Psychiatric care technicians (PCTs) are unlicensed assistive personnel that are an integral part of the acute care mental healthcare team. Which of the following choices would be an example(s) of overdelegation by the nurse to a PCT? The nurse directs the PCT to (Select All that Apply):
Perform a neurological assessment on a patient in seclusion to compare the nurse’s findings.
Play cards with 3 patients during unstructured time.
Review follow-up care with a patient about to be discharged.
Set a goal for the day for a patient with a borderline personality disorder.
Obtain a weight on a patient with bipolar disorder in a hypomanic state.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A Reason: Perform a neurological assessment on a patient in seclusion to compare the nurse’s findings
This task is an example of overdelegation. Performing a neurological assessment requires specialized knowledge and skills that are beyond the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel. Such assessments should be conducted by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider to ensure accuracy and appropriate clinical judgment.
Choice B Reason: Play cards with 3 patients during unstructured time
This task is appropriate for a PCT. Engaging patients in recreational activities like playing cards does not require specialized clinical skills and falls within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel. It helps in providing social interaction and can be beneficial for the patients’ mental health.
Choice C Reason: Review follow-up care with a patient about to be discharged
This task is an example of overdelegation. Reviewing follow-up care involves providing important information about the patient’s ongoing treatment and care plan, which requires clinical knowledge and the ability to answer any questions the patient may have. This responsibility should be handled by a licensed nurse or healthcare provider.
Choice D Reason: Set a goal for the day for a patient with a borderline personality disorder
This task is also an example of overdelegation. Setting therapeutic goals for patients, especially those with complex mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder, requires clinical expertise and an understanding of the patient’s treatment plan. This should be done by a licensed nurse or mental health professional.
Choice E Reason: Obtain a weight on a patient with bipolar disorder in a hypomanic state
This task is appropriate for a PCT. Obtaining a patient’s weight is a routine task that does not require specialized clinical skills and falls within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel. It is a straightforward task that can be safely delegated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sedated, heightened senses, withdrawn. This statement is incorrect. While PCP can cause a range of sensory and psychological effects, sedation and withdrawal are not typical primary symptoms. PCP is more likely to cause agitation and aggressive behavior rather than sedation.
Choice B Reason:
Heightened sensory perceptions, nystagmus, hypotension. This statement is partially correct. PCP can cause heightened sensory perceptions and nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements), but hypotension is not a common symptom. Instead, PCP often leads to hypertension (high blood pressure) due to its stimulant effects.
Choice C Reason:
Grandiose delusions, hypotension, quiet. This statement is incorrect. While PCP can cause grandiose delusions, it is more likely to result in agitation and aggressive behavior rather than a quiet demeanor. Hypotension is also not a typical symptom of PCP intoxication.
Choice D Reason:
Violence, psychomotor agitation, hypertension. This statement is correct. PCP intoxication is commonly associated with violent behavior, psychomotor agitation, and hypertension. These symptoms are due to the drug’s stimulant and dissociative effects, which can lead to severe agitation and aggressive behavior.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Conduct Disorder
Choice A Reason: Childhood Depression
Childhood depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities. Symptoms can include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. While depression can lead to behavioral issues, it is less likely to be associated with the specific behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and being abusive towards parents. These behaviors are more indicative of a disruptive behavior disorder rather than a mood disorder.
Choice B Reason: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. Children with ODD often lose their temper, argue with adults, and refuse to comply with rules. While ODD can involve some of the behaviors described, such as being abusive towards parents, it typically does not include the more severe behaviors like running away or engaging in illegal activities such as prostitution. Therefore, ODD is not the most fitting diagnosis in this case.
Choice C Reason: Conduct Disorder
Conduct Disorder is a more severe behavioral disorder characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates the rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules. Symptoms include aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules, such as running away from home and engaging in illegal activities like prostitution. Given the behaviors described in the scenario, Conduct Disorder is the most appropriate diagnosis. Adolescents with Conduct Disorder often exhibit a lack of remorse or guilt and may have a history of problematic behaviors that escalate over time.
Choice D Reason: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. While individuals with ASD may exhibit challenging behaviors, these are typically related to difficulties in understanding social norms and communication rather than intentional defiance or rule-breaking. The behaviors described in the scenario, such as running away and engaging in prostitution, are not characteristic of ASD, making it an unlikely diagnosis in this context.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
