A patient with panic disorder is being cared for by a healthcare provider. Which medication is commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment?
- A. Benzodiazepines
- B. Tricyclic antidepressants
- C. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- D. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed as a first-line treatment for panic disorder due to their efficacy and lower risk of dependence and tolerance development compared to benzodiazepines. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are not typically recommended as initial treatments for panic disorder because of their side effect profiles and the availability of safer and more effective options like SSRIs.
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A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates effective understanding of the medication?
- A. I will take this medication only when I feel anxious.
- B. I should start feeling less anxious within a few days.
- C. This medication can be addictive if taken for a long time.
- D. It may take a few weeks for this medication to become effective.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because buspirone may take a few weeks to become effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients should be aware of this delay and not expect immediate relief from their symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not just when feeling anxious. Choice B is incorrect because the onset of action for buspirone is gradual, and patients should not expect immediate relief within a few days. Choice C is incorrect because buspirone is not considered addictive, unlike some other medications used for anxiety disorders.
Which intervention should a healthcare professional implement to help a patient with social anxiety disorder?
- A. Encourage participation in group therapy sessions.
- B. Suggest practicing relaxation techniques during social interactions.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid social situations that cause anxiety.
- D. Teach the patient cognitive restructuring techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching cognitive restructuring techniques is an effective intervention for patients with social anxiety disorder. This approach helps individuals challenge and change their negative thought patterns, leading to improved coping mechanisms in social situations. Choice A, encouraging participation in group therapy sessions, may be overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety. Choice B, suggesting relaxation techniques, may offer short-term relief but does not address the underlying cognitive distortions. Choice C, advising avoidance of social situations, reinforces avoidance behaviors and does not promote long-term improvement in managing social anxiety.
In dissociative identity disorder, a patient exhibits different personalities, each with distinct behaviors and memories. The nurse recognizes that this fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for:
- A. Current stressors
- B. Developmental issues
- C. Traumatic experiences
- D. Family dynamics
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In dissociative identity disorder, the fragmentation of identity serves as a coping mechanism for traumatic experiences. Individuals may develop different identities to help them manage and cope with overwhelming and traumatic events from their past. These distinct personalities often emerge as a way to protect the individual from the emotional pain associated with their traumatic experiences. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dissociative identity disorder is primarily associated with coping mechanisms related to past traumatic experiences, rather than current stressors, developmental issues, or family dynamics.
A patient diagnosed with panic disorder asks the nurse about the purpose of deep breathing exercises. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. Deep breathing helps distract you from your anxiety.
- B. Deep breathing can prevent future panic attacks.
- C. Deep breathing helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
- D. Deep breathing increases your overall lung capacity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a safe, calm environment.
- C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
- D. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to provide a safe, calm environment. This action is crucial as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety and creates a sense of security, which can aid in managing the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, administering medication, or teaching deep breathing exercises can be beneficial interventions, but creating a safe and calm environment takes precedence in addressing the immediate needs of the patient during a panic attack.