Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
During a therapy session, which statement made by the nurse indicates a need for further training in effective therapeutic communication techniques?
A. “Why did you get so angry when she ignored you?”
The statement “Why did you get so angry when she ignored you?” indicates a need for further training in effective therapeutic communication techniques. Asking “why” can make patients defensive and is generally avoided in therapeutic communication.
B. “It is doubtful the president is out to get you.”.
The statement “It is doubtful the president is out to get you” is a reality-oriented response and can be appropriate in certain contexts, such as when a patient is experiencing delusions.
C. “Tell me more about the day your child died.”.
The statement “Tell me more about the day your child died” invites the patient to share more about their experiences and feelings, which is a key aspect of therapeutic communication.
D. “I don’t understand what you mean. Can you give me an example?”
The statement “I don’t understand what you mean. Can you give me an example?” is an appropriate therapeutic communication technique, as it seeks to clarify the patient’s message.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Lpn Ati Mental Health Psychosocial Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “Why did you get so angry when she ignored you?” indicates a need for further training in effective therapeutic communication techniques. Asking “why” can make patients defensive and is generally avoided in therapeutic communication.
Choice B rationale
The statement “It is doubtful the president is out to get you” is a reality-oriented response and can be appropriate in certain contexts, such as when a patient is experiencing delusions.
Choice C rationale
The statement “Tell me more about the day your child died” invites the patient to share more about their experiences and feelings, which is a key aspect of therapeutic communication.
Choice D rationale
The statement “I don’t understand what you mean. Can you give me an example?” is an appropriate therapeutic communication technique, as it seeks to clarify the patient’s message.
Similar Questions
A client is brought to a busy emergency department by their spouse due to erratic behavior and expressions of despair.
If the client shrugs their shoulders when asked by the triage registered nurse if they feel suicidal now, what nursing responsibility is the practical nurse expected to be assigned?
A. Ask the client to make a verbal contract to not harm self.
Asking the client to make a verbal contract to not harm themselves is a common strategy used in suicide prevention. However, it is not the primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario.
B. Return the client to the waiting room with the spouse.
Returning the client to the waiting room with the spouse is not the most appropriate action. The client’s safety is the top priority, and they should be closely monitored due to their erratic behavior and expressions of despair.
C. Document that the client is not currently suicidal.
Documenting that the client is not currently suicidal is important, but it is not the primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario. The client’s non-verbal cues (shrugging their shoulders) suggest they may be at risk.
D. Place the client in an ideal situation with one-on-one observation.
The primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario would be to place the client in an ideal situation with one-on-one observation. This ensures the client’s safety and allows for immediate intervention if necessary.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the client to make a verbal contract to not harm themselves is a common strategy used in suicide prevention. However, it is not the primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario.
Choice B rationale
Returning the client to the waiting room with the spouse is not the most appropriate action. The client’s safety is the top priority, and they should be closely monitored due to their erratic behavior and expressions of despair.
Choice C rationale
Documenting that the client is not currently suicidal is important, but it is not the primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario. The client’s non-verbal cues (shrugging their shoulders) suggest they may be at risk.
Choice D rationale
The primary responsibility of the practical nurse in this scenario would be to place the client in an ideal situation with one-on-one observation. This ensures the client’s safety and allows for immediate intervention if necessary.
Which medication side effect is irreversible if not detected early?
A. Akinesia.
Akinesia, which refers to a lack of movement, is a potential side effect of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics. However, it is not typically irreversible.
B. Akathisia.
Akathisia, characterized by restlessness and agitation, is another potential side effect of antipsychotic medications. Like akinesia, it is not typically irreversible.
C. Dystonia.
Dystonia, which involves muscle spasms, can be a side effect of certain medications. It can typically be reversed with treatment.
D. Tardive Dyskinesia.
Tardive dyskinesia, which involves involuntary movements, is a potential side effect of long- term use of certain antipsychotic medications. It is irreversible, especially when not detected early.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Akinesia, which refers to a lack of movement, is a potential side effect of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics. However, it is not typically irreversible.
Choice B rationale
Akathisia, characterized by restlessness and agitation, is another potential side effect of antipsychotic medications. Like akinesia, it is not typically irreversible.
Choice C rationale
Dystonia, which involves muscle spasms, can be a side effect of certain medications. It can typically be reversed with treatment.
Choice D rationale
Tardive dyskinesia, which involves involuntary movements, is a potential side effect of long- term use of certain antipsychotic medications. It is irreversible, especially when not detected early.
What are the negative symptoms of psychosis?
A. Anergia, flat affect, and illusions.
Negative symptoms of psychosis include anergia (lack of energy), flat affect (reduced emotional expression), and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)12131415.
B. Delusions.
Delusions are considered a positive symptom of psychosis, not a negative symptom.
C. Hallucinations.
Hallucinations are also considered a positive symptom of psychosis, not a negative symptom.
D. Anhedonia.
Anhedonia is indeed a negative symptom of psychosis, but it is not the only one.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale
Negative symptoms of psychosis include anergia (lack of energy), flat affect (reduced emotional expression), and anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure)12131415.
Choice B rationale
Delusions are considered a positive symptom of psychosis, not a negative symptom.
Choice C rationale
Hallucinations are also considered a positive symptom of psychosis, not a negative symptom.
Choice D rationale
Anhedonia is indeed a negative symptom of psychosis, but it is not the only one.