A patient with panic disorder is prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What should the nurse include in the patient's education?
- A. SSRIs are fast-acting medications that can relieve anxiety immediately.
- B. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of SSRIs to be felt.
- C. SSRIs have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
- D. The patient should discontinue the medication once they feel better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed with SSRIs need to be educated that it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of the medication to be experienced. This delay is important for patient understanding and compliance with the treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs do not provide immediate relief and may take weeks to show significant improvement. Choice C is inaccurate as SSRIs are not known for having a high potential for abuse and dependence. Choice D is incorrect as patients should never discontinue medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 32-year-old female patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which behavior would the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Complains of persistent and excessive worry.
- B. Frequently fidgets and has difficulty sitting still.
- C. Exhibits ritualistic behaviors.
- D. Reports periods of derealization.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), individuals often experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life. This worry is difficult to control and is disproportionate to the actual source of concern. The other options describe behaviors more commonly associated with other anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder (frequent fidgeting and difficulty sitting still), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ritualistic behaviors), and depersonalization/derealization disorder (periods of derealization). Therefore, the correct behavior to expect in a patient with GAD is persistent and excessive worry.
Which behavior is most characteristic of agoraphobia?
- A. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation
- B. Excessively washing hands to prevent contamination
- C. Experiencing unexpected panic attacks
- D. Having a fear of gaining weight
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Agoraphobia is characterized by the avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation aligns with this fear of being in situations where escape might be challenging, making choice A the most characteristic behavior of agoraphobia. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the core feature of agoraphobia, which is the avoidance of situations perceived as difficult to escape from.
What is the primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias?
- A. To eliminate the phobia completely
- B. To gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety
- C. To teach the patient relaxation techniques
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias is to gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety. Exposure therapy involves exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner to help them confront their fears and learn that the perceived threat is not as harmful as initially believed. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to a decrease in anxiety and fear responses, helping the individual manage and overcome their phobia. Choice A is incorrect because exposure therapy aims to reduce fear and anxiety, not necessarily eliminate the phobia completely. Choice C is incorrect as although relaxation techniques might be part of the therapy, the primary goal is fear reduction. Choice D is incorrect as exposure therapy typically involves gradual exposure rather than providing immediate relief.
A nurse is providing education to a patient newly prescribed buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I can take this medication as needed for immediate relief of anxiety.
- B. It may take several weeks before I notice the full effects of the medication.
- C. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- D. This medication is less likely to make me drowsy compared to other anxiety medications.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with specific phobia?
- A. To eliminate the phobic response completely
- B. To increase the patient's exposure to the feared object
- C. To help the patient confront and reduce their fear gradually
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with a specific phobia is to help them confront their fear gradually, leading to a reduction in their fear response over time. This gradual exposure helps the individual learn to manage and cope with their phobia, ultimately reducing the intensity of their fear reactions. Choice A is incorrect because while the goal is to reduce the fear response, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on increasing exposure but on gradual confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as the therapy aims for long-term reduction rather than immediate relief.