Question: A nurse encourages an anxious patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention?
Answer Choices: a. Offering hope allays and defuses the patient’s anxiety b. Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help decrease feelings of isolation c. Anxiety is reduced by focusing on and validating what is occurring in the environment d. Encouraging patients to explore alternatives increases the sense of control and lessens anxiety
Answer: b
Question: Which assessment question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask a patient who is at risk for developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Answer Choices: a. “Have you been a victim of a crime or seen someone badly injured or killed?” b. “Do you feel especially uncomfortable in social situations involving people?” c. “Do you repeatedly do certain things over and over again?” d. “Do you find it difficult to control your worrying?”
Answer: d
Question: A patient in the emergency department has no physical injuries but exhibits disorganized behavior and incoherence after a minor traffic accident. In which room should the nurse place the patient?
Answer Choices: a. Interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs b. Small, empty storage room with no windows or furniture c. Room with an examining table, instrument cabinets, desk, and chair d. Nurse’s office, furnished with chairs, files, magazines, and bookcases
Answer: a
Question: A person has minor physical injuries after an automobile accident. The person is unable to focus and says, “I feel like something awful is going to happen.” This person has nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation. What is this person’s level of anxiety?
Answer Choices: a. Mild b. Moderate c. Severe d. Panic
Answer: c
Question: Two staff nurses applied for a charge nurse position. After the promotion was announced, the nurse who was not promoted said, “The nurse manager had a headache the day I was interviewed.” Which defense mechanism is evident?
Answer Choices: a. Introjection b. Conversion c. Projection d. Splitting
Answer: c
Question: A patient tells a nurse, “My new friend is the most perfect person one could imagine—kind, considerate, and good looking. I can’t find a single flaw.” This patient is demonstrating which defense mechanism?
Answer Choices: a. Introjection b. Conversion c. Projection d. Splitting
Answer: d
Question: A patient experiences an episode of severe anxiety. Of these medications in the patient’s medical record, which is most appropriate to administer as a short-term therapy?
Answer Choices: a. Buspirone b. Lorazepam c. Amitriptyline d. Desipramine
Answer: b
Question: Two staff nurses applied for promotion to nurse manager. Initially, the nurse not promoted had feelings of loss but then became supportive of the new manager by helping make the transition smooth and encouraging others. Which term best describes the nurse’s response?
Answer Choices: a. Altruism b. Sublimation c. Suppression d. Passive aggression
Answer: a
Question: A person who feels unattractive repeatedly says, “Although I’m not beautiful, I am smart.” This is an example of which defense mechanism?
Answer Choices: a. Repression b. Devaluation c. Identification d. Compensation
Answer: d
Question: A person who is speaking about a contender for a significant other’s affection says in a gushy, syrupy voice, “What a lovely person. That’s someone I simply adore.” The individual is demonstrating what defense mechanism?
Answer Choices: a. Reaction formation b. Repression c. Projection d. Denial
Answer: a
Question: An individual experiencing sexual dysfunction blames it on their partner and suggests the person is both unattractive and unromantic. Which defense mechanism is evident?
Answer Choices: a. Rationalization b. Compensation c. Introjection d. Regression
Answer: a
Question: A student says, “Before taking a test, I feel a heightened sense of awareness and restlessness.” The nurse can correctly assess that the student’s response is a result of what?
Answer Choices: a. Mild anxiety b. Moderate anxiety c. Severe anxiety d. Panic
Answer: a
Question: A student says, “Before taking a test, I feel a heightened sense of awareness and restlessness.” What nursing intervention is most helpful for assisting the student?
Answer Choices: a. Explaining that the symptoms are the result of mild anxiety and discussing the helpful aspects b. Advising the student to discuss this experience with a health care provider c. Encouraging the student to begin antioxidant vitamin supplements d. Listening without comment
Answer: a
Question: A person consistently rationalizes their cruel and abusive behavior. Which comment is most characteristic of this person defense mechanism?
Answer Choices: a. “I don’t know why it happens.” b. “I have always had poor impulse control.” c. “That person should not have provoked me.” d. “Inside I am a coward who is afraid of being hurt.”
Answer: c
Question: A patient experiencing severe anxiety suddenly begins running and shouting, “I’m going to explode!” The nurse should implement which intervention to best maximize the patient’s safety?
Answer Choices: a. State, “I’m not sure what you mean. Give me an example.” b. Chase after the patient while giving instructions to stop running. c. Retrain the patient in a basket-hold to increase feelings of control. d. Assemble several staff members and state, “We will help you regain control.”
Answer: d
Question: A person who has been unable to leave home for more than a week because of severe anxiety says, “I know it does not make sense, but I just can’t bring myself to leave my apartment alone.” Which nursing intervention is appropriate when implementing cognitive restructuring?
Answer Choices: a. Teach the person to use positive self-talk. b. Assist the person to apply for disability benefits. c. Ask the person to explain why the fear is so disabling. d. Advise the person to accept the situation and use a companion.
Answer: a
Question: Which comment by a person experiencing severe anxiety indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Answer Choices: a. “I check where my car keys are eight times.” b. “My legs often feel weak and spastic.” c. “I’m embarrassed to go out in public.” d. “I keep reliving the car accident.”
Answer: a
Question: Alprazolam is prescribed for a patient experiencing acute anxiety. Health teaching should include which instructions?
Answer Choices: a. Avoid alcoholic beverages. b. Report drowsiness. c. Increase fluid intake. d. Eat a tyramine-free diet.
Answer: a
Question: Which client statement most supports a diagnosis of agoraphobia?
Answer Choices: a. “Being afraid to go out seems ridiculous, but I can’t go out the door.” b. “I’m sure I’ll get over not wanting to leave home soon. It takes time.” c. “When I have a good incentive to go out, I can do it.” d. “My family says they like it now that I stay home.”
Answer: a
Question: A patient has the nursing diagnosis anxiety as evidenced by an inability to control compulsive cleaning. Which phrase referring to the likely trigger correctly completes the etiological portion of the diagnosis?
Answer Choices: a. Ensuring the health of household members b. Attempting to avoid interactions with others c. Having persistent thoughts about bacteria, germs, and dirt d. Needing approval for cleanliness from friends and family
Answer: c