A nurse in a mental health facility is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about how to perform an Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) test on a client. The charge nurse should identify that the AIMS test is used for which of the following conditions?
Lithium toxicity
Alcohol withdrawal
Tardive dyskinesia
Opiate withdrawal
The Correct Answer is C
A. Lithium toxicity. The AIMS test does not assess lithium toxicity. Lithium toxicity is monitored through serum lithium levels and clinical symptoms such as tremors, nausea, confusion, and ataxia. Severe toxicity can lead to seizures, coma, and organ failure, requiring immediate intervention.
B. Alcohol withdrawal. The AIMS test does not assess alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include tremors, hallucinations, seizures, and autonomic instability. The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) is commonly used to assess symptom severity and guide treatment.
C. Tardive dyskinesia. The AIMS test is used to assess tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic use. It evaluates involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and extremities, helping clinicians monitor progression and adjust medications to minimize symptoms.
D. Opiate withdrawal. The AIMS test does not assess opiate withdrawal. Symptoms include sweating, agitation, diarrhea, and muscle aches. The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is typically used to assess withdrawal severity and guide opioid detoxification or replacement therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Suspiciousness of others: Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, leading to difficulty forming relationships. Clients may misinterpret benign actions as malicious and hold long-standing grudges.
B. Requiring frequent reassurance from others: This is more characteristic of dependent personality disorder, where individuals struggle with self-confidence and rely on others for decision-making and emotional support.
C. Inflated sense of self: This is commonly seen in narcissistic personality disorder, where individuals display grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others.
D. Lack of feelings of remorse: This trait is associated with antisocial personality disorder, where individuals exhibit disregard for the rights of others, manipulative behavior, and a lack of guilt or remorse for their actions.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Provide reassurance and comfort ensuring the client is safe." Clients with schizophrenia experiencing confusion and thought distortions require reassurance and safety measures first. Confusion can increase the risk of self-harm or agitation, making safety a priority. Comforting the client and providing a structured environment can help reduce anxiety. Ensuring a calm and safe setting supports symptom management and overall well-being.
B. "Ensure the client goes to group activities as planned." While group activities can promote socialization, a client experiencing confusion and thought distortions may struggle to participate. Forcing group engagement without addressing immediate needs can increase distress. Individualized interventions should be prioritized before encouraging group involvement. Ensuring safety and reducing anxiety are more immediate concerns.
C. "Give PRN medications to treat increased hallucinations." PRN medications may help manage symptoms but are not the first priority. Assessing and ensuring safety takes precedence before administering medications. The nurse should first provide reassurance and evaluate the severity of symptoms. Medication is important, but nonpharmacological interventions should be attempted first when possible. Ensuring safety remains the immediate concern in managing schizophrenia-related confusion.
D. "Use distraction such as the television or music." While distraction techniques can be beneficial, they do not directly address confusion or distorted thinking. The client may require more structured interventions to reorient them and provide reassurance. Music or television might help in stable periods but may not be effective in acute distress. Ensuring the client’s safety and reducing distress are higher priorities in immediate care.
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