Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language. This strategy is most helpful because older adults with schizophrenia may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to process complex information. Clear and simple questions using concrete language can help the patient understand and respond effectively. Choice A (Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no) limits communication and may not provide enough information for the nurse to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. Choice B (Use silence often and let the patient take the lead) may not be effective as the patient may struggle to communicate effectively due to cognitive impairments. Choice C (Use open-ended, indirect questions) may lead to confusion or misinterpretation for a patient with cognitive challenges.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and shows empathy towards the patient, which can help them feel heard and understood. By inviting the patient to express their feelings and concerns, the nurse can help de-escalate the situation by addressing the underlying issues. Choice B is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could further provoke the patient's aggression. Choice C is also incorrect as it threatens the patient with consequences, which can escalate the situation. Choice D is not appropriate as it distracts from addressing the current issue of aggression and may not be well-received by the patient in that moment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because chronic sorrow is a continuous feeling of grief or sadness that occurs when there is a discrepancy between the reality of a situation and the individual's expectations or hopes. In this case, the father of an adult son who is schizophrenic is likely to experience chronic sorrow due to the ongoing challenges and difficulties associated with his son's mental illness. This long-term impact on his emotional well-being aligns with the concept of chronic sorrow. Choices A, C, and D do not necessarily imply a long-term or continuous feeling of grief. The mother of a child with asthma may experience anxiety or distress during asthma attacks, but it may not necessarily lead to chronic sorrow. The daughter whose father had a hip replacement may experience temporary worry or concern but not chronic sorrow. The wife whose husband requested a trial separation may experience sadness and distress, but it is not a situation that inherently leads to chronic sorrow.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a catatonic patient is Risk for deficient fluid volume (C) because catatonic patients are at risk for dehydration due to decreased fluid intake or inability to meet fluid needs. This diagnosis takes precedence over others as dehydration can lead to serious complications. Ineffective coping (A) may be secondary to the catatonic state but addressing fluid volume is more urgent. Impaired physical mobility (B) and Impaired social interaction (D) are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of dehydration in a catatonic patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because prescribing antianxiety agents may mask the woman's grief instead of allowing her to process and work through it naturally. This could potentially prolong her grief by avoiding the necessary emotional processing. The other choices, B, C, and D, all involve support that can help the woman cope with her loss in a healthy way. B offers emotional support and companionship, C helps with practical tasks, and D provides assistance in managing practical matters, all of which can facilitate the grieving process rather than prolong it.