A nurse is caring for a client who has depression.
After two days of treatment, the nurse notices that the client is suddenly more active and there are no longer signs of a depressive state.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse recommend for the plan of care?
Monitor the client’s whereabouts at all times.
Encourage family to take the client out of the facility for short periods of time.
Ask the client why her behavior has changed.
Reward the client for her change in behavior.
The Correct Answer is A
Answer and explanation
Choice A rationale:
Impaired judgment is a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia, not a positive symptom. It involves difficulties with decisionmaking, problem-solving, and understanding consequences. While it's a significant feature of schizophrenia, it doesn't reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, which is the hallmark of positive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Dysphoria refers to a depressed mood or a state of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal functions. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
Choice C rationale:
Disorganized speech is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves significant disruptions in the way a person speaks and communicates. It can manifest in several ways, including: Derailment: Abrupt shifts in topic without logical connection
Tangentiality: Responding to questions in irrelevant or oblique ways
Incoherence: Speech that is fragmented and difficult to understand
Loose associations: Combining words or phrases in a way that lacks logical sense
Neologisms: Creating new words or phrases that have meaning only to the speaker
Word salad: Severely disorganized speech that is essentially incomprehensible
Disorganized speech is considered a positive symptom because it reflects an excess or distortion of normal speech processes. It's a core feature of schizophrenia and often has a significant impact on communication and social functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal emotional responses. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychomotor retardation is a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. In fact, individuals with hypomania typically exhibit psychomotor agitation, which is characterized by increased energy and activity levels.
Psychomotor retardation often manifests as slowed movements, speech, and thought processes. It can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily tasks and engage in social interactions.
While psychomotor retardation can occur in various mental health conditions, it is not typically associated with hypomania.
Choice B rationale:
Decreased self-esteem is also a characteristic of depression, not hypomania. Individuals with hypomania typically experience inflated self-esteem and grandiosity.
They may overestimate their abilities, make unrealistic plans, or engage in risky behaviors. This inflated sense of self-worth is often a hallmark feature of hypomania and can contribute to impaired judgment and decision-making.
Choice C rationale:
Euphoria is a hallmark symptom of hypomania. It is characterized by an elevated, expansive, or irritable mood that is persistent and noticeable to others.
Individuals with euphoria often feel excessively happy, cheerful, or optimistic. They may have increased energy, decreased need for sleep, and a heightened sense of well-being.
They may also be more talkative, outgoing, and engage in pleasurable activities more often.
This elevated mood is a core feature of hypomania and is often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms, such as increased activity levels, racing thoughts, and impulsivity.
Choice D rationale:
Hallucinations are not a typical feature of hypomania. They are more commonly associated with psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there.
While hallucinations can occur in some individuals with hypomania, they are not a defining feature of the condition
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Placing a client in restraints should be a last resort, as it can be traumatizing and can escalate agitation.
Restraints can also cause physical injury and psychological distress.
They should only be used when there is an immediate risk of harm to the client or others.
Choice B rationale:
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can be used to calm agitated clients.
However, it should not be the first-line intervention, as it can have significant side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle stiffness.
It is important to assess the client's individual needs and risks before administering haloperidol.
Choice C rationale:
Asking a client to talk about their feelings can be helpful in some situations, but it is not appropriate when a client is agitated and yelling.
The client is likely to be too overwhelmed to engage in meaningful conversation.
It is important to first de-escalate the situation and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Choice D rationale:
Moving the client to a seclusion room with continuous observation is the most appropriate intervention in this situation.
This will provide the client with a safe and quiet space to calm down.
It will also allow staff to monitor the client closely and intervene if necessary.
Continuous observation is essential to ensure the client's safety and to prevent self-harm.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
