A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia.
Which of the following statements by the client demonstrates concrete thinking?
I am aware that each problem has only one solution.
I am a prophet of the most high judge.
The voices tell me that I must avoid large crowds.
I know that you are trying to poison me and you can’t convince me otherwise.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Concrete thinking is a cognitive distortion characterized by a rigid and literal interpretation of events and experiences. Individuals with concrete thinking often struggle to grasp abstract concepts, metaphors, or multiple perspectives. They tend to view situations in black-and-white terms, with little room for nuance or ambiguity.
Statement A, "I am aware that each problem has only one solution," exemplifies concrete thinking in several ways:
Absolute language: The use of the phrase "each problem has only one solution" suggests a fixed and inflexible mindset. It implies that there is only one correct way to approach any given problem, disregarding the possibility of alternative solutions or perspectives.
Oversimplification: The statement reduces the complexity of problem-solving to a single, definitive answer. It fails to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of most problems, which often require creative thinking, flexibility, and consideration of multiple factors.
Lack of abstract
Intolerance of ambiguity: Concrete thinkers often experience discomfort with uncertainty or open-ended situations. They prefer clear-cut answers and definitive conclusions, which can lead to frustration and anxiety when faced with complex or ambiguous problems.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 11 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adult females (12-16 g/dL) but is not considered a critical value.
It may indicate mild anemia, which is common in bulimia nervosa due to factors such as poor nutrition and blood loss from self-induced vomiting. However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and is considered a critical value, indicating severe hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and even death.
It is a common complication of bulimia nervosa due to excessive vomiting and/or laxative abuse, which can lead to significant potassium loss.
Therefore, this finding would be the nurse's priority, necessitating immediate intervention to correct the hypokalemia and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Choice C rationale:
Serum chloride of 96 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (98-106 mEq/L) but is not considered a critical value.
It may be associated with hypokalemia, as chloride and potassium are often lost together in conditions like bulimia nervosa.
However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Serum amylase of 240 units/L is elevated above the normal range (30-110 units/L) but is not considered a critical value.
It may indicate inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be a complication of bulimia nervosa due to recurrent vomiting and/or alcohol abuse.
However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention, especially in comparison to severe hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Establishing rapport with the client is essential when caring for someone experiencing acute anxiety. It creates a foundation of trust and understanding, which can help the client feel more comfortable and willing to engage in therapeutic interventions. Here's a detailed explanation of why rapport is crucial in this context:
Reduces Anxiety: A strong rapport can help to reduce the client's anxiety by fostering a sense of safety and security. When a client feels understood and supported, it can help to calm their nervous system and decrease the intensity of their anxiety symptoms.
Increases Communication: Effective communication is essential for identifying the cause of anxiety and developing appropriate interventions. When a nurse has a good rapport with a client, the client is more likely to be open and honest about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can lead to a more accurate assessment and a more effective treatment plan.
Improves Cooperation: Clients who have a good rapport with their nurse are more likely to cooperate with treatment recommendations. This is because they trust the nurse's expertise and feel confident that the nurse has their best interests in mind.
Enhances Coping: A strong therapeutic relationship can help to improve the client's coping skills. The nurse can provide support, encouragement, and guidance as the client learns to manage their anxiety.
Techniques for establishing rapport:
Active listening: Pay close attention to the client's verbal and nonverbal communication, demonstrating that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.
Empathy: Show understanding and compassion for the client's experiences and feelings.
Respect: Treat the client with dignity and respect, acknowledging their autonomy and choices.
Genuineness: Be authentic and honest in your interactions with the client.
Trustworthiness: Demonstrate that you are reliable and dependable, and that you will maintain confidentiality.
Cultural sensitivity: Be aware of and respect the client's cultural background and beliefs.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding eye contact can convey disinterest, disrespect, or dishonesty, which can further heighten anxiety. Maintaining appropriate eye contact demonstrates attentiveness, empathy, and understanding, which can help to build trust and rapport.
Choice C rationale:
Speaking in a high-pitched voice can be perceived as agitated or tense, which can exacerbate the client's anxiety. It's essential to speak in a calm, soothing, and reassuring tone to promote relaxation and a sense of safety.
Choice D rationale:
Validating the client's feelings and identifying the cause of anxiety are crucial steps in effective anxiety management.
Validation helps the client feel understood and accepted, while identifying the cause can guide the development of appropriate interventions to address the underlying triggers.
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