Nokea
When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would the nurse most likely observe?
- A. Flashbacks
- B. Excessive worry
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive worry is a characteristic feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, health, or family, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical in conditions like schizophrenia, while compulsive behaviors are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, in the context of GAD, excessive worry is the symptom that the nurse is most likely to observe.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient with agoraphobia is unable to leave home. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
- B. Gradual exposure to feared situations.
- C. Encourage the patient to attend social gatherings.
- D. Provide education about the disorder.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with agoraphobia, the priority intervention should be gradual exposure to feared situations. This approach helps the patient confront and gradually overcome their fear of leaving home, a common challenge in agoraphobia. By exposing the patient to feared situations in a step-by-step manner, they can learn to manage their anxiety and increase their confidence in leaving home. Teaching relaxation techniques (Choice A) can be beneficial but may not address the core issue of avoidance behavior. Encouraging the patient to attend social gatherings (Choice C) can be overwhelming and counterproductive at the initial stage of treatment. Providing education about the disorder (Choice D) is important but should come after addressing the immediate need for exposure therapy.
A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage the patient to ignore the voices.
- B. Engage the patient in a reality-based activity.
- C. Provide a quiet environment to reduce stimulation.
- D. Ask the patient to describe the hallucinations in detail.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Engaging the patient in a reality-based activity is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with schizophrenia experiencing hallucinations. This intervention can help distract the patient from the hallucinations and reorient them to the present, promoting a connection with reality and potentially reducing distress associated with the hallucinations. Choice A, encouraging the patient to ignore the voices, may not be effective as it can be challenging for the patient to dismiss the hallucinations. Choice C, providing a quiet environment, is helpful but may not directly address the hallucinations. Choice D, asking the patient to describe the hallucinations in detail, may increase the patient's focus on the hallucinations, potentially worsening distress.
Which of the following is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Sexual dysfunction
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a commonly reported side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can affect sexual function by causing issues such as decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or anorgasmia. Patients should be educated about these potential side effects when starting SSRIs to facilitate informed decision-making and appropriate management strategies.
Incorrect Choices:
A) Hypotension is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
C) Increased appetite is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
D) Tachycardia is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
Which medication is commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder?
- A. Sertraline
- B. Valproic acid
- C. Clozapine
- D. Haloperidol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Valproic acid is commonly prescribed as a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps in controlling mood swings, preventing manic episodes, and reducing the risk of depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Sertraline is an antidepressant typically used for major depressive disorder and other anxiety disorders, not for bipolar disorder. Clozapine and Haloperidol are antipsychotic medications primarily used in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, not as first-line treatments for bipolar disorder.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed venlafaxine. The nurse should educate the patient about which potential side effect?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, can lead to hypertension as a side effect. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly at higher doses. Educating the patient about this potential adverse effect is crucial to enhance awareness and monitoring for any signs or symptoms of elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because venlafaxine is more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension, bradycardia, or hyperglycemia.