Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because acute grief typically involves conflicting and unresolved emotions and thoughts related to the loss. The nurse would assess for unresolved issues to provide appropriate support and interventions. Choice A is incorrect as severe depressive symptoms may indicate complicated grief, not typical acute grief. Choice C is incorrect as increased arousal and hypervigilance are more characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder. Choice D is incorrect as preoccupation with the image of the deceased may be a common experience in grief but does not encompass the full range of emotions and conflicts that acute grief entails.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Expressions of a normal grief reaction. The teenage boy's behaviors of poor appetite, insomnia, lack of interest in school, and repetitive discussions about the accident are common manifestations of grief. This grief reaction is a normal response to losing a close friend in a traumatic manner like a hunting accident. It is important to acknowledge and validate his emotions during this difficult time. Incorrect Choices: A: Expressing responsibility for his friend's death - This choice suggests guilt or blame on the part of the boy, which is not evident in the scenario. B: Attempts to avoid dealing with his pain - The boy's behaviors indicate he is processing his grief rather than avoiding it. D: Indications of a risk for self-harm - While it is important to monitor for signs of self-harm, the behaviors described are more indicative of grief rather than immediate self-harm risk.

Correct Answer: A,C

Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. A nurse should evaluate if the older patient can prepare nutritious meals independently, as this indicates their ability to meet basic nutritional needs and maintain independence in daily living. Additionally, assessing if the patient can perform regular, simple maintenance on their primary residence is important for gauging their ability to live safely and comfortably. Choices B and D are incorrect as financial resources and toileting abilities, while important, do not directly reflect functional status in the same way as meal preparation and home maintenance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ambivalence and low self-esteem. The member's statement reflects conflicting emotions (ambivalence) about her worth compared to her husband's. This indicates low self-esteem, as she believes she is less valuable. Unresolved anger (B) would involve blaming her husband, not herself. A need for attention (C) is not evident, as she is sharing personal feelings. Depression (D) may be present, but the statement specifically points to self-deprecation, not just a general feeling of sadness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because each child will indeed grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable. This approach recognizes the individuality of each child's emotions and coping mechanisms. By understanding and respecting their differences, the mother can provide tailored support and comfort. Option B oversimplifies the grieving process and ignores the complexity of individual responses. Option C generalizes the stages of grief for all people and does not account for variations in how children may process loss. Option D incorrectly suggests that extreme reactions are more common in young children, which is not necessarily true as grief responses can vary widely among children.