TEST BANK PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING 5TH EDITION FORTINASHTable of Contents Chapter 01: Psychiatric Nursing: Theory, Principles, and Trends ............................................................................. 2 Chapter 02: Nursing Practice in the Clinical Setting ......................................................................................................7 Chapter 03: The Nursing Process and Standards of Practice .................................................................................... 13 Chapter 04: Therapeutic Communication ....................................................................................................................... 24 Chapter 05: Adaptation to Stress ...................................................................................................................................... 38 Chapter 06: Neurobiology in Mental Health and Mental Disorder ........................................................................ 44 Chapter 07: Human Development Across the Life Span ............................................................................................ 53 Chapter 08: Culture, Ethnicity, and Spirituality ............................................................................................................ 62 Chapter 09: Legal and Ethical Aspects in Clinical Practice ........................................................................................ 75 Chapter 10: Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders .................................................................................................................... 84 Chapter 11: Somatoform, Factitious, and Dissociative Disorders ........................................................................... 96 Chapter 12: Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar, and Adjustment Disorders ............................................... 104 Chapter 13: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders ...................................................................................... 119 Chapter 14: Personality Disorders .................................................................................................................................... 133 Chapter 15: Substance-Related Disorders and Addictive Behaviors ..................................................................... 143 Chapter 16: Cognitive Disorders: Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic Disorders ............................................. 155 Chapter 17: Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence .............................................................................. 167 Chapter 18: Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa ............................................................. 178 Chapter 19: Sleep Disorders: Dyssomnias and Parasomnias................................................................................ 188 Chapter 20: Sexual Disorders: Sexual Dysfunctions and Paraphilias .................................................................. 195 Chapter 21: Crisis: Theory and Intervention ................................................................................................................ 202 Chapter 22: Suicide Prevention and Intervention ....................................................................................................... 214 Chapter 23: Violence: Anger, Abuse, and Aggression ............................................................................................... 227 Chapter 24: Forensic Nursing ........................................................................................................................................... 242 Chapter 25: Psychopharmacology ................................................................................................................................... 248 Chapter 26: Therapies: Theory and Clinical Practice ................................................................................................. 262 Chapter 27: Complementary and Alternative Therapies .......................................................................................... 279 Chapter 28: Grief: In Loss and Death ............................................................................................................................. 286 Chapter 29: Mental and Emotional Responses to Medical Illness ....................................................................... 297 Chapter 30: Community Mental Health Nursing for Patients with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness304
1 | P a g eChapter 01: Psychiatric Nursing: Theory, Principles, and
Trends
1. Which understanding is the basis for the nursing actions focused on
minimizing mental health promotion of families with chronically mentally
ill members?
a. Family members are at an increased risk for mental illness.
b. The mental health care system is not prepared to deal with family crises.
c. Family members are seldom prepared to cope with a chronically ill
individual.
d. The chronically mentally ill receive care best when delivered in a formal
setting.
ANS: A
When families live with a dominant member who has a persistent and severe
mental disorder the outcomes are often expressed as family members who are at
increased risk for physical and mental illnesses. The remaining options are not
necessarily true.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 3
2. Which nursing activity shows the nurse actively engaged in the primary
prevention of mental disorders?
a. Providing a patient, whose depression is well managed, with medication on
time
b. Making regular follow-up visits to a new mother at risk for post-partum
depression
c. Providing the family of a patient, diagnosed with depression, information
on suicide prevention
d. Assisting a patient who has obsessive compulsive tendencies prepare
and practice for a job interview
ANS: B
Primary prevention helps to reduce the occurrence of mental disorders by staying
involved with a patient. Providing medication and information on existing illnesses
are examples of secondary prevention which helps to reduce the prevalence of
mental disorders. Assisting a mentally ill patient with preparation for a job
interview is tertiary prevention since it involves rehabilitation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 4
3. Which intervention reflects attention being focused on the patient’s
intentions regarding his diagnosis of severe depression?
a. Being placed on suicide precautions
b. Encouraging visits by his family members
c. Receiving a combination of medications to address his emotional needs
d. Being asked to decide where he will attend his prescribed therapy
sessions
ANS: D
A primary factor in patient treatment includes consideration of the patient’s
intentions regarding his or her own care. Patients are central to the process that
determines their care as their abilities allow. Under the guidance of PMH nurses
2 | P a g eand other mental health personnel, patients are encouraged to make decisions and
to actively engage in their own treatment plans to meet their needs. The remaining
options are focused on specifics of the determined plan of care.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 5
4. When a patient’s family asks why their chronically mentally ill adult child is
being discharged to a community-based living facility, the nurse responds:
a. “It is a way to meet the need for social support.”
b. “It is too expensive to keep stabilized patients in acute care settings.”
c. “This type of facility will provide the specialized care that is needed.”
d. “Being out in the community will help provide hope and purpose for
living.”
ANS: D
Hospitalization may be necessary for acute care, but, when patients are stabilized,
they move into community-based, patient-centered settings or are discharged
home with continued outpatient treatment in the community. Concentrated
efforts are made to reduce the patient’s sick role by providing opportunities for the
development of a purposeful life and instilling hope for each patient’s future.
Although social support is important, such a living arrangement is not the only
way to achieve it. Although acute care is expensive, it is not the major concern
when determining long-term care options. Community-based facilities are not the
only option for specialized care.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 5
5. What is the best explanation to offer when the mother of a chronically ill
teenage patient asks, “Under what circumstances would he be considered
incompetent?”
a.
“When you can provide the court with enough evidence to show that he is not
able to care for himself safely.”
b. “It is not likely that someone his age would be determined to be incompetent
regardless of his mental condition.”
c.
“He would have to engage in behavior that would result in harm to himself or to
someone else; like you or his siblings.”
d. “If the illness becomes so severe that his judgment is impaired to the point whe
the decisions he makes are harmful to himself or to others.”
re
ANS: D
When a person is unable to cognitively process information or to make decisions
about his or her own welfare, the person may be determined to be mentally
incompetent.
Providing self-care is not the only criteria considered. Age is not a factor
considered. The decision is often based on the potential for such behavior.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 6
6. Which psychiatric nursing intervention shows an understanding of integrated care?
a. A chronically abused woman is assessed for anxiety.
b. A manic patient is taken to the gym to use the exercise equipment.
c. The older adult diagnosed with depression is monitored for suicidal ideations.
d. A teenager who refuses to obey the unit’s rules is not allow to play video game
ANS: A
3 | P a g e
s.The majority of health disciplines now recognize that mental disorders and
physical illnesses are closely linked. The presence of a mental disorder increases
the risk for the development of physical illnesses and vice versa. Assessing a
chronically abused individual for anxiety call should attention to the psychiatric
disorder that could develop from the abuse. The remaining options show
interventions that are appropriate for the mental disorder.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 6
7. What reason does the nurse give the patient for the emphasis and attention being
paid to the recovery phase of their treatment plan?
a. Recovery care, even when intensive, is less expensive than acute
psychiatric care.
b. Effective recovery care is likely to result in fewer relapses and subsequent
hospitalizations.
c. Planning for recovery care is time consuming and involves dealing with
many complicated details.
d. Recovery care is usually done on an outpatient basis and so is generally
better accepted by patients.
