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A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours washing their hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to stop washing their hands
- B. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
- C. Ignoring the patient's behavior
- D. Setting strict limits on the time allowed for hand washing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times. This option acknowledges the patient's need for hand washing while also setting boundaries. By allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times, the nurse can help establish a routine and gradually reduce the excessive hand washing behavior. Encouraging the patient to stop washing hands (A) may increase anxiety and resistance. Ignoring the behavior (C) can reinforce it. Setting strict limits (D) may cause distress and worsen the OCD symptoms. Option B strikes a balance between addressing the patient's needs and promoting healthier behaviors.
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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.
Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?
- A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- B. Fear of social situations
- C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
- D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. This is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder as individuals often engage in reckless behaviors without considering the consequences. They may have self-harming tendencies and engage in impulsive actions like substance abuse or risky sexual behavior.
A: Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
B: Fear of social situations is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
C: Grandiose sense of self-importance is a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
In summary, impulsive and self-destructive behaviors are key features of borderline personality disorder, distinguishing it from other mental health conditions.
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.
A patient with panic disorder is prescribed alprazolam. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
- A. Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you.
- B. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- C. Take the medication at bedtime to help with sleep.
- D. Increase the dose if you do not feel better in a few days.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. This is crucial because alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. It is important to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam does not necessarily need to be taken with food. Choice C is incorrect as alprazolam is typically taken during the day due to its sedative effects. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the dose without medical guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.
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.