Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions

Correct Answer: B, D

Rationale: In Piaget's formal operations stage, children develop abstract thinking, planning abilities, and logical reasoning. Planning a trip and selecting appropriate clothing demonstrate these skills. Becoming sad over the pet's death and identifying objects by capacity are more related to emotional and concrete operational stages.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because focusing on the feelings suggested by the delusion can help the patient process and manage their emotions underlying the delusion. By addressing the emotions, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into the delusion and reduce its intensity. Confronting the delusion (A) may lead to resistance and reinforcement. Refuting the delusion with logic (B) may further alienate the patient. Exploring reasons for the delusion (C) may not directly address the emotional component.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct because it encourages the patient to express both positive and negative feelings about her husband and their relationship. This approach helps the patient process complex emotions and move towards a more realistic view of the past. It promotes emotional healing and growth by allowing the patient to acknowledge and work through conflicting feelings. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: While emotional support is important, simply enlisting the support of family and friends may not address the underlying issues of idealization and unresolved emotions. B: Keeping a daily journal may reinforce the idealization of the husband and could potentially hinder the patient's progress in coming to terms with the reality of the relationship. D: Reading about abuse and support groups may provide information, but it does not directly address the patient's need to explore and express her own feelings about her husband and their relationship.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selecting foods high in vitamins A, C, and E supports the principles of the cross-links theory of aging, which focuses on the accumulation of damage from oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the formation of cross-links in tissues. This intervention can potentially slow down the aging process by reducing cellular damage. Choice A is incorrect because applying an elastin-sustaining moisturizer does not directly address the oxidative stress aspect of the cross-links theory of aging. Choice B is incorrect as assessing family history for genetic diseases does not specifically target the mechanisms involved in the cross-links theory of aging. Choice C is incorrect because questioning about exposure to environmental toxins may be important for overall health but is not directly related to the principles of the cross-links theory of aging.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications the patient has recently taken. This information is crucial because certain medications can cause symptoms of delirium or exacerbate confusion in elderly patients. By reviewing the patient's recent medications, healthcare providers can identify potential drug-induced causes of confusion and adjust the treatment accordingly. Choice A (Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity) is incorrect because these symptoms are more related to neurological conditions such as stroke or spinal cord injury, not specifically delirium. Choice B (The patient�s level of motor activity) is not as relevant in distinguishing delirium from other problems as medication history, as motor activity can be influenced by various factors. Choice D (Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms) is also less relevant compared to medication history in differentiating delirium, as somatic symptoms may not always directly indicate the underlying cause of confusion in elderly patients.