ANS: B
Much attention is paid to recovery care since effective recovery care helps improve
patient outcomes and thus minimize subsequent hospitalizations. Recovery care is
not necessarily less expensive than acute care. Although effective recovery care
planning may be time consuming and detail oriented, that is not the reason for
implementing it. Recovery care is not necessarily well accepted by patients.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 7
8. The nurse is attending a neighborhood meeting where a half-way house is
being proposed for the neighborhood when a member of the community
states, “We don’t want the facility; we especially don’t want violent people
living near us.” The response by the nurse that best addresses the public’s
concern is:
a. “In truth, most individuals with psychiatric disorder are passive and withdrawn
and pose little threat to those around them.”
b. “The mentally ill seldom behave in the manner they are portrayed by movies;
they are people just like the rest of us.”
c.
“Patients with psychiatric disorder are so well medicated that they do not displa
violent behaviors.”
d. “The mentally ill deserve a safe, comfortable place to live among people who
truly care for them.”
ANS: A
A major reason for the existence of the stigma placed on persons with mental
illness is lack of knowledge. The main fear is of violence, although only a small
percentage of patients with mental illness display this behavior. Providing the
public with accurate information can help reduce stigma. The remaining options
do not directly address the concerns stated.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 13-14
9. Which activity shows that a therapeutic alliance has been established
between the nurse and patient?
4 | P a g e
a. The nurse respects the patient’s right to privacy when visitors are spending tim
with the patient.
e
b. The patient is eagerly attending all group sessions and working independently o
identifying their personal stressors.
c. The patient is freely describing their feelings related to the physical and
yn
ANS: C
A primary aspect of working with patients in any setting and particularly in the
psychiatric setting is the development of a therapeutic alliance with the patient.
Such an alliance is established on trust. It is a professional bond between the nurse
and the patient that serves as a vehicle for patients to freely discuss their needs and
problems in the absence of the nurse’s criticism or judgment. Any nurse has an
obligation to respect the patient’s rights and administer care effectively. The
patient’s willingness to participate in the plan of care reflects self motivation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 9
10. Mental health care reform has called for parity between psychiatric and
medical diagnoses. Which is an example of such parity?
a. Depression treatment is not paid for as readily as is treatment for asthma.
b. The mentally ill patient will be protected by law against social stigma.
c. Medical practitioners are trained to be proficient at treating mental disorders.
d. Psychiatric service reimbursement will be equivalent to that of medical services
.
ANS: D
The term parity as used here refers to payments for mental health services that
equal payment schedules for medical or surgical conditions. The remaining
options(B and C) do not relate to financial reimbursement or funds allocated for
mental health care being equal to those of medical diagnoses.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 15
1. Which assessment findings suggest to the nurse that this patient has
characteristics seen in an individual who has reached self-actualization? Select
all that apply.
a. Reports to have, “found peace and security in my religious faith”
b. Effectively “changed occupations” when a chronic vision problem
worsened
c. Has consistently earned a six-figure salary as an architect for the last 10
years
d. Has been in a supportive, loving relationship with the same individual for
15 years
e. Provides free literacy tutoring help at the local homeless shelter 3
evenings a week
ANS: A, B, D, E
Characteristics of self actualization would include: spiritual well-being, open and
flexible, relationally fulfilled, and generosity toward others. Salary doesn’t
necessarily reflect self- actualization.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 4
2. Which nursing activities represent the tertiary level of mental health care?
5 | P a g e
a. Providing a depression screening at a local college
b. Helping a mental-challenged patient learn to make correct change
c. Reporting an incidence of possible elder abuse to the appropriate legal agencySelect all that apply.
ts
o
l
ANS: B, D
Tertiary prevention reduces the residual effects of the disorder such as depression
and mental retardation. There is no quaternary level of prevention. Primary
prevention reduces occurrences of mental disorders such as screenings and
parenting classes, and secondary prevention reduces the prevalence of disorders
as evidenced by assessing
knowledge.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 4
3. Which nursing actions indicate an understanding of the priority issues
currently facing psychiatric mental health nursing today? Select all that
apply.
a. Working on the facility’s ‘Safe Use of Restraints Policy’ revision committee
b. Advocating for increased salaries for all levels of psychiatric mental health nurse
c. Attending a political rally for increased state funding for mental health service
providers
d. Offering an in-service to facility staff regarding the cultural implications of carin
for the Hispanic patient
e. Joining the state nursing committee working on the role and scope of practice o
the advanced practice psychiatric nurse
g
f
ANS: A, C, D, E
Priority issues include funding, safety issues in psychiatric treatment centers—
particularly the use of patient restraints, quality-of-care issues, access to health
care for minority populations, and standardization of advanced practice nurse roles.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 9
4. Which assessment findings describe risk factors that increase the potential
risk for mental illness? Select all that apply.
a. Possesses high tolerance for stress
b. Is very curious about ‘how things work’
c. Admits to being a member of an ethnic gang
d. Only practicing Jew among school classmates
e. Has a younger sibling who is mentally challenged
ANS: C, D, E
Risk factors are internal predisposing characteristics and external influences that
increase a person’s vulnerability and potential for developing mental disorders.
Types of risk factors and examples include the following: having a mentally-
challenged family member in the home; belonging to a punitive gang; and being
the object of reject or bullying. The remaining options are protective factors.
6 | P a g e
sDIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 11
5. Which nursing actions show a focus on the fundamental goals that guide
psychiatric mental health nurses in providing patient care? Select all that apply.
a. Offering an informational session of identifying signs of depression at a local
senior center
b. Attending a workshop on evidence practice interventions for the chronically
depressed patient
c. Keeping strict but appropriate boundaries with a patient diagnosed with a
personality disorder
d. Asking a parent who has just experienced the death of a child if they could
consider talking with a grief counselor
e. Identifying what help a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will need wit
instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
ANS: A, B, D, E
Standard objectives guide PMH nurses and members of related disciplines in the
care of patients (individuals, families, communities, and organizations). The
objectives and criteria are as follows: the promotion and protection of mental
health, the prevention of mental disorders, the treatment of mental disorders, and
recovery and rehabilitation.
Keeping appropriate boundaries is a generalized nursing
responsibility. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF:
Page 3
Chapter 02: Nursing Practice in the Clinical Setting
1. Which nursing action is a reflection of Hildegard Peplau’s theoretic
framework regarding psychiatric mental health nursing?
a. Basing patient outcomes on expected instinctual responses
b. Discussing a patient’s feelings regarding parents and siblings
c. Providing the patient with clean clothes and wholesome food
d. Centering professional practice in a state run psychiatric facility
ANS: B
Peplau’s pioneering endeavors and contributions were largely influenced by
interpersonal psychotherapy. She believed that disorders evolved in the social
context of interpersonal interactions. (i.e., what went on between people).
