Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Praising him for positive behavioral changes. This measure reinforces the patient's use of effective coping techniques, providing positive feedback and motivation. This positive reinforcement encourages the patient to continue utilizing these strategies. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Avoiding setting limits that would increase his anxiety level - This does not actively support the patient's goal of recognizing and using more effective coping techniques. C: Isolating him from more seriously ill patients - Isolation does not promote the practice of coping techniques and may hinder the patient's social interaction and progress. D: Recommending that he avoid group activities for a while - Avoiding group activities contradicts the goal of attending occupational therapy groups and working towards improved coping techniques.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repeating, milk, milk, milk, milk until given a drink. This behavior is a characteristic of children with autism, known as echolalia. Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, often used by individuals with autism to communicate or self-soothe. This behavior is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder and is indicative of language difficulties and communication challenges. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically relate to behaviors typically observed in children with autism. Referring to an imaginary friend (A) is not exclusive to autism, asking to telephone friends on weekends (B) is a social behavior that can be seen in children without autism, and insisting on a dim light in the bedroom (D) is a preference that does not directly relate to the core characteristics of autism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Altruism. This statement reflects the concept of altruism in group therapy, as the patient expresses the satisfaction of being able to give back to the group after receiving help in the beginning. Altruism refers to the unselfish concern for the well-being of others. In this case, the patient's experience of feeling good by being able to contribute positively to the group reflects a sense of altruism. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Cohesiveness is the sense of belonging and unity within a group, which is not directly reflected in the patient's statement. B: Imitative behavior involves mimicking the actions of others, which is not evident in the patient's statement. D: Harmonizing refers to the process of resolving conflicts and reaching agreement, which is not explicitly mentioned in the patient's statement.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Comparing the child�s experiences to the new material. At the age of 8, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's cognitive development theory. This stage is characterized by the ability to think logically about concrete events and understand the concept of conservation. By comparing the child's experiences to the new material, the parents are helping the child make connections between what they already know and the new information, which facilitates understanding. Drawing and illustrations (choice A) are helpful for visual learners but may not necessarily tap into the child's cognitive development stage. Encouraging the child to talk about new information (choice C) is beneficial for communication skills but may not directly address cognitive development. Asking the child to give a reason for how they feel about new information (choice D) focuses more on emotions rather than cognitive understanding.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because sudden, traumatic deaths can lead to complicated grief reactions. This type of loss can disrupt the individual's ability to process and accept the death, resulting in prolonged and intense emotional distress. The other choices, A, B, and D, do not inherently indicate a higher potential for dysfunctional grief as they do not involve the same level of suddenness or trauma. Teen popularity, expressing love for a deceased spouse, and experiencing multiple losses over time are common situations that may not necessarily lead to dysfunctional grief if appropriate support and coping mechanisms are in place.