
4
A nursing instructor is teaching students about self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
- “There is little research to support AA’s effectiveness.”
- “Self-help groups used to be the treatment of choice, but their popularity is waning.”
- “These groups have no external regulation, so clients need to be cautious.”
- “Members themselves run the group, with leadership usually rotating among the members.”
4
During the sixth week of a 10-week parenting skills group, a nurse observes as several members get into a heated dispute about spanking. As a group, they decide to create a pros-and-cons poster on the use of physical discipline. At this time, what is the role of the group leader?
- The leader should referee the debate.
- The leader should adamantly oppose physical disciplining measures.
- The leader should redirect the group to a less-controversial topic.
- The leader should encourage the group to solve the problem collectively.
4
A client diagnosed with alcohol use disorder experiences a first relapse. During an AA meeting, another group member states, “I relapsed three times, but now have been sober for 15 years.” Which of Yalom’s curative group factors does this illustrate?
- Imparting of information
- Instillation of hope
- Catharsis
- Universality
2
Which group leader activity should a nurse identify as being most effective in the final, or termination, phase of group development?
- The group leader establishes the rules that will govern the group after discharge.
- The group leader encourages members to rely on each other for problem solving.
- The group leader presents and discusses the concept of group termination.
- The group leader helps the members to process feelings of loss.
4
Which situation should a nurse identify as an example of an autocratic leadership style?
- The president of Sigma Theta Tau assigns members to committees to research problems.
- Without faculty input, the dean mandates that all course content be delivered via the Internet.
- During a community meeting, a nurse listens as clients generate solutions.
- The student nurses’ association advertises for candidates for president.
2
A new mother is concerned about her ability to perform her parental role. She is quite anxious and ambivalent about leaving the postpartum unit. To offer effective client care, a nurse should be familiar with what information about this type of crisis?
- This type of crisis is precipitated by unexpected external stressors.
- This type of crisis is precipitated by preexisting psychopathology.
- This type of crisis is precipitated by an acute response to an external situational stressor.
- This type of crisis is precipitated by normal life-cycle transitions that overwhelm the client.
4
A wife brings her husband to an emergency department after an attempt to hang himself. He is a full-time student and works 8 hours at night to support his family. He states, “I can’t function any longer under all this stress.” Which type of crisis is the client experiencing?
- Maturational/developmental crisis
- Psychiatric emergency crisis
- Anticipated life transition crisis
- Traumatic stress crisis
2