Instinctual responses are more related to intrapersonal interactions. Florence
Nightingale was instrumental in the holistic approach to nursing care, whereas
Linda Richards’ practice was centered on institutional care of the mental ill.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 18
2. The nurse is attempting to provide a safe environment for a patient at great
risk for self-harm. Which intervention shows an understanding of evidence-
based practice (EBP)?
a. Using physical restraints only after all other options have been proven ineffectiv e
b. Referring to the facility’s policies manual for guidelines for applying physical
restraints
7 | P a g e
c. Collecting data regarding the short-term effects of using physical restraints on a
aggressive patient
d. Requiring constant monitoring of a patient whose inability to self-regulate ange
has required the use of physical restraints
hn
r
ANS: B
Health care systems are participating in the shift in nursing practice by
encouraging research in their facilities and by implementing interventions that
increase nurses’ knowledge about EBP. Nurses are participating to make
evidence-based nursing practices available for their use, and they are helping to
determine the outcomes that will benefit patients. The remaining options are
examples of long-standing practice related to the use of physical restraints.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 19
3. Which statement by the patient reflects patient education that was based
on the concept of integrated patient care?
a. “I know I’m anxious when I get a tension headache.”
b. “My anxiety is a result of stressors I don’t cope well with.”
c. “Medication has helped me tremendously with anxiety control.”
8 | P a g ed. “Anxiety runs in my family; my entire family is trying to deal with it.”
ANS: A
Integrated patient care is the recognition of the interplay between physical and
mental health. In integrated care, these disorders are not treated as separate
illnesses; rather, they are treated together. The remaining options make no mention
of a relationship between mental and physical illness.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 19
4. The nurse demonstrates objective patient care when:
a. Being sympathetic to the patient’s recent loss of a spouse
b. Protecting the anxious patient by eliminating stressors in the milieu
c. Responding to the patient by stating, “I know exactly how you feel.”
d. Facilitating the patient’s exploration of various stress reduction
techniques
ANS: D
The nurse demonstrates objectivity by helping the patient to process and
organize thoughts that are directed toward the solving of his or her own
problems. With sympathy, the nurse loses objectivity and moves into his or her
own personal feelings. Removing all stress does not allow the patient to develop
necessary coping skills.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 21- 22
5. Which nursing intervention would be appropriately addressed during the
orientation phase of the nurse–patient relationship?
a. Self reflection by the nurse regarding personal biases and prejudices
regarding the patient
b. Patient works at prioritizing personal needs and develops realistic
expected outcomes
c. Establishing the contract between the nurse and the patient regarding
mutual needs and expectations
d. Patient commits to the reinforcement of positive personal characteristics
while working on problems and concerns
ANS: C
A contract or agreement is established during the orientation phase of the
relationship. The contract defines limits and expectations of both the patient and
the nurse. Self Reflection occurs during the pre-orientation phase while the
remaining options are addressed during the working phase of the relationship.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 22
6. Which action on the part of a novice psychiatric mental health nurse shows a
need for future development of altruism?
a. Excusing a patient from attending group because, “all that talking makes me so
anxious”
b. Not permitting two patients who are physically attracted to each other to engag
in public displays of affection
c. Placing a physically aggressive patient in restraints when they are unable to
internally calm their anger
9 | P a g e
d. Self-reflecting on “why I continue to work with patients who are so emotionally
damaged they will never be normal”
eANS: A
This option shows a misguided kindness that will ultimately have a negative
impact on the patient’s treatment. The remaining options show responsible
nursing interventions that include self-reflection of personal motivation for such
work.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 24
7. The greatest negative outcome resulting from a nurse’s fear of a mentally ill
patient is that the:
a. Nurse will reinforce negative stereotyping of the mentally ill.
b. Patient will experience increased bias against the nursing staff.
c. Public’s fearfulness of the mentally ill will continue to be exaggerated.
d. Therapeutic alliance between the nurse and patient will not develop
effectively.
ANS: D
Unrealistic preconceived images, stereotyping, and biases have an effect on nurses
that, when resulting in fear, will negatively impact the therapeutic effectiveness of
the nurse and the care provided. The remaining options do not have the priority
that providing quality patient care has.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 26
8. Which action on the part of a novice mental health nurse will best minimize
fear related to effectively working with the psychotic patient?
a. Be knowledgeable about psychotropic medications and their affect on
psychosis.
b. Always arrange for staff support when working one-on-one with a
psychotic patient.
c. Take advantage of opportunities to attend workshops devoted to the care
of the psychotic patient.
d. Recognize that the psychotic patient is not in control of their behaviors
due to their altered though processes.
ANS: C
Fear breeds avoidance, but knowledge and preparation diminish fear and bring
confidence. Being prepared before entering the psychiatric setting includes
having knowledge and understanding of mental disorders. The remaining options
do not provide confidence but rather means of controlling or avoiding the
psychotic patient.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 26
9. Which response by the nurse manager to a novice mental health nurse is
most effective when the nurse asks, “How do I justify not keeping a
patient’s secret?”
a. “Never promise the patient that you will keep a secret for them.”
b. “Always stop the patient from telling you something as a secret.”
c.
“Let the patient know that you will not keep a secret that could ultimately
cause harm or affect their treatment.”
d. “Keep reminding yourself that you are not the patient’s friend but
rather a professional mental health provider.”
10 | P a g eANS: C
Nurses and other healthcare professionals do not keep secrets or make promises
to patients when the secret may interfere with the patient’s treatment or put them
or others at risk for harm. The remaining options offer appropriate nursing actions
but do not effectively answer the nurse’s question.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 30
10. The nurse is effectively facilitating the nurse-patient relationship when:
a. Sharing with an angry patient who is verbally abusive that, “Although I can
accept that you are angry, I cannot and will not accept your verbal abuse.”
b. Focusing on the patient’s life experience without relating to the similarities of
one’s own experiences
c. Objectively providing constructive criticism that is directed to helping the patie
identify inappropriate behaviors
d. Refraining from abandoning the patient regardless of the frustration the
interaction causes
ANS: A
Accepting the patient’s feelings is essential; however, it is not necessary to accept
all of the patient’s behaviors. Assist the patient by setting limits on patient
behaviors that are self-defeating or that threaten the patient or others in any way.
Setting these limits allows for mutual respect in the therapeutic alliance. The
remaining options enhance the patient’s clinical experience rather than the nurse-
patient relationship.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 35
11. An often expressed intrinsic reward of psychiatric mental health nursing is:
a. Seeing the seriously ill recover their health
b. Working with patients of all ages and walks of life
c. Working with well-trained, caring health care providers
d. Having time to really focus on the human who is the patient
ANS: D
Psychiatric mental health nurses are able to spend the time to know the patient not
only as a patient but as an individual. This is an opportunity most nurses whose
practice is based on the physical care of the patient is not afforded. The remaining
options are not necessarily unique to psychiatric nursing.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 36
12. Which statement is an example of an inference?
a. “He is an alcoholic because his wife nags a lot.”
b. “He states he binges after arguing with his wife.”
c. “You say your alcohol intake exceeds a quart a day.”
d. “So you are saying that you were drinking earlier today.”
