A nurse observes a patient who is in a catatonic state and ...

[jazziefee]

A nurse observes a patient who is in a catatonic state and standing immobile, facing the wall with one arm extended in a salute. The patient remains immobile in this position for 15 minutes, moving only when the nurse gently lowers the arm.
 
  What is the name of this phenomenon?
 
  a. Echolalia
  b. Waxy flexibility
  c. Depersonalization
  d. Thought withdrawal

Question 2

A patient with delusions of persecution about being poisoned has refused all hospital meals for 3 days. Which intervention is most likely to be acceptable to the patient?
 
  a. Allowing the patient to have supervised access to food vending machines
  b. Allowing the patient to telephone a local restaurant to deliver meals
  c. Offering to taste each portion on the tray for the patient
  d. Providing tube feedings or total parenteral nutrition

[bobsmith]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Waxy flexibility is the ability to hold distorted postures for extended periods, as though the patient were molded in wax. Echolalia is a speech pattern. Depersonalization refers to a feeling state. Thought withdrawal refers to an alteration in thinking.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient who is delusional about food being poisoned is likely to believe restaurant food might still be poisoned and to say that the staff member tasting the food has taken an antidote to the poison before tasting. Attempts to tube feed or give nutrition intravenously are considered aggressive and usually promote violence. Patients perceive foods in sealed containers, packages, or natural shells as being safe.