A nurse is caring for a client who has depression and states, "A government agency is attempting to capture me." The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following?
Inappropriate guilt
Mania
Delusions
Confusion
The Correct Answer is C
A. Inappropriate guilt is a common symptom of depression, but it does not involve false beliefs about being targeted. Clients with major depressive disorder may feel excessive guilt, but this differs from the fixed, false beliefs seen in delusions.
B. Mania is characterized by elevated mood, impulsivity, and hyperactivity rather than paranoid thoughts. While manic episodes may include grandiose delusions, the belief that a government agency is attempting to capture the client aligns more with persecutory delusions.
C. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. The client’s statement suggests a persecutory delusion, which is commonly seen in psychotic disorders, including severe depression with psychotic features.
D. Confusion involves disorganized thinking, memory impairment, or difficulty understanding surroundings, often seen in delirium or cognitive disorders. While delusions can contribute to disorganized thoughts, they are distinct from general confusion.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. To keep the client's environment calm and with minimal daily stimuli: While a calm environment can help manage acute psychotic symptoms, it is a short-term intervention rather than a long-term goal. Long-term management focuses on adherence to treatment and relapse prevention.
B. To be reoriented to their current environment as needed: Reorientation is beneficial for clients experiencing disorientation due to acute psychosis, but it is a short-term intervention. A long-term goal should focus on maintaining stability and preventing future relapse.
C. To ensure the client participates in a walk with staff on a daily basis: Regular physical activity can improve mental health, but it does not directly address medication adherence or long-term relapse prevention. The goal should focus on strategies to maintain treatment compliance.
D. To develop and acknowledge understanding of a relapse plan prior to discharge: A relapse plan helps the client recognize early warning signs, understand medication importance, and seek support when needed, which is essential for long-term symptom management and prevention of future hospitalizations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Stimulants. Stimulant intoxication typically causes increased energy, agitation, tachycardia, and paranoia, but it does not usually induce hallucinations to the extent described. While severe stimulant use (e.g., methamphetamine or cocaine) can cause paranoia, the significant perceptual disturbances and visual hallucinations suggest a different category of drugs.
B. Opioids. Opioid intoxication generally leads to central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, and sedation rather than paranoia, hallucinations, and erratic behavior. The described symptoms do not align with opioid use.
C. Hallucinogens. Hallucinogen use, such as LSD or PCP, can cause altered perception, paranoia, visual hallucinations, and erratic behavior. The client’s symptoms—paranoia, visual disturbances, mumbling, and gesturing—are characteristic of hallucinogen intoxication, making this the most likely cause.
D. Anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroid use can lead to mood swings, aggression, and psychotic symptoms in some cases, but it does not typically cause acute hallucinations, paranoia, or perceptual disturbances. The symptoms described do not fit anabolic steroid use.
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