Psychosocial Integrity Flashcards
6 cards from real RN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Psychosocial Integrity flashcards as text
A patient with anorexia nervosa is admitted with a BMI of 14. Which nursing action takes priority?
Answer: Monitor electrolytes and cardiac rhythm
Severe malnutrition in anorexia nervosa causes electrolyte imbalances (especially hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia) and refeeding syndrome risk, making cardiac monitoring the physiological priority.
A nurse notices a colleague appears intoxicated at work and smells of alcohol. The most appropriate action is:
Answer: Report observations to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately
Patient safety is the priority; suspected impairment must be reported to a supervisor immediately to remove the impaired nurse from patient care.
Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient experiencing alcohol withdrawal on day 2 of hospitalization?
Answer: Administer scheduled benzodiazepines per protocol and monitor for seizures
Benzodiazepines are the pharmacological standard for alcohol withdrawal to prevent progression to seizures and delirium tremens; close monitoring is essential during peak risk (24–72 hours).
A nurse is caring for a patient with borderline personality disorder who says, 'You are the best nurse here — all the others are terrible.' The nurse recognizes this as:
Answer: Splitting
Splitting is a defense mechanism characteristic of borderline personality disorder in which people are seen as all good or all bad, with no middle ground.
A patient with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is startled by a loud noise and begins hyperventilating. The nurse's priority intervention is:
Answer: Use a calm voice to ground the patient using sensory-based techniques
Grounding techniques (e.g., 5-4-3-2-1 sensory method) delivered calmly help anchor a patient experiencing a PTSD flashback or hyperarousal response to the present moment.
A patient with bipolar disorder in a manic episode is intrusive, demanding, and has not slept in 3 days. The nurse's priority intervention is:
Answer: Provide a structured, low-stimulation environment and ensure rest and safety
A low-stimulation environment reduces sensory triggers that escalate mania; ensuring safety and rest are the physiological and behavioral priorities during acute mania.