Exam 9: Working With an Individual Patient

Following the admission interview, a spouse of a patient asks the nurse, "Why did you ask my partner all those questions? Some of them had nothing to do with the current problems." The nurse's best response is based on what assessment focus of the mental status examination (MSE)?

An inpatient says, "Last time I was here, a primary nurse talked with me every day. This time, different nurses work with me. How can I make progress?" Which nursing response best addresses the patient's concern?

A patient with suicidal ideation is hospitalized. What is the priority intervention?

Assessment findings by the multidisciplinary team after a patient-intake interview are used primarily for what purpose?

The nurse performing a mental status examination wants to assess for hallucinations. The nurse should ask which question?

The nurse caring for a hyperactive patient should identify what assessment as being the priority?

A psychiatric aide asks, "Can you give me some examples of how we provide structure for patients?" The nurse should offer which suggestions? (Select all that apply.)

When the nurse formulates nursing diagnoses, it is necessary to be specific in describing dysfunctional behaviors so as to demonstrate what desired outcome?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says to the nurse, "I feel really close to you. You're the only true friend I have." What is the nurse's most therapeutic response?

A patient has identified the need for better anger management and tells the nurse, "I'm afraid that someday I might explode." What is the best strategy for reducing this patient's fear of losing control?

A patient is withdrawn and avoids talking to the nurse. The nurse should identify which action is the initial intervention for this patient?

A patient tells the nurse, "I want to have sex with you." Which nursing responses are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

Which patient behavior would require the most immediate limit-setting by the nurse?

A patient is hospitalized for severe depression. Knowing that the patient will be discharged after a short stay, what is the nurse's first priority?

A patient hospitalized for 6 days has made little progress toward outcomes written at the time of admission. The nurse decides that the lack of progress toward goals indicates a need for what intervention?

A patient shouts at a nurse who just entered the room, "You're an incompetent fool. Leave me alone." The nurse's response should be based on which rationale?

A novice nurse says, "I have more important things to do than play games with patients. These activities are not a worthwhile use of my time." What is the nurse manager's most helpful response?

A nurse and patient agree on problems to be addressed during a brief hospital stay. Which interpretation of this action is correct?

The nurse writing a discharge summary for a patient should include achievements as well as what additional information?

What is the most effective outcome for a nurse to include in the care plan for a withdrawn patient who says, "I would like to have more friends"? Within 3 days: