LPN exams mental health practice questions set 16

Correct answer:

The correct answer is C: Administering pain medication as prescribed and evaluating effectiveness. This is the most appropriate intervention because it directly addresses the patient's chronic pain by providing relief through medication. By following the prescribed dosage, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Monitoring the patient's response to the medication allows for adjustments if needed. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding exercise may worsen the patient's pain by leading to muscle stiffness and reduced mobility. Choice B, recommending alternative therapies like acupuncture, may be beneficial but it may not address the immediate need for pain relief. Choice D, providing distractions, may offer temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of the chronic pain.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is B: Surrogate. In this scenario, the nurse is assuming the role of a surrogate, representing the client's best interests and advocating for their well-being. The nurse is showing empathy and support by acknowledging Nancy's need for behavioral changes and expressing care. This aligns with Peplau's concept of the surrogate role, where the nurse acts as a substitute and supports the client's emotional needs. Choice A (Counselor) is incorrect because the nurse is not providing counseling or therapeutic interventions in this situation. Choice C (Technical Expert) is incorrect as the nurse is not primarily focused on providing technical knowledge or expertise. Choice D (Resource Person) is incorrect because the nurse is not primarily acting as a source of information or support for Nancy in this context.

Correct answer:

Teaching about the effects of alcohol and drug interaction is crucial to prevent adverse reactions, especially with the long-acting injectable form of fluphenazine. Understanding how alcohol and drugs can interact with the medication will help the client and family to ensure medication effectiveness and avoid potential harmful effects. Choices A, B, and D are not the most important to teach in this scenario. While knowing the signs and symptoms of extrapyramidal effects (EPS) is important, understanding the effects of alcohol and drug interaction is more critical in this specific situation. Information about substance abuse and schizophrenia, as well as the availability of support groups, are essential aspects of care but are not the primary focus when switching to a long-acting injectable medication due to non-compliance.

Correct answer:

Rationale: 1. By going to bed at the usual time, the patient maintains their regular sleep schedule, minimizing external factors that could affect sleep duration. 2. Waking up without an alarm allows the patient's body to naturally wake up, indicating when they have had sufficient rest. 3. Recording the hours slept for a week and calculating the average provides a more accurate estimate of their total sleep requirement. 4. This method is practical, easy to follow, and directly measures the individual's sleep needs. Summary of other choices: A: Dream content and related feelings do not directly measure sleep requirement. C: Alertness rating may fluctuate due to other factors, not solely sleep duration. D: Prescribing a fixed amount of sleep for all adults does not account for individual variability in sleep needs.

Correct answer:

The correct response is C: "Narcotics are avoided after a head injury because they may hide a worsening condition." Rationale: 1. Narcotics can mask symptoms of a worsening condition, such as increased intracranial pressure, by providing pain relief without addressing the underlying issue. This can delay appropriate medical intervention. 2. Acetaminophen is a suitable option for mild headaches and poses a lower risk of masking symptoms compared to narcotics. 3. Aspirin (option B) is contraindicated due to the risk of Reye's syndrome in young adults with viral illnesses. 4. Option D is incorrect as vomiting itself does not necessarily lead to increased intracranial pressure; strong medications may have various side effects, but the primary concern is the potential for masking symptoms with narcotics in this scenario.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is D because it reflects the principles of operant conditioning by utilizing positive reinforcement. By acknowledging the verbally aggressive patient for complimenting another patient's drawing, you are reinforcing a positive behavior (complimenting) to increase the likelihood of it recurring. This aligns with operant conditioning's concept of reinforcing desired behaviors to promote learning and behavior change. Choices A, B, and C do not directly reflect operant conditioning principles. A focuses on promoting a love for learning through reading, which is more related to classical conditioning. B involves journaling to express feelings, which is more aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy. C suggests cuddling a newborn, which is more about bonding and attachment rather than operant conditioning.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is D because injecting heroin typically leads to drowsiness, constricted pupils, and slurred speech due to its depressant effects on the central nervous system. Heroin acts as a sedative, causing drowsiness and slowing down brain function. Constricted pupils, known as pinpoint pupils, are a common physical sign of heroin use. Slurred speech may occur due to the drug's impact on coordination and muscle control. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A: Anxiety, restlessness, paranoid delusions are more commonly associated with stimulant drugs like cocaine or amphetamines. B: Muscle aching, dilated pupils, tachycardia are more indicative of stimulant drug use rather than heroin. C: Heightened sexuality, insomnia, euphoria are effects more commonly seen with stimulant drugs or hallucinogens, not heroin.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is C because sitting with the patient and taking cues for when to talk or remain silent demonstrates attending behavior. This approach allows the nurse to provide emotional support by being present and actively listening to the patient's needs without imposing advice or solutions. This nonverbal communication can help the patient feel understood and cared for during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect because it minimizes the patient's feelings and suggests a quick fix rather than acknowledging and addressing the underlying emotions. Choice B is also incorrect as using a soft tone of voice is important but does not fully encompass attending behavior. Choice D is incorrect as offering medication and bereavement services is premature without first connecting with the patient on an emotional level.

Correct answer:

The correct answer is C: Place on one-on-one, constant observation to ensure she does not harm herself. This is the priority nursing intervention because the client is at high risk for self-harm, as evidenced by hearing voices telling her to cut herself and already having marks on her wrists. Since she will not contract for safety, one-on-one observation is necessary to prevent harm. Removing plastic utensils (choice A) may not be sufficient to prevent self-harm. Conducting 15-minute checks (choice B) is not appropriate given the level of risk. Seclusion (choice D) is a restrictive intervention and should only be used as a last resort when less restrictive measures are insufficient. Constant observation ensures immediate intervention if self-harm is attempted, making it the most appropriate intervention in this scenario.

Correct answer:

During a flashback, the patient may feel as though the traumatic event is reoccurring. Reassuring the patient that they are safe and the event is not happening presently can help ground them in reality and reduce anxiety. This approach can provide a sense of safety and security, which is crucial in managing flashbacks associated with PTSD. Encouraging the patient to talk briefly about the traumatic event may worsen the distress during a flashback by intensifying the re-experiencing of the trauma. Administering sedative medication should not be the initial intervention, as non-pharmacological approaches are preferred in managing flashbacks. Suggesting the patient write about their feelings in a journal may be beneficial as part of ongoing therapy, but it is not the most appropriate initial intervention during a flashback.