A client is receiving haloperidol (Haldol) to reduce psychotic symptoms. As he watches television with other clients, the nurse notes that he has trouble sitting still. He seems restless, constantly moving his hands and feet and changing position. When the nurse asks what is wrong, he says he feels jittery. How should the nurse manage… Read More »
A male client is brought to the psychiatric clinic by family members, who tell the admitting nurse that the client repeatedly drives while intoxicated despite their pleas to stop. During an interview with the nurse Linda, which statement by the client most strongly supports a diagnosis of psychoactive substance abuse? A. “I’m not addicted to alcohol.… Read More »
The nurse correctly teaches a client taking the Benzodiazepine Oxazepam (Serax) to avoid excessive intake of: A. Cheese B. Coffee C. Sugar D. Shellfish Correct Answer: B. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, which has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system that will counteract the effect of… Read More »
A man is brought to the hospital by his wife, who states that for the past week her husband has refused all meals and accused her of trying to poison him. During the initial interview, the client’s speech, only partly comprehensible, reveals that his thoughts are controlled by delusions that he is possessed by the… Read More »
A female client with borderline personality disorder is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Initial nursing assessment reveals that the client’s wrists are scratched from a recent suicide attempt. Based on this finding, the nurse Lenny should formulate a nursing diagnosis of: A. Ineffective individual coping related to feelings of guilt. B. Situational low… Read More »
The nurse provides a referral to Alcoholics Anonymous to a client who describes a 20-year history of alcohol abuse. The primary function of this group is to: A. Encourage the use of a 12-step program. B. Help members maintain sobriety. C. Provide fellowship among members. D. Teach positive coping mechanisms. … Read More »
A client has a history of chronic undifferentiated schizophrenia. Because she has a history of noncompliance with antipsychotic therapy, she’ll receive fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin Decanoate) injections every 4 weeks. Before discharge, what should the nurse include in her teaching plan? A. Asking the physician for droperidol (Inapsine) to control any extrapyramidal symptoms that occur.… Read More »
A male client recently admitted to the hospital with sharp, substernal chest pain suddenly complains of palpitations. Nurse Ryan notes a rise in the client’s arterial blood pressure and a heart rate of 144 beats/minute. On further questioning, the client admits to having used cocaine recently after previously denying use of the drug. The nurse… Read More »
Which client outcome is most appropriately achieved in a community approach setting in psychiatric nursing? A. The client performs activities of daily living and learns about crafts. B. The client is able to prevent aggressive behavior and monitors his use of medications. C. The client demonstrates self-reliance and social adaptation. D. The client… Read More »
A client with chronic schizophrenia who takes neuroleptic medication is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Nursing assessment reveals rigidity, fever, hypertension, and diaphoresis. These findings suggest which life-threatening reaction: A. Tardive dyskinesia B. Dystonia C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome D. Akathisia Correct Answer: C. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome The… Read More »