What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
- B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
- C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
- D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.
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During a panic attack, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet, non-stimulating environment.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, a quiet, non-stimulating environment is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This helps reduce stimuli that may exacerbate the panic attack and allows the individual to focus on calming down. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute panic attack as the focus should be on reducing stimuli. Administering medication should follow healthcare provider's orders and may not be the initial intervention. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in managing anxiety but may not be the priority during the acute phase of a panic attack where reducing stimuli is crucial.
Which therapeutic intervention is most appropriate for a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia?
- A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- B. Hypnotherapy
- C. Electroconvulsive therapy
- D. Pharmacotherapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypnotherapy is the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia. This approach aims to help the patient recover lost memories in a controlled environment, allowing them to process and integrate their memories effectively. Hypnotherapy can assist in uncovering and addressing the underlying issues contributing to dissociative amnesia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking or behavior and may not directly address memory recovery. Electroconvulsive therapy is typically used for severe depression or certain mental disorders, not dissociative amnesia. Pharmacotherapy involves medication and is not the primary intervention for dissociative amnesia.
Which therapeutic approach is most effective for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Psychoanalytic therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- C. Humanistic therapy
- D. Gestalt therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapeutic approach for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It focuses on changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, providing practical strategies to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT in treating GAD by helping patients develop coping mechanisms and skills to address their anxiety. Choice A, Psychoanalytic therapy, is not the most effective for GAD as it primarily focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences rather than providing immediate coping strategies. Choice C, Humanistic therapy, emphasizes personal growth and self-improvement, which may not directly target the specific symptoms of GAD. Choice D, Gestalt therapy, focuses on increasing self-awareness and personal responsibility, which might not address the cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns associated with GAD as directly as CBT does.
After a severe automobile accident, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were brought to the hospital. Mrs. Johnson is unable to remember anything about the accident or the two days preceding it. The nurse recognizes this as:
- A. Generalized amnesia
- B. Localized amnesia
- C. Selective amnesia
- D. Continuous amnesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to an inability to recall specific events, often traumatic, within a particular time frame. In this case, Mrs. Johnson's memory loss about the accident and the preceding two days aligns with the characteristics of localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia involves a more extensive memory loss, often encompassing a person's entire life, which is not the case here. Selective amnesia involves forgetting specific details but not a whole chunk of time like in this scenario. Continuous amnesia is not a recognized term in psychology.
What is a common side effect of benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Insomnia
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Drowsiness. Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety, often cause drowsiness as a side effect due to their sedative properties. This can lead to impairments in cognitive and motor skills, making it important for individuals on these medications to exercise caution when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because weight gain, insomnia, and increased appetite are not typically associated with benzodiazepines; instead, drowsiness and sedation are more commonly reported side effects.