A patient with panic disorder is prescribed alprazolam. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
- A. Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you.
- B. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at bedtime to help with sleep.
- D. Increase the dose if you do not feel better in a few days.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. This is crucial because alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. It is important to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam does not necessarily need to be taken with food. Choice C is incorrect as alprazolam is typically taken during the day due to its sedative effects. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the dose without medical guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.
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Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?
- A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- B. Fear of social situations
- C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
- D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. This is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder as individuals often engage in reckless behaviors without considering the consequences. They may have self-harming tendencies and engage in impulsive actions like substance abuse or risky sexual behavior.
A: Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
B: Fear of social situations is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
C: Grandiose sense of self-importance is a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
In summary, impulsive and self-destructive behaviors are key features of borderline personality disorder, distinguishing it from other mental health conditions.
Which of the following is an example of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique?
- A. Free association
- B. Thought stopping
- C. Dream analysis
- D. Systematic desensitization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thought stopping. In CBT, thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and replace negative or intrusive thoughts. Here's why it's correct: 1. It helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns. 2. It teaches clients to stop negative thoughts in their tracks. 3. It encourages the use of positive affirmations or coping statements. Other choices are incorrect: A: Free association is a psychoanalytic technique, not a CBT technique. C: Dream analysis is also associated with psychoanalytic therapy. D: Systematic desensitization is a behavioral therapy technique used in exposure therapy, not CBT.
Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?
- A. Sertraline
- B. Lithium
- C. Haloperidol
- D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder because it helps stabilize mood by regulating neurotransmitter activity. It is a mood stabilizer that is effective in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapses. Sertraline (A) is an antidepressant and can potentially trigger manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Haloperidol (C) is an antipsychotic used for treating psychotic symptoms but not specifically for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder. Diazepam (D) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and not indicated for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.
While being treated in an inpatient facility, what is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa?
- A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
- B. Monitoring the patient's weight daily
- C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
- D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient's weight daily. This intervention is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa as it helps track the patient's progress and identify any concerning weight fluctuations promptly. Daily weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly and ensure the patient's safety.
Choice A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress is incorrect because isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's disordered eating behaviors and hinder the recovery process.
Choice C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily is incorrect as excessive exercise is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa and can further contribute to the patient's physical and psychological health risks.
Choice D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet is incorrect without proper monitoring as it can lead to refeeding syndrome and other complications. Monitoring the patient's weight is essential before implementing dietary changes.
Which symptom is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Fear of social situations
- B. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Impulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because excessive worrying about various aspects of life is a core symptom of GAD. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is disproportionate to the actual events or situations. Fear of social situations (A) is common in social anxiety disorder, not GAD. Hallucinations (C) are not typically associated with GAD. Impulsive behaviors (D) are more indicative of conditions like ADHD or impulse control disorders.