ANS: A
An inference is an interpretation of behavior that is made by finding motive and
forming conclusions without having all the necessary information. The nurse
interprets the patient’s behavior, decides on a reason, assigns a motive, and forms
a conclusion. The remaining options are validations of observations.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 34
11 | P a g e
nt1. Which interactions are likely outcomes of a well-established therapeutic
alliance? Select all that apply.
a. The nurse states, “I’m not here to judge but rather to help.”
b. The patient states, “I really think I can handle this problem now.”
c. The patient asks his abusive father to attend counseling with him.
d. The nurse sets boundaries for a patient who has few social skills.
12 | P a g ee. The patient with anger issues voluntarily goes into the seclusion room.
ANS: A, B, C, E
The alliance serves as a vehicle that provides patients with an opportunity to
freely discuss their needs and problems in the absence of judgment and
criticism, to gain insight into their abilities, to practice new coping skills, and to
heal emotional wounds. Setting boundaries is not an outcome of such an alliance.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 19
2. Which nursing interventions are directly related to the principles on
which a therapeutic alliance is based? Select all that apply.
a. Graciously declining to, “Come visit when I get discharged.”
b. Establishing the topic to be discussed at each group session
c. Explaining to the patient the purpose of terminating the alliance
d. Sharing how the nurse also has experienced the same problems
e. Providing subjective feedback to the patient’s efforts at therapy
ANS: A, B, C
The principles that focus on the development and maintenance of a healthy
alliance include: the relationship is therapeutic rather than social; the focus
remains on the patient’s needs and problems rather than on the nurse; the
relationship is purposeful and goal directed; the relationship is objective rather
than subjective in quality; and the relationship is time-limited rather than open-
ended. The sharing of experiencing is not patient centered.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 20
3. The nurse is attempting to minimize the group’s display of resistance during
a therapy session. Which patients are at risk for displaying such behavior?
Select all that apply
a. The patient who is cognitively impaired
b. The patient who is older and well educated
c. The patient who is aggressive and attention seeking
d. The patient who has attended similar therapy groups in the past
e. The patient who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia
ANS: A, D, E
A patient who redirects the focus away from himself or herself by changing the
subject is engaging in resistance behavior. Patients divert the topic for one or more
of several reasons: a fear of being judged; avoiding the repetition of material that
has been previously discussed; or the inability to stay cognitively focused. The
attention-seeking patient may attempt to monopolize the discussion but not
necessarily be at risk for resisting the topic. Age and education are not risk factors.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 20-21
Chapter 03: The Nursing Process and Standards of Practice
1. The patient asks the nurse, “I’ve heard the student nurses talk about the
nursing process. Why is there so much emphasis on using the nursing
13 | P a g eprocess?” The response that explains the need for nurses to understand
and use the nursing
process is:
a. “Do you think you have a better method we might use?”
b. “The nursing process is a systematic problem-solving method encompassing all
components necessary to care for patients.”
c.
“Using the nursing process is a way of legitimizing our profession and placing u
on an equal footing with the pure sciences.”
d. “The nursing process is a unidimensional, static, linear approach used to guide
nurses as they make clinical judgments.”
ANS: B
This response best explains the importance of the nursing process by description
and relationship to patient care. Suggesting that the patient may have a better
method is challenging and does not address the question posed by the patient.
Providing legitimacy to the profession is a very limited explanation for use of the
nursing process. The nursing process is not one-dimensional, static, or linear.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: Page 40
2. When preparing to conduct a nursing history and assessment on a patient
transferred from the emergency department (ED) whose family believes the
patient to be a questionable historian due to cognitive impairment, the nurse
initially begins the interview by:
a. Reviewing the ED chart
b. Contacting the admitting physician
c. Directing the questions to the family members
d. Establishing a line of communication with the patient
ANS: D
The nurse should begin establishing the nurse–patient relationship by initially
directing the questions to the patient. The nurse can confirm information and/or
obtain supplementary information from the sources identified by the other options.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 40
3. The nurse shows the ability to effectively state a nursing diagnosis reflective of
the implications of depression on a patient’s life processes when stating in the
patient’s plan of care that:
a. Patient outcomes were partially attained. Implementation of present plan to
continue.
b. Patient will initiate and support conversation with nurse therapist by (date 3
weeks in future).
c. Oral medication for anxiety should be administered when depression is assesse
to be at the moderate level.
d. Impaired verbal communication r/t impoverished thoughts secondary to
depression as evidenced by monosyllabic responses.
ANS: D
This statement contains the various components of a nursing diagnosis while
expressing the existence of an altered life process. The remaining options reflect
other steps, such as evaluation and intervention planning.
14 | P a g e
d
sDIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 47-48
4. When engaging in outcomes identification, the nurse:
15 | P a g ea. Interviews and collects patient-focused data
b. Re-assesses the patient’s physical and emotional status evaluation
c. Reviews the patient’s existing problems and projects the results of the
nursing care
d. Considers the patient’s presenting symptoms and identifies nursing-
related problems
ANS: C
Outcomes are projections of expected influence that nursing interventions will
have on the patient. Interviewing and collecting data is involved in the assessment
process, re- assessing is involved in the evaluation process, and identifying related
nursing problems is involved in determining appropriate nursing diagnoses.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 49
5. While discussing assessment of suicidal patients, a novice nurse mentions,
“I was taught to always base my care on concrete, evidence-based scientific
reasoning and never to rely on intuition.” Which response by the experienced
nurse shows understanding of intuitive reasoning?
a. “That’s wise, because intuition went out of favor with the scientific revolution.”
b. “Critical thinking and intuition are at opposite poles. Keep relying on your
expertise.”
c. “It’s possible that intuition about suicidality is generated by transfer of feelings
from the patient to the nurse.”
d. “It’s been determined that intuition is nothing more that extrasensory perceptio
so some folks have it, and some don’t.”
n,
ANS: C
A “strong hunch” or a “gut feeling” is an example of intuitive reasoning that is
believed to come from the therapeutic relationship’s sharing of feelings between
nurse and patient. Most nurses agree that intuition is compatible with scientific
reasoning, because both are likely linked to practice and experience. A nurse learns
intuitive reasoning through clinical practice rather than from school or books.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 45
6. A nurse shows effective critical thinking skills directed towards nursing
care of a cognitively impaired patient who continues to socially isolate by:
a. Clearly stating that the patient must socially interact once daily
b. Documenting that the patient continues to resist socialization
c. Asking the patient to identify which unit activity they are willing to attend
d. Suggesting that staff take the patient with them when running errands off
the unit
ANS: D
Critical thinking in this case involves the creation of alternative solutions to a
problem that was not resolved by conventional methods. The remaining options,
although not inappropriate, do not show critical thinking skills
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 45
7. A depressed patient shares with the nurse that he, “has been thinking about
ending it all”. Based on NANDA recommendations, the nurse:
a. Implements suicide precautions for this patient
16 | P a g eb. Includes ‘Risk for Self Harm’ to the patient’s care plan
c. Documents regarding the patient’s safety every 15 minutes
d. Reviews the patient’s chart for references to past incidences of hopeless
ANS: B
NANDA states that a nurse is able to change any actual diagnosis on the NANDA
list to a risk diagnosis if the problem has not occurred yet. The remaining options,
although not inappropriate, do not related to NANDA.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 48
8. The nurse shows an understanding of the appropriate use of nursing
outcomes regarding triggers for a patient diagnosed with chronic alcohol
abuse when stating:
a. "Can you work on identifying three situations that cause you to abuse alcohol?”
b. ”I’ll help you to identify three triggers for your drinking during today’s session.”
c. ”I’m pleased you’ve identified three situations that trigger your abuse of alcoho
d. “Do you think you will be able to avoid the three triggers that cause you to
drink?”
l.”
