A patient's history shows intense and unstable relationships with ...

[hbsimmons88]

A patient's history shows intense and unstable relationships with others. The patient initially idealizes an individual and then devalues the person when the patient's needs are not met. Which aspect of mental health is a problem?
 
  a. Effectiveness in work
  b. Communication skills
  c. Productive activities
  d. Fulfilling relationships

Question 2

A nurse finds a new patient uncommunicative about recent life events. The nurse suspects marital and economic problems. The social worker's assessment is not available. The most effective action the nurse can take is to:
 
  a. ask the patient who shares a room with him or her.
  b. consult Axis IV of the DSM-IV-TR in the medical record.
  c. focus questions on the topics of marital and economic issues.
  d. delay discussion of these topics until the social worker's assessment is available.

[spencer.martell]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The information provided centers on relationships with others, which are described as intense and unstable. The relationships of mentally healthy individuals are stable, satisfying, and socially integrated. Data are not present to describe work effectiveness, communication skills, or activities.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The physician's admission note identifies psychosocial and environmental problems on Axis IV pertinent to the patient's situation, providing another source of information for the nurse. Asking the patient who shares a room with him or her violates patient privacy rights. Persistent questioning may cause the patient to withdraw. Delaying the discussion until the social worker's assessment is available is not an effective solution.

[hbsimmons88]

Excellent

[rachel]

TYSM