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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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The school staff has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The staff recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:
- A. The need to dominate others
- B. Inventing traumatic events
- C. A need to develop close relationships
- D. A potential symptom of traumatization
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This behavior of playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of causing fear may suggest that the child is displaying potential symptoms of traumatization. It could indicate that the child has experienced or witnessed traumatic events, leading to the replication of such scenarios as a coping mechanism or way to process the trauma. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the behavior described is more indicative of a potential trauma response rather than a need to dominate others, invent traumatic events, or develop close relationships.
Which of the following interventions is most effective in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors.
- B. Helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational.
- C. Providing the patient with a structured daily routine.
- D. Allowing the patient to avoid situations that trigger their obsessions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational. This cognitive-behavioral approach can assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors by challenging and reframing maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns associated with OCD. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors (choice A) reinforces the compulsive behavior rather than addressing the underlying issue. Providing a structured daily routine (choice C) may help in some cases but does not directly target the irrational thoughts and beliefs. Allowing the patient to avoid trigger situations (choice D) can provide temporary relief but does not address the core problem of irrational thoughts and behaviors.
A patient is being discharged with a prescription for an antidepressant for their depression. Which instruction is most important?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Refrain from driving until you understand the effects of the medication.
- C. Do not discontinue the medication suddenly.
- D. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most critical instruction is to not discontinue the antidepressant medication suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially trigger a relapse of depression. Options A, B, and D are important but not as crucial as ensuring the patient follows the prescribed regimen and consults with a healthcare provider before making any changes to the medication routine.
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.
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.