ANS: C
Outcomes sometimes referred to as behavioral goals are used to describe and
evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions. The correct option shows that
the patient was successful at accomplishing an outcome inferring the nursing
interventions were successful. The remaining options do not indicate an evaluation
of success or failure.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 49
9. When a patient experiencing acute depression asks what the difference is
between a medical and a nursing diagnosis, the nurse responds best when
stating:
a. Actually they are very similar in that they both are concerned with helping you
get better and lead a happier life.
b. Medical diagnoses are focused on why you are depressed whereas nursing
diagnoses are concerned about making your life less sad.
c. Nursing diagnoses are more directed at caring for you, unlike medical diagnose
that focus on finding the cause for your problem.
d. The medical diagnosis identifies that you are experiencing depression whereas
the nursing diagnosis identifies how the depression is affecting you.
ANS: D
The medical diagnosis involves identifying a mental or physical problem that
results in the symptoms that negatively affect a patient’s life. Although the nurse is
knowledgeable about the disorders and their treatments, the nursing diagnosis
focuses mainly on the patient’s responses to the disorder and the effects that the
disorder has on the patient. The types of diagnoses have different foci that result in
different actions and concerns.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 49
10. A nurse best shows an understanding of the role of evidence-based
research in achieving therapeutic patient care outcomes when:
a. Subscribing to and reading a monthly psychiatric research nursing
journal
17 | P a g e
sb. Working on a committee to revise current facility policies regarding the
use of chemical restraints
c. Registering to attend a psychiatric workshop on newly developed
psychotropic
medication therapies
d. Asking an experienced staff member to review the interventions being propose
for a newly admitted patient
d
ANS: B
Evidence-based practice is based on evidence and scientific principles that have
been developed through research. The more closely clinical practice reflects relevant
research, the more likely it is that patients will receive the best available care. The
option that infers action directed at implementing the research is the one that
shows best understanding. Reliance only on experience is not reflective of quality
nursing care.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 51
11. When caring for a patient admitted with a diagnosis if bipolar disorder,
managed care regulations is the driving force behind the nurse’s use of:
a. NANDA nursing diagnoses
b. Short-term stress management therapy
c. A specialized clinical pathway for such patients
d. Generic instead of brand name medications
ANS: C
Managed care regulations have brought about the use of clinical pathways (also
called critical pathways or a care maps) which are standardized multidisciplinary
planning tools that monitor patient care through projected caregiver interventions
and expected patient outcomes with a projected timeline of success. NANDA
nursing diagnoses are not related to regulations or payment concerns. The
implementation of short-term stress management therapy in an acute care
psychiatric environment would not be driven by managed care regulation or
payment concerns. The use of generic medications when appropriate is primarily
cost driven.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 51
12. A benefit of the implementation of clinical pathways is evidenced when the
patient states:
a. “I know my doctors and nurses really care about me.”
b. “My medication has really helped lessen my symptoms.”
c. “I have hopes that I will be able to lead a productive, healthy life.”
d. “My care team has really helped me manage most of my problems.”
ANS: D
Clinical pathways are tools that among other things promote interdisciplinary care
thus providing for holistic care of the patient. The remaining options do not involve
the additional recognized benefits of clinical pathways that include cost
effectiveness and access to patient status reports.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 54
13. A nurse shows the best understanding of the legal importance of the patient’s
18 | P a g echart when stating:
a.
b.
“You always document in ink and never erase or use “white out” in the
nursing notes.”
“It’s a document that shows proof that the patient received care that met
the expected standards.”
c. “Patient charts are carefully protected from unlawful access by
inappropriate
19 | P a g eindividuals or institutions.”
d.
“The patient has a legal right to the information contained in the chart
but not the original documentation itself.”
ANS: B
The patient’s chart is a legal document that effectively communicates patient
outcomes, medications, treatments, responses, and unusual incidents reflecting the
healthcare systems attempts at meet the standard of care appropriate for this
patient. The other options are not as inclusive in describing the legal status of the
chart.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 56
14. The nurse best fulfills the obligation to be accountable for providing care that
meets the expected standards of care when:
a. Developing a therapeutic relations with the patient
b. Applying evidence-based nursing practice to the plan of care
c. Providing appropriate discharge planning to meet the patient’s needs
d. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions through achievement of
outcomes
ANS: D
Evaluation of the patient’s progress and the nursing activities involved are critical
because nurses are accountable for the standards of care in each discipline.
Although the other options reflect appropriate and expected nursing
interventions, they are not the primary means of assuring that standard of care has
been met.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 56
15. The nurse assesses a patient’s judgment by asking:
a. "Why did you run away?"
b. "When did you first start hearing voices?"
c. “What would you do if you smelled smoke in your home?”
d. "Do you believe you hear voices, or do you think it is in your mind?"
ANS: C
Judgment is the ability to assess and evaluate situations, make rational decisions,
understand consequences of behavior, and take responsibility for actions.
Judgment may be assessed by asking a question that has a common-sense answer.
The other options ask about motivation, elicits historical information about the
illness or seeks information about insight.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 43
16. The nurse responsible for the care plan of a patient diagnosed with
cognitive impairment includes rationales for the nursing interventions
primarily to:
a. Provide a means for outcome evaluation
b. Account for the reasoning that drives the nursing action
c. Support the patient’s success in achieving the expected outcome
d. Provide information to aide in the implementation of the nursing action
ANS: B
20 | P a g eRationales primarily reflect nurses’ accountability for their actions by explaining
why the action is necessary and expected to positively impact the patient’s
condition. Rationales are not used to support or evaluate the success of the
intervention nor to educate how the action should be preformed.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 56
17. A patient who has a nursing diagnosis of ineffective coping related to
ineffective problem solving has been involved in treatment for 6 months. The
nurse determines that the planned interventions require revision when the
patient states:
a. “I really don’t think my psychiatrist actually helps me.”
b. “I can’t decide if I should get my own apartment or not.”
c. “I can’t accept that I will never be able to comfortably make decisions.”
d. “I don’t think I’m liked well enough to seek election as a committee chairperson
.”
ANS: B
Nursing interventions describe a specific course of action or a therapeutic activity
that helps the patient to move toward a more functional state; in this case problem
solving. The statement indicates indecision and suggests that problem solving is
still a patient problem. Showing dislike of the physician actually shows a decision.
