Wilkes NSG 526 Exam 3 | Clinical
Modalities in Advanced Psych | Questions
& Correct Verified Answers with Rationales
| Latest 2026/2027 Update | Graded A+|
A patient was admitted last night with a hip fracture sustained in a fall while intoxicated. The
patient points to the Buck's traction and screams, "Somebody tied me up with ropes." The
patient is experiencing:
a. an illusion.
b. a delusion.
c. hallucinations.
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d. hypnagogic phenomenon. –
Correct Answer :a. an illusion.
The patient is misinterpreting a sensory perception when seeing a noose instead of traction.
Illusions are common in early withdrawal from alcohol.
A patient admitted yesterday for injuries sustained while intoxicated believes the window
blinds are snakes trying to get into the room. The patient is anxious, agitated, and
diaphoretic. Which medication can the nurse anticipate the health care provider will
prescribe?
a. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine (Nardil)
b. Phenothiazine, such as thioridazine (Mellaril)
c. Benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan)
d. Narcotic analgesic, such as morphine –
Correct Answer :c. Benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan)
This patient is experiencing alcohol withdrawal delirium. Sedation allows for the safe
withdrawal from alcohol. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice in most regions because of
their high therapeutic safety index and anticonvulsant properties.
A patient asks for information about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Which is the nurse's best
response?
a. "It is a self-help group with the goal of sobriety."
b. "It is a form of group therapy led by a psychiatrist."
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c. "It is a group that learns about drinking from a group leader."
d. "It is a network that advocates strong punishment for drunk drivers."
Correct Answer :a. "It is a self-help group with the goal of sobriety."
AA is a peer support group for recovering alcoholics. The goal is to maintain sobriety. Neither
professional nor peer leaders are appointed.
Police bring a patient to the emergency department after an automobile accident. The
patient is ataxic with slurred speech and mild confusion. The blood alcohol level is 400 mg/dl
(0.40 mg %). Considering the relationship between behavior and blood alcohol level, which
conclusion can the nurse draw? The patient:
a. rarely drinks alcohol.
b. has a high tolerance to alcohol.
c. has been treated with disulfiram (Antabuse).
d. has recently ingested both alcohol and sedative drugs. –
Correct Answer :b. has a high tolerance to alcohol.
A nontolerant drinker would be in a coma with a blood alcohol level of 400 mg/dl (0.40 mg %).
The fact that the patient is walking and talking shows a discrepancy between blood alcohol
level and expected behavior. It strongly suggests that the patient's body has become tolerant
to the drug.
A new patient in an alcoholism rehabilitation program says, "I'm just a social drinker. I usually
have a drink or two at brunch, a few cocktails in the afternoon, wine at dinner, and a few
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drinks in the evening." Which response by the nurse will help the patient view the drinking
more honestly?
a. "I see," and use interested silence.
b. "I think you may be drinking more than you report."
c. "Being a social drinker involves having a drink or two once or twice a week."
d. "You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I correct?"
- Correct Answer :d. "You describe drinking steadily throughout the day and evening. Am I
correct?"
The answer summarizes and validates what the patient reported but is accepting rather than
strongly confrontational.
During the third week of treatment, the spouse of a patient in an alcoholism rehabilitation
program says, "After discharge, I'm sure everything will be just fine." Which remark by the
nurse will be most helpful to the spouse?
a. "It is good that you're supportive of your spouse's sobriety and want to help maintain it."
b. "Although sobriety solves some problems, new ones may emerge as one adjusts to living
without alcohol."
c. "It will be important for you to structure life to avoid as much stress as possible. You will
need to provide social protection."
d. "Remember that alcoholism is a disorder of self-destruction. You will need to observe your
spouse's behavior carefully." - Correct Answer :b. "Although sobriety solves some problems,
new ones may emerge as one adjusts to living without alcohol."
During recovery, patients identify and use alternative coping mechanisms to reduce their
reliance on alcohol. Physical adaptations must occur. Emotional responses, formerly dulled by
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