A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is being educated by a nurse about the use of antidepressants. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I should not discontinue the medication abruptly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client stating, 'I can stop taking my medication once I feel better,' indicates a need for further teaching. It is crucial for clients with major depressive disorder to understand that they should continue taking their medication as prescribed even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication prematurely can lead to a relapse of symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are correct statements. Avoiding alcohol while taking antidepressants helps prevent interactions and side effects. Understanding that it may take several weeks for the medication to show its full effect is important for managing expectations. Additionally, not discontinuing the medication abruptly is crucial to prevent withdrawal effects or a recurrence of depressive symptoms.
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A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Allow the client to perform rituals initially
- B. Set limits on the time allowed for rituals
- C. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings
- D. Provide a structured schedule of activities
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Interventions for a client with OCD should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Allowing the client to perform rituals is an essential part of managing OCD and should not be restricted in the initial stages of care. Setting limits on the time for rituals helps prevent excessive engagement in them. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings promotes emotional expression and processing. Providing a structured schedule of activities helps establish routine and predictability, which can be beneficial for individuals with OCD.
A healthcare provider is assessing a client with suspected bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Periods of elevated mood
- B. Decreased need for sleep
- C. Flight of ideas
- D. Anhedonia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Findings in a client with bipolar disorder typically include periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and flight of ideas. Anhedonia, characterized by the inability to experience pleasure, is more commonly associated with major depressive disorder. Therefore, the healthcare provider should not expect anhedonia in a client with suspected bipolar disorder. The other choices are characteristic features of bipolar disorder, such as mania or hypomania.
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select the one that does not apply.
- A. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- C. Discontinue the medication abruptly
- D. You may experience an increase in energy before your mood improves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant should include several key instructions. Firstly, it's important to inform the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, so they should be patient. Secondly, they should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking the medication as it can interact negatively with antidepressants. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided. Lastly, clients may experience an increase in energy before their mood improves, which is a common effect of some antidepressants. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants, but adherence to the prescribed regimen and reporting any concerning side effects to the healthcare provider are crucial.
During an acute panic attack, which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to discuss their feelings
- B. Provide a calm environment
- C. Teach the client deep breathing exercises
- D. Leave the client alone to calm down
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During an acute panic attack, the priority intervention is to create a calm and safe environment. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises is crucial as it promotes relaxation and reduces hyperventilation, helping to manage the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings may exacerbate the panic by increasing emotional distress. Providing a busy environment can escalate stress levels rather than alleviate them. Leaving the client alone may lead to feelings of abandonment or worsen the panic attack. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to teach deep breathing exercises to help the client regain control and manage the panic attack.
How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?
- A. Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
- B. Hospital policy dictates how psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders.
- C. Psychiatrists assess the patient and identify diagnoses based on the patient's symptoms and contributing factors.
- D. The American Medical Association identifies 10 diagnostic labels that psychiatrists can choose from.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine which diagnosis to give a patient. The DSM-5 is a comprehensive manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) that outlines specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It aims to ensure accurate and consistent diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D provide inaccurate information. Hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association does not provide diagnostic labels for mental disorders. Choice C, although mentioning the assessment of patients, does not highlight the specific criteria and guidelines provided by the DSM-5 that psychiatrists use to assign diagnoses.