Author Question: A client is administered the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), which attempts to assess the ... (Read 81 times)

notis · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client is administered the dexamethasone suppression test (DST), which attempts to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. How will the results of the test be used?

1. To identify genetic predisposition
2. To diagnose psychiatric illness
3. To identify appropriate treatment
4. To identify pathology in the HPA axis function

Question 2

The nurse is planning care for the client who presents with frequent reports of multiple physical complaints.

Given knowledge of the leading causes of mental disability, the nurse should plan to include further data collection in which of the following priority areas? 1. Relationships with others
2. History of family violence
3. Alcohol usage
4. Clarity of thought processes

skipfourms123 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale: The results of the DST are not diagnostic of the illness, but suggest some pathology in the HPA axis function. The DST does not identify genetic predisposition or treatment options.

Answer to Question 2

3
Rationale: There is high incidence of a mental disorder in clients with physical illness. Of the five mental disorders listed among the top 10 causes of mental disability worldwide, alcohol use ranks number four. Clarity of thought processes would elicit data in regard to schizophrenia which is further down the list of leading causes. History of family violence and relationships with others are not specific to the current situation and not directly diagnostic for the other top 10 causes of mental disability.