Nokea
A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which symptom would be considered a positive symptom of this disorder?
- A. Alogia
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Delusions
- D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delusions are considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech or behavior. In contrast, negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, like alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and flat affect (reduced expression of emotions). Therefore, in the context of schizophrenia, delusions fall under the category of positive symptoms.
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Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety?
- A. Insomnia
- B. Weight gain
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drowsiness is a common side effect of benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety. Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness as a side effect. This sedative effect is often desired in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but individuals should be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, while taking these medications. Insomnia, weight gain, and increased appetite are not typically associated with benzodiazepines; instead, drowsiness and sedation are more common side effects.
When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which symptom would most likely be observed?
- A. Euphoria
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Increased energy
- D. Racing thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder often experience a pervasive feeling of emptiness and loss of interest in activities they used to find pleasurable. Euphoria, increased energy, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder.
Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Flashbacks
- B. Excessive worry
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive worry is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience persistent and excessive worry or anxiety about a variety of situations or activities, even when there is little or no reason to worry. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life, distinguishing it as a key feature of GAD. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), not GAD. Hallucinations are not typically seen in GAD but may be present in conditions like schizophrenia. Compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not GAD.
Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Use a firm, authoritative approach.
- C. Stay with the patient and provide a quiet environment.
- D. Suggest the patient watch TV to distract themselves.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During a severe anxiety episode, it's crucial to stay with the patient and create a quiet environment. This approach helps reduce anxiety by providing a sense of safety and support. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute episode of severe anxiety. Using a firm, authoritative approach can escalate the situation and worsen the anxiety. Suggesting distractions like watching TV may not address the root cause of the anxiety or provide the necessary support.
Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
- A. Haloperidol
- B. Fluoxetine
- C. Methylphenidate
- D. Clozapine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used in the treatment of ADHD. It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD. Haloperidol and clozapine are antipsychotic medications typically used for other conditions such as schizophrenia, while fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the correct answer is Methylphenidate (Choice C).