Nokea
What information should the nurse include in patient education for a patient prescribed valproic acid for bipolar disorder?
- A. Avoid consuming dairy products while taking this medication.
- B. Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor medication levels.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.
- D. It is safe to stop the medication abruptly if side effects occur.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regular blood tests are crucial when taking valproic acid to monitor the medication levels in the bloodstream. This monitoring helps ensure that the patient is receiving the correct dosage for effective treatment and to prevent adverse effects associated with either subtherapeutic or toxic levels of the medication. Choice A is incorrect because there is no specific interaction between valproic acid and dairy products. Choice C is incorrect as valproic acid can generally be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping valproic acid can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsening of the condition.
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Which therapeutic approach is most effective for managing borderline personality disorder?
- A. Dialectical behavior therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- C. Psychoanalysis
- D. Supportive therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the most effective therapeutic approach for managing borderline personality disorder. DBT is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on providing skills to cope with intense emotions, improve relationships, and regulate behavior. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in reducing self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and improving overall functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (Choice B) is a common and effective treatment for many mental health conditions but is not as specifically tailored to address the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder as DBT. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a more intensive and long-term therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious patterns and early life experiences, which may not be as practical or effective for the impulsive and emotional dysregulation seen in borderline personality disorder. Supportive therapy (Choice D) provides emotional support but lacks the structured skills training and strategies that are essential in managing borderline personality disorder.
For a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who spends several hours a day washing her hands, which type of therapy is most appropriate?
- A. Exposure and response prevention
- B. Dialectical behavior therapy
- C. Family therapy
- D. Interpersonal therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the most appropriate therapy for managing OCD. ERP involves exposing the patient to anxiety-provoking stimuli (such as touching dirty objects) and preventing the compulsive response (hand washing), thus helping the patient learn to tolerate the anxiety without performing the ritualistic behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) focuses more on emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, making it less suitable for directly addressing OCD symptoms. Family therapy and interpersonal therapy may be beneficial for other conditions or relationship issues but are not specifically designed to target OCD symptoms like ERP.
When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which symptom would most likely be observed?
- A. Euphoria
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Increased energy
- D. Racing thoughts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder often experience a pervasive feeling of emptiness and loss of interest in activities they used to find pleasurable. Euphoria, increased energy, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder.
Which medication is commonly prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder?
- A. Haloperidol
- B. Clonazepam
- C. Lithium
- D. Fluoxetine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder due to its anxiolytic properties. It helps reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks by acting on the central nervous system to produce a calming effect. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication, lithium is primarily used for bipolar disorder, and fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used for depression and some anxiety disorders, but not as a first-line treatment for panic disorder.
In managing a patient with anorexia nervosa, which initial treatment goal is most important?
- A. Addressing distorted body image
- B. Restoring nutritional status
- C. Resolving family conflicts
- D. Increasing social interactions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most crucial initial treatment goal for anorexia nervosa is restoring nutritional status. This is essential to prevent life-threatening complications associated with severe malnutrition, such as organ damage and cardiac issues. Addressing distorted body image, resolving family conflicts, and increasing social interactions are important aspects of treatment, but they are secondary to the critical need of restoring the patient's nutritional status to ensure their physical well-being and recovery.