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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.
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A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is being taught about buspirone. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching?
- A. I should take this medication consistently rather than on an as-needed basis.
- B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
- C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
- D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Buspirone is not meant for immediate relief, so taking it consistently is crucial for its effectiveness.
2. Buspirone takes time to build up in the body and show its full effect, usually a few weeks.
3. Buspirone is known for having a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
4. Taking buspirone consistently is essential, unlike benzodiazepines which are often taken on an as-needed basis.
Therefore, choice A is incorrect as it goes against the appropriate usage of buspirone for treating generalized anxiety disorder.
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.
What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Sertraline
- C. Buspirone
- D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Buspirone. Buspirone is frequently prescribed for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it is a non-addictive anxiolytic medication that is effective in managing chronic anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or tolerance. It works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety levels.
A: Fluoxetine and B: Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly used for depression and some types of anxiety disorders, but they are not typically first-line treatments for GAD.
D: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is fast-acting but carries a high risk of dependence and tolerance, making it less suitable for long-term management of GAD.
When developing a care plan for a patient with borderline personality disorder, which intervention should be included to address self-harm behaviors?
- A. Encouraging the patient to keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings.
- B. Setting clear and consistent boundaries with the patient.
- C. Providing the patient with coping skills to manage their emotions.
- D. Developing a safety plan with the patient.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, developing a safety plan with the patient. This intervention is crucial for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder. A safety plan helps the patient identify triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and support networks to prevent self-harm. It also outlines specific steps to take in a crisis situation. This intervention is more direct and practical compared to the other options.
A: Keeping a journal may be helpful for self-reflection but may not provide immediate strategies to prevent self-harm.
B: Setting boundaries is important but may not directly address self-harm behaviors.
C: Providing coping skills is beneficial, but a safety plan is more specific and tailored to managing self-harm risks.
In summary, developing a safety plan is the most effective intervention for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed sertraline. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Weight gain
- C. Insomnia
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. This occurs due to increased serotonin levels affecting the digestive system. Dry mouth (A) is more common with other medications like anticholinergics. Weight gain (B) is a potential side effect of some antidepressants but not typically with sertraline. Insomnia (C) can occur with SSRIs, but it is less common than nausea as an initial side effect. Monitoring for nausea is essential to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment and well-being.