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A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can take this medication 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 take this medication consistently every day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Buspirone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis. It should be taken consistently every day to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Choice B is correct as it accurately reflects that buspirone may take a few weeks to reach its full effect. Choice C is also correct as buspirone indeed has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. Choice D is correct because taking buspirone consistently every day is the appropriate way to use this medication.
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A patient with bipolar disorder is being educated by a nurse on the importance of medication adherence. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?
- A. I will take my medication only when I feel manic symptoms.
- B. I understand that I need to take my medication regularly, even if I feel well.
- C. I will stop taking my medication if I experience side effects.
- D. I will take my medication whenever I remember.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Taking medication regularly, even when feeling well, is crucial in managing bipolar disorder. Choice A is incorrect because medication adherence should not be based on symptoms alone. Choice C is incorrect as stopping medication due to side effects should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect because relying on memory may lead to missed doses, impacting treatment effectiveness.
What is a priority intervention for a patient with severe anxiety?
- A. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail.
- B. Providing a calm and quiet environment.
- C. Encouraging the patient to participate in group activities.
- D. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a patient experiencing severe anxiety, providing a calm and quiet environment is a priority intervention. This approach helps reduce stimuli and anxiety levels, creating a more soothing atmosphere for the individual. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail or participate in group activities may be beneficial in certain situations, but establishing a peaceful setting takes precedence when managing severe anxiety. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan, although important, may not be the immediate priority when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety and needs a calming environment first.
Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
- A. Sertraline
- B. Diazepam
- C. Methylphenidate
- D. Clozapine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methylphenidate is the correct answer. It is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain that are involved in attention and impulse control. Sertraline is an antidepressant used for depression, anxiety, and other conditions, not ADHD. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine mainly prescribed for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizures, not ADHD. Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication used for schizophrenia when other medications are ineffective, not for ADHD.
Which intervention is most appropriate to promote the self-esteem of a patient with severe depression?
- A. Encouraging the patient to spend time alone for self-reflection.
- B. Involving the patient in simple, achievable activities to ensure success.
- C. Allowing the patient to rest and avoid responsibilities.
- D. Providing frequent reassurances and compliments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Involving the patient in simple, achievable activities is a constructive approach to promote self-esteem by fostering a sense of accomplishment and success. This method encourages positive reinforcement and helps the patient regain confidence and self-worth, which are essential in managing depression. Choice A could potentially lead to rumination and worsen depressive symptoms. Choice C might reinforce avoidance behaviors and hinder progress. Choice D, while supportive, may not address the core need for building self-esteem through personal achievements.
A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'
- A. A higher dosage
- B. Once-a-week dosing
- C. A lower dosage
- D. A different drug
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: As the patient transitions to maintenance therapy, the typical approach involves decreasing the dosage to a lower level. This adjustment is made to find the minimum effective dose needed for symptom control while reducing the potential side effects associated with long-term use. Choosing a higher dosage (A) would not align with the goal of maintenance therapy, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. Once-a-week dosing (B) is not a common adjustment for lithium, which is usually prescribed daily for bipolar disorder. Switching to a different drug (D) is typically considered if the current medication is ineffective or intolerable, not as a routine step in transitioning to maintenance therapy.