A nurse is talking with a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. Suddenly the client states, "I'm frightened. Do you hear that? The voices are telling me to do terrible things." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"You need to tell the voices to leave you alone.”
"You need to understand that there are no voices.”
"What are the voices telling you to do?”
"Why do you think you are hearing the voices?”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to tell the voices to leave them alone oversimplifies the situation. It disregards the distress and lack of control that individuals with schizophrenia often experience when hearing voices. This response may also imply that the client has complete control over the voices, which is not accurate.
Choice B rationale:
Denying the existence of the voices contradicts the client's experience and could lead to further distrust between the client and nurse. Acknowledging the client's feelings and experiences is essential for building rapport and understanding in a therapeutic relationship.
Choice C rationale:
This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's experience and seeks to understand the content and nature of the voices. It demonstrates empathy and encourages open communication, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.
Choice D rationale:
Asking the client why they think they are hearing the voices might be interpreted as confrontational or judgmental. It could make the client defensive and hinder open communication. Instead, focusing on the content of the voices allows the nurse to gain insight into the client's experiences without placing blame.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A", "B", "E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tremors. Rationale: Tremors can be a withdrawal symptom associated with alcohol withdrawal. These tremors are often referred to as "alcohol shakes" and are a result of the central nervous system adapting to the sudden absence of alcohol.
Choice B rationale:
Insomnia. Rationale: Insomnia is a common withdrawal symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, and when a person stops drinking, their sleep cycle may be disturbed, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Choice C rationale:
Severe hypotension. Rationale: Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, is not a prominent withdrawal symptom of alcohol. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to an increase in blood pressure rather than severe hypotension.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperglycemia. Rationale: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a direct withdrawal symptom of alcohol. However, chronic alcohol use can affect blood sugar regulation over time. During acute withdrawal, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is more common due to altered metabolism.
Choice E rationale:
Visual hallucinations. Rationale: This statement is correct. Visual hallucinations can occur during alcohol withdrawal and are often indicative of a more severe withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens (DTs). DTs can include visual hallucinations, confusion, agitation, and autonomic hyperactivity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D
Choice A rationale: Metrorrhagia, or irregular uterine bleeding, is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. Instead, amenorrhea is more common due to hypothalamic suppression from low body fat and caloric intake. The hypothalamus reduces gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which suppresses ovulation and menstruation. Estrogen levels fall below normal (typically 30–400 pg/mL), disrupting endometrial stability. Thus, bleeding is less likely than complete menstrual cessation.
Choice B rationale: Tachycardia is not expected in anorexia nervosa; bradycardia is more common due to metabolic adaptation and reduced cardiac workload. The body conserves energy by lowering heart rate, often below 60 bpm. Malnutrition leads to decreased thyroid hormone (T3), reduced sympathetic tone, and myocardial atrophy. Electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemia further depress cardiac output. Tachycardia may occur in refeeding syndrome or acute stress, but chronically, the heart rate is typically slow due to adaptive mechanisms.
Choice C rationale: Hyperkalemia is rare in anorexia nervosa; hypokalemia is far more common due to purging behaviors, vomiting, and diuretic or laxative abuse. Potassium levels often fall below the normal range of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Losses through the gastrointestinal tract and renal excretion lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and fatigue. Intracellular shifts during starvation also contribute to low serum potassium. Hyperkalemia may occur transiently during tissue breakdown or renal failure but is not a hallmark finding.
Choice D rationale: Constipation is a frequent finding in anorexia nervosa due to decreased caloric intake, slowed gastrointestinal motility, and reduced fiber consumption. Starvation suppresses parasympathetic activity, leading to delayed colonic transit. Electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalemia, further impair smooth muscle contraction. Normal bowel frequency ranges from three times per week to three times per day; anorexic clients often fall below this due to systemic hypometabolism. Constipation may also be exacerbated by dehydration and laxative dependence.
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