A client was noted to have tangential thinking. An example of this would be:

The client answers the question in a roundabout way that is correct in the end.

The client does not respond verbally.

The client answers the question correctly in a clear way.

The client wanders off topic and never answers the question.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: A roundabout but ultimately correct answer is more characteristic of circumstantial thinking, where the client includes excessive detail but eventually returns to the point. This is not tangential thinking.

Choice B reason: Lack of verbal response may indicate mutism or severe withdrawal, but it does not reflect tangential thought. Tangential thinking involves verbal output that deviates from the topic.

Choice C reason: A clear and correct answer reflects logical and goal-directed thinking. This is the opposite of tangential thinking, which lacks focus and coherence.

Choice D reason: Tangential thinking is defined by the client’s tendency to veer off-topic and fail to return to the original question. The response may be loosely related but never directly addresses the inquiry. This is commonly seen in thought disorders such as schizophrenia.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not socially recognized or validated. In this case, the woman is grieving a pregnancy that she chose to terminate, which may not be openly acknowledged or supported by others. Her sadness is real, but she may feel unable to express it due to societal stigma or lack of understanding, making this a classic example of disenfranchised grief.

Choice B reason: Absence of grief refers to a lack of emotional response following a loss. This does not apply here, as the woman is clearly expressing sadness and emotional conflict. Her tears and reflection on future desires for children indicate active grieving.

Choice C reason: Complicated grief involves prolonged or intense grief that interferes with functioning. While the woman is grieving, there is no indication that her grief is prolonged, disabling, or beyond the expected emotional response for her situation. Therefore, this choice does not fit the scenario.

Choice D reason: Anticipatory grief occurs before an expected loss, such as grieving a terminally ill loved one before death. This woman is grieving a loss that has already occurred, not one she is anticipating, so this type of grief is not applicable.

A. Displaying one type of expression, usually serious or somber. B. Displaying a full range of emotional expressions. C. Showing no facial expression. D. Showing little or a slow-to-respond facial expression.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Displaying one type of expression, such as a serious or somber look, may suggest a restricted affect, but it does not capture the slowed or minimal responsiveness seen in blunted affect. Blunted affect involves more than just limited variety—it includes reduced intensity and delayed emotional expression.

Choice B reason: A full range of emotional expressions indicates a normal affect. This is the opposite of blunted affect, which is characterized by diminished emotional responsiveness. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Showing no facial expression is more consistent with flat affect, which is a more severe reduction in emotional expression than blunted affect. Blunted affect allows for minimal or slow responses, not complete absence.

Choice D reason: Blunted affect refers to a noticeable reduction in the intensity and speed of emotional expression. The client may show delayed or minimal facial responses to emotional stimuli. This is a hallmark of certain psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or major depressive disorder.

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A client was noted to have tangential thinking. An example of this would be:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A woman has just had a therapeutic abortion to end an unintended pregnancy. Afterward, the woman cries because, although she wanted to have children in future years, this pregnancy was not well-timed. Which type of grief is this woman most likely to experience?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse documents that a patient has a blunted affect. The student nurse knows that blunted affect means:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During a therapy session, the client states that he is 14 trillion years old and created the world. The nurse documents this statement as an example of which type of thinking displayed by the client?

You are conducting an assessment of your client’s coping skills after the death of his wife. Which of the following would be considered to be a maladaptive coping behavior?

A client reported to the nurse that, on his way to the clinic, a policeman in a patrol car turned on his lights and pulled him over. When asked what he did next, the client stated, "I pulled over, of course." Which of the following was the nurse trying to assess?

A client with terminal cancer has been told he has 3–4 months to live. Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that further interventions are needed?

A client has a prescription for haloperidol 5 mg orally two times a day, as ordered by the physician. The client is suspicious and refuses to take the medication. The nurse says, "If you don't take this pill, I'll get an order to give you an injection." The nurse's statement is an example of:

The nurse is attempting to obtain information from a client at admission. She is struggling to obtain the information and is not sure why. Which of the following could be the reason why she is not getting the information?

A nurse observes a client talking to himself at the end of the hall. The client states, “No, I don't want to go." What does the nurse suspect regarding this information?

When the nurse is assessing whether or not the client’s ideas are logical and make sense, the nurse is examining which of the following?