A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Increased energy
- B. Constipation
- C. Weight gain
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight gain. Lithium is known to cause weight gain as a common side effect in patients with bipolar disorder. This is due to its impact on the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. Monitoring for weight changes is crucial as it can affect the patient's overall health and well-being. Increased energy (A) is not a common side effect of lithium and can be a sign of hypomania or mania in bipolar disorder. Constipation (B) and dry mouth (D) are possible side effects of some medications, but they are not typically associated with lithium.
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A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?
- A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
- B. Monitoring the patient's weight weekly
- 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 weekly. This intervention is essential in the care plan for a patient with anorexia nervosa as it helps track their progress, assess nutritional status, and identify any concerning weight fluctuations. Regular weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress - This choice is incorrect as isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's eating disorder behaviors and hinder their recovery.
C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily - Exercise may not be appropriate for a patient with anorexia nervosa due to the risk of excessive physical activity exacerbating their condition.
D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet - While increasing calorie intake may be necessary for weight restoration, it should be done under close supervision by healthcare providers and tailored to the individual's needs, making this choice incorrect.
Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?
- A. Apathy
- B. Social withdrawal
- C. Delusions
- D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delusions. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to a person's normal repertoire of functioning. Delusions are a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality. Apathy (choice A) and social withdrawal (choice B) are negative symptoms, which involve a reduction or absence of normal behaviors. Flat affect (choice D) is also a negative symptom, referring to a lack of emotional expressiveness. In summary, delusions are the correct choice as they represent a positive symptom of schizophrenia, while the other choices are negative symptoms.
When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which of the following is a common cognitive symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Lack of appetite
- D. Negative self-talk
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Negative self-talk. In major depressive disorder, negative self-talk is a common cognitive symptom known as cognitive distortions. This includes thoughts of worthlessness, guilt, or self-criticism. This symptom is a key aspect of the cognitive triad in depression. Hallucinations and delusions are more indicative of psychotic disorders, while lack of appetite is a physical symptom commonly seen in depression but not a cognitive symptom. In summary, negative self-talk is the correct answer as it directly relates to the cognitive distortions commonly seen in major depressive disorder.
A patient is experiencing a manic episode. Which intervention is most effective?
- A. Encouraging the patient to participate in group activities
- B. Providing a low-stimulation environment
- C. Allowing the patient to move freely around the unit
- D. Engaging the patient in competitive games
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Providing a low-stimulation environment. This is effective because it helps reduce excessive sensory input which can trigger or exacerbate manic symptoms. Manic patients are often sensitive to stimuli, so a calm and quiet environment can help in de-escalating their agitation and hyperactivity.
A: Encouraging group activities can be overwhelming for a manic patient due to the increased stimulation and potential for overstimulation.
C: Allowing free movement may lead to risky behaviors or agitation, as the patient may not be able to self-regulate effectively.
D: Engaging in competitive games can escalate the manic symptoms and potentially lead to aggressive or impulsive behaviors.
In summary, providing a low-stimulation environment is the most effective intervention as it helps manage manic symptoms by reducing triggers and promoting a sense of calm.
A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to participate in physical activities.
- B. Providing a stimulating environment to keep the patient engaged.
- C. Allowing the patient to isolate until they feel better.
- D. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings and concerns.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because encouraging the patient to express their feelings and concerns is crucial in addressing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. This intervention can help the patient process their emotions, improve self-awareness, and facilitate therapeutic communication. It also promotes a supportive environment for the patient to receive appropriate care.
Incorrect choices:
A: While physical activities can be beneficial, they may not address the underlying emotional issues during a depressive episode.
B: Providing a stimulating environment might overwhelm the patient and worsen their symptoms.
C: Allowing the patient to isolate may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, and hinder recovery.