A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station and reports chest pain. The nurse knows this is a new symptom for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques.

Reassure the client that pain is an expected part of their disorder.

Explain to the client that the pain is not real.

Assess the client's vital signs.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques. While relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms in somatic symptom disorder, they should not be the first response to a new symptom like chest pain. The nurse must first rule out a medical cause before assuming the pain is psychological.
B. Reassure the client that pain is an expected part of their disorder. Assuming that the pain is purely psychosomatic without assessing for a potential medical emergency could lead to a delay in necessary treatment. Each new symptom should be evaluated independently.
C. Explain to the client that the pain is not real. The pain experienced by clients with somatic symptom disorder is real to them, even if a physical cause is not found. Dismissing their symptoms can damage trust and discourage them from reporting future concerns.
D. Assess the client's vital signs. Any new report of chest pain should be taken seriously, regardless of the client’s psychiatric history. Assessing vital signs ensures that a potential cardiac event or other medical issue is not overlooked before considering psychological factors.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hyperkalemia. Clients with anorexia nervosa typically experience hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia due to severe malnutrition, vomiting, and excessive diuretic or laxative use. Potassium depletion can lead to life-threatening cardiac complications.
B. Hyperglycemia. Anorexia nervosa is associated with hypoglycemia due to prolonged fasting, malnutrition, and depleted glycogen stores. Clients often have low blood glucose levels rather than elevated ones.
C. Lanugo. The development of fine, downy body hair (lanugo) is a classic sign of anorexia nervosa. This occurs as the body adapts to extreme weight loss and malnutrition by trying to conserve heat due to the lack of body fat.
D. Swollen parotid glands. While swollen parotid glands are common in bulimia nervosa due to frequent vomiting, they are not a defining feature of anorexia nervosa unless the client engages in purging behaviors.

A. Shuffling walk B. Suicidal ideation C. Abnormal movements of the tongue and face D. Oculogyric crisis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Shuffling walk. A shuffling walk is typically associated with parkinsonism or other movement disorders, which may occur with antipsychotic medications, but the specific symptom of restlessness more directly relates to other conditions.
B. Suicidal ideation. While monitoring for suicidal ideation is important in any client with psychosis, it is not specifically associated with the restlessness that the client reports in relation to chlorpromazine use.
C. Abnormal movements of the tongue and face. Abnormal movements of the tongue and face are more characteristic of tardive dyskinesia, which develops over a longer period of treatment. The acute restlessness the client is experiencing is more closely aligned with akathisia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications.
D. Oculogyric crisis. This condition involves involuntary upward eye movement and can occur as an acute dystonic reaction to antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine. Given the client's report of restlessness, the nurse should monitor for this adverse effect, as it is more likely to manifest in the context of acute medication side effects.

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A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station and reports chest pain. The nurse knows this is a new symptom for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has psychosis and is prescribed chlorpromazine. The client reports feelings of restlessness. The nurse should identify that the client should be monitored for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed clozapine. Which of the following topics should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?

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A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station and reports chest pain. The nurse knows this is a new symptom for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who has factitious disorder. The client states, "I am so tired of living like this. Maybe I should just end it all." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a serious mental illness and has developed tardive dyskinesia from anti-psychotic medication use. Which of the following adverse effects from anti-psychotic medication use would be expected for the client?