Not accepting the realization of ineffective decision making is not related to
ineffective coping but rather shows focus on affecting the problem. Expressing the
perception that one is not liked concerns self-esteem.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 54
18. To best facilitate interdisciplinary communication regarding the plan of care
for a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, the nurse:
a. Requires weekly meetings of the care team
b. Ensures the team includes members from all appropriate disciplines
c. Uses the standardized NIC classification system of care interventions
d. Recognizes the need for team access to patient records and makes them
available
ANS: C
The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) is the first comprehensive
standardized classification of interventions. The NIC states that one should not
change intervention labels and definitions so that there is no confusion across
settings. Although not inappropriate, the remaining options do not directly
minimize confusion related to communication.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 55
19. When reviewing the history of a newly admitted patient diagnosed with
severe chronic depression, the nurse is most concerned about patient safety
issues when noting:
a. The patient’s Axis II includes a diagnosis of mental retardation
b. Documentation that the patient has been noncompliant regarding
medications
c. The patient’s current Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale
rating is 9
21 | P a g ed. Reference to a recent physical injury resulting from the patient’s impulsive
behavior
ANS: C
The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) Scale is one of the tools use to assess
patient functioning and possible prognosis. It is coded on a numerical continuum,
with 1 indicating little danger and 10 indicating severe or persistent danger, and
possible suicidal potential. Mental deficiency may contribute to issues of safety but
it is not a significant risk factor. Noncompliance may contribute to the patient’s
depression but it is not the greatest concern identified. Although past history is
considered a predictor of future behavior, this is more related to the safety of others
than to the patient.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 49
20. An appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient who manifests a psychological
problem through frequent expressions of unfounded or excessive guilt or
shame, states that he is unable to deal with situations, and has a hesitation to
try new things would be:
a. Hopelessness
b. Powerlessness
c. Ineffective coping
d. Chronic low self-esteem
ANS: D
The behaviors mentioned in the situation are congruent with criteria for the
diagnosis of chronic low self-esteem. The patient’s symptoms go beyond
powerlessness.
Hopelessness does not involve feelings of guilt and shame. The data is not
consistent with a diagnosis of ineffective coping.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 47
21. A well-stated outcome criteria for a patient with a nursing diagnosis of
risk for loneliness related to social isolation would include “The patient
will:
a. No longer experience loneliness by the end of the fifth day of
hospitalization.”
b. Agree to attend two on-unit, staff-directed group sessions daily.”
c. Continue to maintain social solitude 50% of the time.”
d. Interact with a peer on a daily basis by discharge.”
ANS: D
Outcome criteria for a risk diagnosis are developed from the risk factors—in this
case, social isolation. Outcomes meet criteria when they are measurable, specific,
and present a timeline for completion. The correct option meets all criteria. There is
no stated means by which to measure loneliness. Agreeing to attend is not
specifically directed at affecting social isolation since interaction is not an
expectation. Social solitude promotes social isolation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 49
22. Care planning for a patient diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia will include:
a. Analyzing effectiveness of care provided
22 | P a g eb. Determining the patient’s needs and problems
c. Establishing realistic patient-focused outcome criteria
d. Identifying priorities of care based on the patient’s condition
ANS: D
Establishing priority nursing diagnoses is part of the process of planning.
Determining needs is part of assessment. Analyzing effectiveness is an evaluation
activity.
Establishing realistic expectations is part of outcome
identification. DIF:
Cognitive Level:
Application
REF: Page 51
23. The expert nurse is confident that the novice nurse understands the
principles that guide the planning of patient care interventions when the:
a. Novice nurse asks the patient to identify their primary concerns
b. Patient successfully achieves the agreed upon nursing outcomes
23 | P a g ec. Expert nurse requests that the novice nurse observe several care
planning sessions
d. Novice nurse includes interventions that are supported by evidence-
based practices
ANS: A
Working with the patient to determine treatment priorities is a characteristic of
good care planning. Although successful achievement of expected outcomes and
inclusion of EBP interventions reflect appropriate care planning, such success is
influenced by many different factors. Although appropriate, observing care
planning sessions does not necessarily affect successful care planning on the part
of the novice nurse.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 51
Chapter 04: Therapeutic Communication
1. An example of an environmental factor that would cause a nurse to modify a
planned critical interaction occurs when the:
a. Patient expresses a personal dislike for the nurse
b. Patient is in total denial about her condition
c. Nurse lacks the degree of knowledge required for the interaction
d. Nurse learns that the patient’s mother has been hospitalized with a stroke
ANS: D
Environmental factors include timing. Timing of critical interventions is important.
It should occur when the individual can give full attention to the topic. It would be
inappropriate to continue with the plan in the face of the patient’s distress related to
her mother’s illness. The remaining options reflect other types of factors that
influence communication such as attitudes, knowledge, and relationships.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 63
2. The nurse suspects that the patient’s communication is being negatively
influenced by personal attitude when he is heard stating:
a. “They think I’m mentally ill but I’m not; I just get a little depressed at times.”
b. “I can’t concentrate on anything besides getting out of here and back to my
kids.”
c.
“Obviously my therapist can’t understand where I’m coming from because our
lives are so different.”
d. “There isn’t anyone here in this hospital I can trust enough to talk to about why
abuse alcohol and drugs.”
I
ANS: C
Attitude determines how one person responds to another. It includes one’s biases,
past experiences, and openness. People of different socioeconomic backgrounds
may have difficulty surmounting this barrier. The remaining options reflect factors
that can negatively influence communication but they are environmental,
knowledge, and relationship oriented.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 64
3. The nature of the communication characterized in this exchange between a
nurse and a chronically depressed patient is:
24 | P a g eNurse: Is it true that you enjoy knitting?
Patient: Yes, I’ve done it for years and am pretty good at it.
Nurse: I’m just a beginner. Do you think you could give me some
tips? Patient: I guess so. What would you like to know?
a. Therapeutic
b. Collegial
c. Social
d. Intrapersonal
ANS: C
Although the conversation takes place between the nurse and a patient, it is of a
social nature. It is superficial and benefits both parties mutually by encouraging a
relationship based on mutual interest. No expectation of help exists. Therapeutic
communication promotes patient growth and is patient-focused. Collegial
conversation occurs for the purpose of professional collaboration. Intrapersonal
communication takes place within the individual.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF:
Page 66
4. A patient expresses a sense of genuineness in the nurse providing care when
sharing with family members that:
a. “I believe the nurse can feel what I’m feeling.”
b. “I always know what the nurse expects of me; the explanations are always clea
c. “I can tell the nurse is sincere because the face supports what the mouth is
saying.”
d. “I may not always like what the nurse has to say but I can always depend on
what I’m told.”
ANS: C
Genuineness is demonstrated by congruence between verbal and nonverbal
behavior. Empathy is seeing things from the patient’s viewpoint. Clearly stating
expectations is a characteristic of clarity. Trustworthiness can be described as
dependability.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 69
5. When providing discharge teaching to a patient for whom English is a
second language, what technique will the nurse use to assess the patient’s
understanding of the information being shared verbally?
a. Continuously evaluating the patient’s nonverbal cues
b. Periodically asking the patient if they have any questions
c. Asking the patient to repeat the information they are given
d. Providing the information in concise, written form
ANS: A
Individuals from different cultures or even different generations often
misunderstand and misinterpret an unfamiliar language. Being aware of and
critically examining cues that result from nonverbal responses is an excellent
technique to check their interpretations. Asking if they have questions is an
ineffective technique in light of the language barrier. Repeating the information is
no guarantee that the patient understands the information. Providing the
information in written form reinforces the material but does not ensure
25 | P a g e
r.”understanding especially if the patient has deficiencies related to reading the
language. DIF:
Cognitive Level: Application
64
6. When communicating with a psychotic, schizophrenic patient, the nurse
avoids the use of slang phrases most importantly because:
a. Such phrases have different meanings for different people.
b. Such phrases will likely trigger anxiety and frustration in the patient.
c. The use of such phrases is not appropriate when communicating therapeuticall
with a patient.
d. This patient’s altered thought processes will serve to make understanding such
phrases very unlikely.
