Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking valproic acid. Which of the following is an expected outcome of the medication?
A. The client has decreased euphoric mood.
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant medication that is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It can help stabilize the mood and prevent manic episodes, which are characterized by elevated or euphoric mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep. The other options are not expected outcomes of valproic acid, as it does not have significant effects on anxiety, memory, or psychosis.
B. The client reports absence of auditory hallucinations
C. The client reports improved short-term memory.
D. The client has decreased anxiety.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - RN Mental Health 2019 With NGN Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant medication that is also used to treat bipolar disorder. It can help stabilize the mood and prevent manic episodes, which are characterized by elevated or euphoric mood, increased energy, and decreased need for sleep. The other options are not expected outcomes of valproic acid, as it does not have significant effects on anxiety, memory, or psychosis.
Similar Questions
A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a school-age child who has a spiral fracture. The parent of the child provides different accounts of the cause of the injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Report suspected abuse to Child Protective Services.
B. Determine the immediate safety needs of the child.
The nurse's priority is to ensure that the child is safe and protected from further harm. A spiral fracture is a type of fracture that occurs when a bone is twisted, and it is often associated with child abuse. The nurse should assess if there are any other signs of abuse, such as bruises, burns, or cuts, and if there are any threats to the child's well-being at home or elsewhere. The nurse should also provide emotional support and comfort to thechild. The other options are important steps to take, but they are not as urgent as ensuring safety.
C. Ask the child how the injury occurred.
D. Request that the parent leave the room while interviewing the child.
Full Explanation
The nurse's priority is to ensure that the child is safe and protected from further harm. A spiral fracture is a type of fracture that occurs when a bone is twisted, and it is often associated with child abuse. The nurse should assess if there are any other signs of abuse, such as bruises, burns, or cuts, and if there are any threats to the child's well-being at home or elsewhere. The nurse should also provide emotional support and comfort to the child. The other options are important steps to take, but they are not as urgent as ensuring safety.
A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?
A. A client who is taking lithium and reports weight gain
B. A client who has bipolar disorder and is speaking loudly
C. A client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing olfactory hallucinations
D. A client who is taking clozapine and reports a sore throat
Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication that can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the number of white blood cells and increases the risk of infection. A sore throat is a sign of infection and should be reported immediately. The other clients are not in immediate danger and can be seen later.
Full Explanation
Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication that can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition that reduces the number of white blood cells and increases the risk of infection. A sore throat is a sign of infection and should be reported immediately. The other clients are not in immediate danger and can be seen later.
A nurse is caring for a client who has an anxiety disorder and is scheduled for a procedure. The client informs the nurse that they do not want to have the procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Inform the client that they have the legal right to refuse treatment at any time.
The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and inform them of their right to refuse treatment, even if it is against medical advice. The nurse should also explore the reasons for the refusal and provide information and support as needed. The other options are not appropriate as they do not respect the client's decision or may violate their privacy.
B. Encourage the client to have the procedure.
C. Request another nurse to review the procedure with the client.
D. Obtain consent from the client's family member.
Full Explanation
The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and inform them of their right to refuse treatment, even if it is against medical advice. The nurse should also explore the reasons for the refusal and provide information and support as needed. The other options are not appropriate as they do not respect the client's decision or may violate their privacy.