Nokea
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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What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Sertraline
- C. Buspirone
- D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Buspirone. Buspirone is frequently prescribed for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it is a non-addictive anxiolytic medication that is effective in managing chronic anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or tolerance. It works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety levels.
A: Fluoxetine and B: Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly used for depression and some types of anxiety disorders, but they are not typically first-line treatments for GAD.
D: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is fast-acting but carries a high risk of dependence and tolerance, making it less suitable for long-term management of GAD.
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 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 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 generalized anxiety disorder is being taught about buspirone. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching?
- A. I should take this medication consistently rather than on an as-needed basis.
- B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
- C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
- D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Buspirone is not meant for immediate relief, so taking it consistently is crucial for its effectiveness.
2. Buspirone takes time to build up in the body and show its full effect, usually a few weeks.
3. Buspirone is known for having a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
4. Taking buspirone consistently is essential, unlike benzodiazepines which are often taken on an as-needed basis.
Therefore, choice A is incorrect as it goes against the appropriate usage of buspirone for treating generalized anxiety disorder.