Nokea
A patient with major depressive disorder is started on fluoxetine. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Increased appetite
- C. Nausea
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nausea. Fluoxetine, an SSRI antidepressant, commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. This is due to its effect on serotonin levels in the gut. Weight gain (A) and increased appetite (B) are less common side effects of fluoxetine. Dry mouth (D) is more commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants, not SSRIs. Monitoring for nausea is crucial to ensure patient compliance and well-being.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Mild bradycardia
- B. Electrolyte imbalances
- C. Slight hypotension
- D. Lanugo
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Electrolyte imbalances. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden death. This is the most concerning finding as it directly impacts the patient's health and can be life-threatening. Bradycardia (choice A) is common in anorexia but usually reversible with treatment. Slight hypotension (choice C) may occur due to dehydration but can be managed. Lanugo (choice D) is a reversible side effect of malnutrition and not as concerning as electrolyte imbalances.
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 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is prescribed fluvoxamine. What is a common side effect of this medication?
- A. Increased appetite
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Weight gain
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea. Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat OCD. Nausea is a common side effect of SSRI medications due to their impact on serotonin levels in the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to stomach upset and feelings of nausea. Increased appetite (A) and weight gain (C) are more commonly associated with other types of medications, such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. Dry mouth (B) is a side effect seen with some antidepressants, but it is not a common side effect of fluvoxamine.
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.