Psychosocial Integrity

The nurse observes the patient with schizophrenia to be speaking monotonously without facial expressions. Which term does the nurse use to document this finding? 

Which neurotransmitter system is affected by the drug of choice for major depressive disorder? 

For which of the following patients would the emergency department nurse suspect abuse?

The nurse in the emergency department is obtaining a medical history from a female patient. Her husband answers the nurse’s questions before the patient can respond. The patient is quiet, trembling, and the nurse notes bruising to her face and arms. How does the nurse proceed?

A nurse is taking care of a patient on continuous heparin sodium by IV at 1500 units per hour. Pharmacy dispenses the IV bags of 500 mL D5W with 15,000 units of heparin sodium. At which rate does the nurse set the infusion pump for this patient?

A client reports that since her husband died five months ago, she continues to feel sad and depressed, and dreads the upcoming holiday season. She has no history of depression, is able to function normally at work, and is sleeping and eating normally. Which is the best response by the nurse?

The nurse is reviewing today’s patient assignments. Which patient does the nurse assess first?

A patient with stage IV breast cancer is admitted for palliative radiation. Which of the following is the most appropriate goal of treatment for this patient?

A 1-year-old male is brought to the hospital with a broken leg. Which action does the nurse take first?

A patient tells the nurse that the government is spying on him using small drones. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

A patient diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder is prescribed fluphenazine 5 mg three times daily. After a week, the patient’s hallucinations and delusions have subsided but the patient is still unkempt and has a flat affect. Which statement best describes the patient’s residual symptoms?

The nurse is caring for a patient with metastatic bone pain due to cancer. Which of the following is the best way to assess the patient’s level of pain in order to administer pain medication?

The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a suicidal overdose. Which action is most important when administering medication to the patient?

A 12-month-old male presents with injuries. Which is most indicative of child abuse?

The nurse is caring for a patient with Alzheimer disease (AD). The patient is able to speak and hear, but is unable to understand what is being said to him. Which term does the nurse use to document this finding?

The unresponsive patient is brought to the emergency department with pinpoint pupils and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. The nurse anticipates the patient’s toxicology results will be positive for which substance?

The nurse is assessing an elderly patient for possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Which of the following is the most efficient screening tool for MCI?

The nurse is called to assist in the care of a child recently diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find?

The patient preparing for chemotherapy confides in the nurse that she is apprehensive about the side effects of the chemotherapy. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

The patient with major depressive disorder tells the nurse, “I can’t stand it anymore. My life is worthless.” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A patient with a substance abuse disorder tells the nurse that the only reason that he uses drugs is because his family and job are so stressful and suffocating. Which defense mechanism describes the patient’s statement?

The nurse is called to assess a female patient who says she has been raped. Which of the following is part of an appropriate post-assault STD regimen?

The nurse is caring for a patient with Alzheimer disease (AD). When the family comes to visit, they are excited to hear the patient talk about when he was a child and tell the nurse that they think his memory is returning. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient prone to delirium. In the middle of the night, the patient wakes up agitated and upset and insists that she is late for an appointment. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who accidentally got shot in the leg when his dog knocked his gun to the floor and it misfired. The patient mentions that he wants to get better quickly because he is anticipating a visit from his grandchildren soon. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

An adolescent’s parents reports their child tends to eat excessive amounts of food then disappears to the bathroom for an extended period immediately following the meal. The patient also frequently discusses ways to lose weight. The nurse suspects which condition?

An adolescent has been diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Which treatment will you anticipate for this patient?

The terminally-ill patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is in a hospice. He says to the nurse, “I know I will die soon. I would feel at peace knowing my organs and tissues will be able to help other people after I’m gone. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Which assessments, if found in the patient with schizophrenia, indicate the patient is experiencing positive symptoms of the disorder? Select all that apply.

The mother of the 16-year-old patient with schizophrenia asks the nurse, “I can hardly get him out of bed each day, he won’t ever shower, and it just doesn’t seem like he understands when I try to teach him new things. He takes his medicine like he’s supposed to. Why does he keep getting worse?” Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

The patient with major depressive disorder asks the nurse what causes the symptoms of depression. While the precise cause of depression is unknown, which response by the nurse is appropriate?

The patient with social anxiety disorder asks the nurse to explain why she feels the way she does in social situations. The nurse bases the response on which understanding of the pathophysiology of anxiety disorder?

Which degenerative neurologic disorder is caused by neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques?

The 40-year-old patient has been diagnosed with early-onset Familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) and asks the nurse how likely it is that her children will have the disorder. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

The nurse is assigned to care for a 27-year-old male who presented with acute onset personality changes and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Upon entering the patient’s room, the nurse notices the patient is staring at the ceiling and muttering. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

The nurse is caring for a 32-year-old patient admitted for neuropsychiatric evaluation. The patient says to the nurse, “Can’t you hear them? The voices are telling me to end it. I’m so scared.” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The patient is stable and resting comfortably; he is expected to make a full recovery. Upon entering the room, the nurse notes the patient’s wife is holding his hand and crying. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

The patient who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization is unable to read or write. How does the medical team obtain informed consent for the procedure? 

The nurse is assessing the 75-year-old female patient whose spouse died unexpectedly six months ago. Which statement by the patient reflects ineffective coping mechanisms?

Following an assault by an unknown assailant, the patient is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Which intervention must be implemented first for this patient? 

The patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). The nurse has educated the patient on dietary restrictions that are required while taking an MAOI. Which statement by the patient indicates further teaching is required?

The patient with antisocial personality disorder is known to have violent outbursts. Which actions by the patient indicate the patient may become physically violent? Select all that apply.

The patient presents with acute confusion after she was found outside by the police, and it appears she has taken some kind of illegal substance. She is unable to answer any questions. Which finding most indicates abuse?

The patient with acute psychosis tells the nurse he is going to leave this earth soon and go live in a house with the little green men on Mars. Which is the best response to this statement?

A patient who has severe depression asks if electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could help his depression. Which response is most appropriate?

The 15-year-old patient is hospitalized after harming herself when her mother would not let her use her cell phone. While she is awaiting inpatient psychiatric placement, she repeatedly expresses a desire to leave. Which intervention is most helpful to prevent the patient from eloping?

The patient states he wants to kill the psychiatrist who treated him the last time that he was hospitalized. Which is the best response by the nurse?

Which signs indicate that a patient with chronic depression may be planning to commit suicide? Select all that apply.

Which patient requires further screening as a potential abuse victim?

The patient with advanced dementia accuses the nurse of trying to poison him with his scheduled medications. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?