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A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should take my medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- B. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I might experience some improvement in mood within a few weeks.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. It is crucial for patients to understand that they should not stop taking their medication once they feel better. Discontinuing antidepressants abruptly can lead to a relapse of depressive symptoms. Patients should continue taking their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start feeling better, to ensure the best outcomes in managing major depressive disorder. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements. Taking medication with food can help reduce stomach upset, avoiding alcohol is essential while on sertraline to prevent interactions, and experiencing some improvement in mood within a few weeks is a common expectation when starting an antidepressant like sertraline.
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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.
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 patient is being assessed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?
- A. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life.
- B. Extreme mood swings between euphoria and depression.
- C. Persistent thoughts of self-harm.
- D. Hearing voices that others do not hear.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly present with excessive worrying about various aspects of life. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark symptom of GAD and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Extreme mood swings (choice B), persistent thoughts of self-harm (choice C), and auditory hallucinations (choice D) are more indicative of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, respectively. These symptoms are not specific to GAD.
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.
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.