ANS: D
Precise verbal communication is important because spoken words often mean
different things to different people. Figures of speech, jokes, clichés, colloquialisms,
and other terms or special phrases carry a variety of meanings especially to
individuals with altered thought processes. A person with schizophrenia interprets
concretely and literally whereas psychosis generally brings about loose
associations. Although all the options are reasons to avoid the use of slang
phrases, the primary reason in this case in to avoid confusing the patient.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analysis
REF: Page 64
7. The nurse is considering the need for both effective means of communication
and safety when caring for a patient with impulse control issues and poor
social skills. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to address
these needs?
a. Reminding the patient with each interaction what space boundaries are
considered safe and desired
b. Asking the patient to describe and set space boundaries that feel safe and
facilitate effective communication
c. Clearly setting space boundaries for the patient so both patient and staff
feel safe and can communicate more effectively
d. Discussing the need for space boundaries and how they help both the
patient and the staff feel safe and aide in communicating effectively
ANS: D
Space as a concept of boundaries and safety is important to understand because
the nurse and the patient need to respect the distance that each needs. For
successful communication to occur, both parties need to feel safe. Some patients
have problems with their boundaries and invade other patients’ own safe zones;
patients who perceive this as threatening react aggressively to such boundary
violations. The nurse may need to help the patient understand the need for
appropriate distances in order for everyone to feel safe and to communicate
effectively. Reminding the patient of what the boundaries are without first
discussing the importance of space boundaries is not an effective technique.
Having the patient set the boundaries does not take into consideration the needs
of others, whereas staff setting the boundaries without patient involvement
ignores the needs of the patient and prevents the patient from understanding of
the situation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 65
26 | P a g e
y
REF: Page8. During the termination phase of the nurse-patient relationship with a
dependent patient, the nurse evaluates the effectiveness of coping
techniques learned by:
a. Role playing with the patient in order to practice being assertive
b. Asking the patient to define the difference between being assertive and
being aggressive.
c. Discussing how her father effectively used both assertiveness and
aggressiveness to control her
27 | P a g ed. Asking, “When you used assertiveness to deal with your father during his
visit, how did it work?”
ANS: D
Evaluation is a task of the termination phase. Asking such a question encourages
patients to evaluate actions and look at the outcomes of behaviors. Role playing to
practice the technique, defining the relevant terms, and discussing the effects of
the father’s behavior would occur during the working phase of the relationship
and does not encourage evaluation of the newly learned skills.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 75
9. The nurse has developed a plan in which nursing interventions are used to
reinforce the patient’s healthy behaviors. Which statement by the nurse will
positively reinforce the patient’s efforts regarding the plan?
a. “How can a stress reduction plan help you at home?”
b. “It sounds like you have the incentive to make healthy choices.”
c. “When you tried to follow the plan, how well did it work for you?”
d. “It sounds as though making healthy choices is very important to you.”
ANS: B
This answer offers a positive response to a patient who is trying out new behaviors.
This nursing response will serve to encourage the patient’s efforts. The remaining
options do not provide positive reinforcement but rather are attempts to gather
more information or clarify the patient’s motivation to change.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 75
10. A patient indicates that he is about to share information about his illness that
is shocking and embarrassing. Which nursing intervention has priority in this
situation in facilitating the communication process?
a. Reassuring the patient that talking will be therapeutic
b. Assuring the patient the information will be kept confidential
c. Responding to the patient’s information in an accepting manner
d. Providing the patient with a private place for the discussion to occur
ANS: C
Responding to the patient’s information in a nonjudgmental, accepting manner
will encourage continued therapeutic communication. The remaining options,
although appropriate, will not have the same generalized affect on the
communication process as the correct option.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 67
11. A patient whose history includes physically abusing his spouse and children
has been admitted to the unit for alcohol and drug dependency. Which nurse
will likely experience difficulty establishing a therapeutic relationship with this
patient?
a. The nurse who has experienced physical abuse
b. The novice nurse who has never cared for an abuser
c. The experienced nurse who has ‘seen too many abusers’
d. The nurse who has been in treatment for abusing a spouse
ANS: A
28 | P a g eThe therapeutic use of the self begins with knowing yourself. Knowing yourself is a
complex and lifelong learning process. At the core of self-knowledge is the nurse’s
ability
to correctly identify his or her own negative or unresolved issues including family
backgrounds, dynamic cultural and social issues, values, biases, and prejudices.
Having been a victim of physical abuse places this nurse in a situation that can be
very harmful to the development of an affective nurse-patient relationship. The
novice nurse may lack some of the knowledge and experience necessary to be
effective but is not a likely to have intruding biases and prejudices. The experienced
nurse is more likely to have worked on the ability to provide effective care in spite
of such experience with this type of diagnosis whereas, the nurse having been
treated for the diagnosis is most likely to show empathy and caring.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 68
12. A novice nurse asks, “What is s
Content preview
Fortinash: Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, 5th Edition
Table of Contents
Chapter 01: Psychiatric Nursing: Theory, Principles, and Trends ...........................................................................
Chapter 02: Nursing Practice in the Clinical Setting ...................................................................................................
Chapter 03: The Nursing Process and Standards of Practice...................................................................................
Chapter 04: Therapeutic Communication .......................................................................................................................
Chapter 05: Adaptation to Stress ......................................................................................................................................
Chapter 06: Neurobiology in Mental Health and Mental Disorder........................................................................
Chapter 07: Human Development Across the Life Span ............................................................................................
Chapter 08: Culture, Ethnicity, and Spirituality ............................................................................................................
Chapter 09: Legal and Ethical Aspects in Clinical Practice .......................................................................................
Chapter 10: Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders....................................................................................................................
Chapter 11: Somatoform, Factitious, and Dissociative Disorders ...........................................................................
Chapter 12: Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar, and Adjustment Disorders ............................................... 1
Chapter 13: Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders ......................................................................................
Chapter 14: Personality Disorders .................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 15: Substance-Related Disorders and Addictive Behaviors..................................................................... 1
Chapter 16: Cognitive Disorders: Delirium, Dementia, and Amnestic Disorders .............................................
