Mental Health Disorders
What are two hallmark symptoms that differentiate schizophrenia's positive symptoms from negative symptoms?
Positive symptoms include delusions and hallucinations, which are added disturbances. Negative symptoms include apathy and anhedonia, representing loss of normal functions.
Rationale: Understanding positive symptoms involves recognizing added experiences, while negative symptoms focus on deficits in personality
Immediate intervention for ventricular fibrillation is...
Defibrillation.
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation requires immediate electrical defibrillation to restore a functional rhythm
This is the priority nursing intervention for kidney stone management...
Pain control.
Rationale: Severe pain requires immediate relief before addressing other interventions like hydration
This differentiates an ischemic stroke from a hemorrhagic stroke...
Ischemic stroke is due to blocked blood flow; hemorrhagic is due to bleeding.
Rationale: Etiology determines treatment and prognosis.
How does insulin administration treat hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome (HHS)?
It reduces blood glucose and halts osmotic diuresis.
Rationale: Insulin directly addresses hyperglycemia and associated fluid shifts
Why is neuroleptic malignant syndrome considered a medical emergency in clients on antipsychotics?
It is life-threatening, presenting with muscle rigidity, fever, altered mental status, and autonomic instability, often requiring immediate discontinuation of the antipsychotic and supportive care.
Rationale: Prompt recognition and treatment prevent fatal outcomes
Name two complications of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
Coronary artery dissection and acute myocardial infarction.
Rationale: These complications can worsen ischemia and require prompt management
This electrolyte imbalance (Name that electrolyte imbalance) is common in clients on loop diuretics, due to (why)?
Hypokalemia, due to potassium loss in the urine.
Rationale: Loop diuretics inhibit sodium and potassium reabsorption
Plasmapheresis is used in Guillain-Barré Syndrome to...
Remove circulating antibodies that attack the nervous system.
Rationale: Reducing antibody levels helps reverse symptoms.
Why are corticosteroids tapered instead of stopped abruptly?
To prevent adrenal insufficiency due to suppressed endogenous cortisol production.
Rationale: Gradual tapering allows adrenal recovery
In a client admitted involuntarily, what criteria justifies emergency commitments?
Imminent danger to self or others, or the inability to care for basic needs.
Rationale: Legal and ethical considerations must balance client safety with autonomy
Why is fluid volume replacement prioritized in hypovolemia?
It restores circulatory volume, preventing organ hypoperfusion and shock.
Rationale: Fluid balance directly impacts cardiac output and perfusion
The purpose of hemodialysis in acute renal failure is this...
To remove toxins and excess fluid from the blood while maintaining electrolyte balance.
Rationale: Hemodialysis substitutes for kidney function
This assessment finding confirms a basal skull fracture...
Battle's sign (bruising behind the ears) or raccoon eyes.
Rationale: These findings are specific to skull base injuries
Which sign is associated with hypocalcemic tetany, and how is it elicited?
Chvostek's sign; tapping the facial nerve causes twitching.
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability
Lithium therapy requires routine blood level monitoring due to...
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index; levels above 1.5 mEq/L can cause toxicity, leading to tremors, confusion, and kidney damage.
Rationale: Safe administration hinges on balancing therapeutic and toxic levels
In a suspected deep vein thrombosis, why is early ambulation encouraged after anticoagulation therapy?
It prevents further clot formation, enhances circulation, and reduces venous stasis.
Rationale: Mobility minimizes DVT complications like pulmonary embolism
Oliguria is a critical sign in hypovolemia, because...
It indicates decreased renal perfusion and potential acute kidney injury.
Rationale: Renal output reflects systemic hydration and perfusion status
Explain the purpose of thrombolytic therapy within 30 minutes of stroke onset.
It dissolves clots, restoring blood flow to prevent brain tissue ischemia.
Rationale: Early intervention improves neurological outcomes
Potassium replacement is critical in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) because...
Insulin shifts potassium into cells, risking severe hypokalemia.
Rationale: Maintaining potassium prevents arrhythmias
A nurse prioritizes care for a client experiencing a severe depressive episode, she the nurse?
Ensures safety by assessing for suicide risk, establishes a therapeutic environment, and initiates supportive communication and medication adherence.
Rationale: Addressing immediate safety needs is critical in severe depression
Explain the rationale for synchronized cardioversion in atrial fibrillation.
It delivers electrical impulses during ventricular depolarization to avoid inducing ventricular fibrillation.
Rationale: Proper timing is essential to prevent lethal arrhythmias
How do broad-spectrum antibiotics improve outcomes in urinary tract infections before culture results?
They target likely pathogens to prevent progression of the infection.
Rationale: Early intervention minimizes complications while awaiting specific therapy
Hypoxia is a critical concern in acute pancreatitis because...
Hypoxia can result from systemic inflammatory response and respiratory distress.
Rationale: Monitoring oxygenation prevents respiratory failure
What dietary intervention is essential in chronic gastritis management?
Avoiding alcohol, NSAIDs, and acidic foods.
Rationale: These substances exacerbate mucosal irritation