A nurse assesses an older adult patient brought to the hospital emergency department by a neighbor who found the patient wandering confusedly in the front yard, saying, “I can’t find my way home.” The nurse experiences tearfulness and reflects, “The patient is like one of my grandparents…so helpless.” What feelings are being experienced by the nurse?

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid) for one year. The patient presents in an emergency department with a temperature of 101°F (38°C), severe diarrhea, blurred vision, and tinnitus. How should the nurse interpret these symptoms?

During a therapeutic interaction a client cries as the nurse explores the relationship of the client and her now-deceased mother. The client sobs “I shouldn’t be blubbering like this.”  Which response by the nurse will block communication with the client?

An older patient has recently been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). The patient’s partner is taking paroxetine (Paxil). A nurse assesses that the patient is experiencing restlessness, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and tremors. Which complication should the nurse suspect, and why?

A newly admitted client asks, “Why do we need a unit schedule?  I’m not going to these groups.  I’m here to get some rest.”  Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

Which of the following nursing interventions fall within the standards of psychiatric-mental health nursing for a basic level nurse (RN)?  (Select all that apply)

The patient says to the nurse, “I feel horrible, I just wish I were dead.”  Which of the following is the most therapeutic response?

The nurse is working with a client on the inpatient psychiatric unit.  During which phase of the therapeutic relationship can the nurse anticipate that the client will gain insight and problem solving skills?

Which of the following characteristics should be included in a therapeutic nurse-client relationship?  (Select all that apply)

The nurse is working with a patient who attempted suicide.  Which of the following statements shows the nurse has empathy for the patient?