A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which finding suggests the patient is experiencing a manic episode?
- A. Decreased need for sleep
- B. Feelings of worthlessness
- C. Increased need for sleep
- D. Avoidance of social interactions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased need for sleep. During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals often experience decreased need for sleep. This is a key symptom of mania, as it is characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and decreased need for rest. In contrast, option B (feelings of worthlessness) is more reflective of symptoms seen in depressive episodes, not manic episodes. Option C (increased need for sleep) is also not indicative of mania, as mania is associated with decreased sleep. Option D (avoidance of social interactions) may occur in some cases, but it is not a defining feature of mania.
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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
- B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
- C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
- D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because focusing on deep breathing exercises helps the patient regulate their breathing and reduce hyperventilation during a panic attack. This intervention promotes relaxation and helps calm the patient down. Encouraging avoidance of physical activity (B) is incorrect as it does not address the immediate physiological symptoms of a panic attack. Asking the patient to describe their feelings (C) may be helpful for assessment but does not directly address the urgent need to manage the panic attack. Providing detailed information about panic attacks (D) is important for education but is not the priority during an active panic attack.
When developing a care plan for a patient with borderline personality disorder, which intervention should be included to address self-harm behaviors?
- A. Encouraging the patient to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings.
- B. Setting clear and consistent boundaries with the patient.
- C. Providing the patient with coping skills to manage their emotions.
- D. Developing a safety plan with the patient.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, developing a safety plan with the patient. This intervention is crucial for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder. A safety plan helps the patient identify triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and support networks to prevent self-harm. It also outlines specific steps to take in a crisis situation. This intervention is more direct and practical compared to the other options.
A: Keeping a journal may be helpful for self-reflection but may not provide immediate strategies to prevent self-harm.
B: Setting boundaries is important but may not directly address self-harm behaviors.
C: Providing coping skills is beneficial, but a safety plan is more specific and tailored to managing self-harm risks.
In summary, developing a safety plan is the most effective intervention for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder.
A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. What is the best initial intervention?
- A. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers
- B. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings
- C. Providing the patient with relaxation techniques
- D. Advising the patient to avoid social situations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct initial intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is providing relaxation techniques (Choice C). This is because relaxation techniques can help the patient cope with the distressing symptoms and manage their anxiety levels during flashbacks. Encouraging the patient to avoid triggers (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the flashbacks. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings (Choice B) may be beneficial in the long run but may not be the best initial intervention during a flashback. Advising the patient to avoid social situations (Choice D) can lead to isolation and may not address the immediate distress caused by the flashbacks.
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.
A patient is receiving education about dietary restrictions while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Which food should the patient avoid?
- A. Aged cheese
- B. Fresh vegetables
- C. Grilled chicken
- D. Fruit juices
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aged cheese. MAOIs interact with tyramine in certain foods like aged cheese, leading to dangerous hypertensive crisis. Aged cheese contains high levels of tyramine, which can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure when combined with MAOIs. Fresh vegetables (B), grilled chicken (C), and fruit juices (D) do not have high levels of tyramine and can be safely consumed with MAOIs. It is crucial for patients taking MAOIs to avoid foods rich in tyramine to prevent adverse reactions.