A nurse working on a psychiatric unit is providing care for a client that reports feeling irritable and distressed. The client states, “I just feel so helpless.” Which of the following statements most aligns with the client’s presentation of neurotic behavior?
The client is always aware that their behaviors are maladaptive.
The client uses adaptive defense mechanisms to cope.
The client never has mood or personality changes.
The client does not experience loss of contact with reality.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
The statement “The client is always aware that their behaviors are maladaptive” is incorrect. While individuals with neurotic behavior may sometimes recognize that their behaviors are maladaptive, this awareness is not consistent. Neurotic behaviors are often automatic and unconscious efforts to manage deep anxiety. Therefore, the client may not always be aware of the maladaptive nature of their actions.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “The client uses adaptive defense mechanisms to cope” is incorrect. Neurotic behavior typically involves the use of maladaptive defense mechanisms rather than adaptive ones. These mechanisms, such as denial, repression, or projection, are employed to manage anxiety and stress but do not effectively resolve the underlying issues. Adaptive defense mechanisms, on the other hand, are more constructive and promote healthier coping strategies.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “The client never has mood or personality changes” is incorrect. Neurotic behavior is often associated with mood swings and emotional instability. Clients with neurotic tendencies may experience frequent changes in mood and may struggle with regulating their emotions. Therefore, it is inaccurate to state that the client never has mood or personality changes.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “The client does not experience loss of contact with reality” is correct. Neurotic behavior, unlike psychotic behavior, does not involve a loss of contact with reality4. Clients with neurotic tendencies remain aware of their surroundings and can distinguish between reality and their internal experiences4. This characteristic differentiates neurotic behavior from more severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, where a loss of reality is a key feature.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine.
Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, which means it works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is important for memory and learning. By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, galantamine increases the levels of acetylcholine available in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease1. This mechanism of action is crucial because it directly addresses the cholinergic deficit observed in Alzheimer’s disease.
Choice B Reason:
Decreases amyloid plaques in the brain.
This statement is incorrect. Galantamine does not work by decreasing amyloid plaques in the brain. Amyloid plaques are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, but galantamine’s primary mechanism of action is related to acetylcholine metabolism. Other treatments and research efforts focus on targeting amyloid plaques, but this is not the function of galantamine.
Choice C Reason:
Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain.
While this statement is partially correct, it is not as precise as the correct answer. Galantamine increases acetylcholine levels indirectly by preventing its breakdown rather than directly increasing its production. The distinction is important because the therapeutic approach involves inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down acetylcholine, thereby increasing its availability.
Choice D Reason:
Limits neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors.
This statement is incorrect. Limiting neurotransmitter engagement of NMDA receptors is the mechanism of action for a different class of Alzheimer’s medications, such as memantine. Galantamine does not affect NMDA receptors; instead, it enhances cholinergic function by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and potentiating nicotinic receptors.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Aggressive and angry.
Aggressive and angry behavior is not indicative of apathy. Apathy is characterized by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Aggression and anger are more likely to be associated with other symptoms of schizophrenia, such as paranoia or frustration, rather than apathy.
Choice B Reason:
Concerned over recent events.
Being concerned over recent events shows an active engagement with one’s environment and emotions. This is the opposite of apathy, which involves a lack of interest or concern. Therefore, this behavior does not align with the definition of apathy.
Choice C Reason:
Indifferent to their surroundings.
This is the correct response. Indifference to one’s surroundings is a clear sign of apathy. In schizophrenia, apathy is a common negative symptom and involves a diminished ability to initiate and sustain activities, including social interactions. This lack of interest or motivation is a key feature of apathy.
Choice D Reason:
Supportive in group.
Being supportive in a group setting indicates active participation and concern for others, which is not consistent with apathy. Apathy would manifest as a lack of engagement or interest in group activities and interactions.
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