Chapter 17: Disorders of Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence .............................................................................. 1
Chapter 18: Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa ............................................................. 1
Chapter 19: Sleep Disorders: Dyssomnias and Parasomnias................................................................................ 1
Chapter 20: Sexual Disorders: Sexual Dysfunctions and Paraphilias .................................................................. 1
Chapter 21: Crisis: Theory and Intervention ................................................................................................................ 2
Chapter 22: Suicide Prevention and Intervention ....................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 23: Violence: Anger, Abuse, and Aggression ............................................................................................... 2
Chapter 24: Forensic Nursing ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 25: Psychopharmacology ................................................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 26: Therapies: Theory and Clinical Practice ................................................................................................. 2
Chapter 27: Complementary and Alternative Therapies .......................................................................................... 2
Chapter 28: Grief: In Loss and Death............................................................................................................................. 2
Chapter 29: Mental and Emotional Responses to Medical Illness....................................................................... 2
Chapter 30: Community Mental Health Nursing for Patients with Severe andPersistent Mental Illness3
1|Page
, Chapter 01: Psychiatric Nursing: Theory, Principles, and
Trends
1. Which understanding is the basis for the nursing actions focused on
minimizingmental health promotion of families with chronically mentally
ill members?
a. Family members are at an increased risk for mental illness.
b. The mental health care system is not prepared to deal with family crises.
c. Family members are seldom prepared to cope with a chronically ill
individual.
d. The chronically mentally ill receive care best when delivered in a formal
setting.
ANS: A
When families live with a dominant member who has a persistent and severe
mental disorder the outcomes are often expressed as family members who are at
increased riskfor physical and mental illnesses. The remaining options are not
necessarily true.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 3
2. Which nursing activity shows the nurse actively engaged in the primary
prevention ofmental disorders?
a. Providing a patient, whose depression is well managed, with medication on
time
b. Making regular follow-up visits to a new mother at risk for post-partum
depression
c. Providing the family of a patient, diagnosed with depression, information
onsuicide prevention
d. Assisting a patient who has obsessive compulsive tendencies prepare
andpractice for a job interview
ANS: B
Primary prevention helps to reduce the occurrence of mental disorders by staying
involved with a patient. Providing medication and information on existing illnesses
are examples of secondary prevention which helps to reduce the prevalence of
mental disorders. Assisting a mentally ill patient with preparation for a job
interview is tertiaryprevention since it involves rehabilitation.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 4
3. Which intervention reflects attention being focused on the patient’s
intentionsregarding his diagnosis of severe depression?
a. Being placed on suicide precautions
b. Encouraging visits by his family members
c. Receiving a combination of medications to address his emotional needs
d. Being asked to decide where he will attend his prescribed therapy
sessions
ANS: D
A primary factor in patient treatment includes consideration of the patient’s
intentions regarding his or her own care. Patients are central to the process that
determines their care as their abilities allow. Under the guidance of PMH nurses
2|Page
, and other mental health personnel, patients are encouraged to make decisions and
to actively engage in their own treatment plans to meet their needs. The remaining
options are focused on specificsof the determined plan of care.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 5
4. When a patient’s family asks why their chronically mentally ill adult child is
beingdischarged to a community-based living facility, the nurse responds:
a. “It is a way to meet the need for social support.”
b. “It is too expensive to keep stabilized patients in acute care settings.”
c. “This type of facility will provide the specialized care that is needed.”
d. “Being out in the community will help provide hope and purpose for
living.”
ANS: D
Hospitalization may be necessary for acute care, but, when patients are stabilized,
theymove into community-based, patient-centered settings or are discharged
home with continued outpatient treatment in the community. Concentrated
efforts are made to reduce the patient’s sick role by providing opportunities for the
development of a purposeful life and instilling hope for each patient’s future.
Although social support is important, such a living arrangement is not the only
way to achieve it. Although acute care is expensive, it is not the major concern
when determining long-term care options. Community-based facilities are not the
only option for specialized care.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 5
5. What is the best explanation to offer when the mother of a chronically ill
teenagepatient asks, “Under what circumstances would he be considered
incompetent?”
a. “When you can provide the court with enough evidence to show that he is not
able to care for himself safely.”
b. “It is not likely that someone his age would be determined to be incompetent
regardless of his mental condition.”
c. “He would have to engage in behavior that would result in harm to himself or to
someone else; like you or his siblings.”
d. “If the illness becomes so severe that his judgment is impaired to the point whe
the decisions he makes are harmful to himself or to others.” re
ANS: D
When a person is unable to cognitively process information or to make decisions
abouthis or her own welfare, the person may be determined to be mentally
incompetent.
Providing self-care is not the only criteria considered. Age is not a factor
considered. Thedecision is often based on the potential for such behavior.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 6
6. Which psychiatric nursing intervention shows an understanding of integrated care?
a. A chronically abused woman is assessed for anxiety.
b. A manic patient is taken to the gym to use the exercise equipment.
c. The older adult diagnosed with depression is monitored for suicidal ideations.
d. A teenager who refuses to obey the unit’s rules is not allow to play video game s.
ANS: A
3|Page
, The majority of health disciplines now recognize that mental disorders and
physical illnesses are closely linked. The presence of a mental disorder increases
the risk for the development of physical illnesses and vice versa. Assessing a
chronically abused individual for anxiety call should attention to the psychiatric
disorder that could developfrom the abuse. The remaining options show
interventions that are appropriate for the mental disorder.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 6
7. What reason does the nurse give the patient for the emphasis and attention being
paid to the recovery phase of their treatment plan?
a. Recovery care, even when intensive, is less expensive than acute
psychiatriccare.
b. Effective recovery care is likely to result in fewer relapses and subsequent
hospitalizations.
c. Planning for recovery care is time consuming and involves dealing with
manycomplicated details.
d. Recovery care is usually done on an outpatient basis and so is generally
betteraccepted by patients.
ANS: B
Much attention is paid to recovery care since effective recovery care helps improve
patient outcomes and thus minimize subsequent hospitalizations. Recovery care is
not necessarily less expensive than acute care. Although effective recovery care
planning may be time consuming and detail oriented, that is not the reason for
implementing it.Recovery care is not necessarily well accepted by patients.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page 7
8. The nurse is attending a neighborhood meeting where a half-way house is
being proposed for the neighborhood when a member of the community
states, “We don’twant the facility; we especially don’t want violent people
living near us.” The response by the nurse that best addresses the public’s
concern
a. “In truth, is:
most individuals with psychiatric disorder are passive and withdrawn
and pose little threat to those around them.”
b. “The mentally ill seldom behave in the manner they are portrayed by movies;
they are people just like the rest of us.”
c. “Patients with psychiatric disorder are so well medicated that they do not displa
violent behaviors.” y
d. “The mentally ill deserve a safe, comfortable place to live among people who
truly care for them.”
ANS: A
A major reason for the existence of the stigma placed on persons with mental
illness islack of knowledge. The main fear is of violence, although only a small
percentage of patients with mental illness display this behavior. Providing the
public with accurate information can help reduce stigma. The remaining options
do not directly address the concerns stated.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Pages 13-14
9. Which activity shows that a therapeutic alliance has been established
between thenurse and patient?
a. The nurse respects the patient’s right to privacy when visitors are spending tim e
with the patient.
4|Page
b. The patient is eagerly attending all group sessions and working independently o
identifying their personal stressors.
c. The patient is freely describing their feelings related to the physical and
emotional trauma they experienced as a child with the nurse.