Psychiatric Nursing Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Duty to provide care is a fundamental element in proving negligence as it establishes the legal obligation to act with reasonable care to prevent harm to others. Step 2: Proximate cause determines the direct link between the breach of duty and the resulting harm, but it is not a required element for proving negligence. Step 3: Resultant damages are the actual harm suffered due to the breach of duty, but they are the consequence of negligence rather than a required element. Step 4: Breach of duty is important, but it is not the specific element required for proving negligence. It is the failure to meet the duty of care established in element A.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Axis I in the DSM-IV-TR refers to clinical disorders. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) falls under this category as it is a mental health disorder characterized by experiencing a traumatic event. Other choices like paranoid personality disorder (Axis II), anorexia nervosa (Axis II), mental retardation (Axis II), unemployment, and coronary artery disease are not considered Axis I disorders as they do not fall under the classification of clinical disorders in the DSM-IV-TR. Therefore, the correct answer is B because PTSD is a clinical disorder that aligns with Axis I criteria.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a living will specifies the medical treatments a patient wishes to receive or refuse in the event they are unable to make decisions. This is important for ensuring the patient's preferences are followed. Choice B is incorrect because a living will does not require an attorney to be present during signing. Choice C is incorrect because it is not a requirement for the patient's physician to act as a witness for the document. Choice D is incorrect because while an attorney can assist in drafting the document, it is not a strict requirement for a living will. In summary, the key aspect of a living will is to outline the patient's preferences regarding treatment decisions in advance, ensuring their wishes are followed in case they cannot communicate them later.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Public stigma. This is the most important aspect for the nurse to address because public stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs held by the general population towards individuals with mental health issues. In a community of Asian descent where mental health stigma may be prevalent, addressing public stigma is crucial to ensure that individuals feel accepted and supported. Self-stigma (choice B) and label avoidance (choice C) are also important but addressing public stigma can have a broader impact on community acceptance. Negative life events (choice D) may contribute to mental health issues but addressing public stigma can help reduce the societal barriers individuals face in seeking help.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Psychopharmacology interventions. Advanced practice psychiatric nurses have the authority and expertise to prescribe and manage medications for mental health conditions, including psychopharmacology interventions. This function requires specialized education, training, and certification beyond the basic level of practice. Milieu therapy (A) involves creating a therapeutic environment, which is a fundamental nursing function. Promotion of self-care (B) and health promotion activities (D) are important roles for all nurses but are not exclusive to advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Psychopharmacology interventions are a key component of advanced psychiatric nursing practice, making choice C the correct answer.