During a panic attack, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet, non-stimulating environment.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, a quiet, non-stimulating environment is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This helps reduce stimuli that may exacerbate the panic attack and allows the individual to focus on calming down. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute panic attack as the focus should be on reducing stimuli. Administering medication should follow healthcare provider's orders and may not be the initial intervention. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in managing anxiety but may not be the priority during the acute phase of a panic attack where reducing stimuli is crucial.
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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.
What is a primary goal of treatment for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. To eliminate all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- B. To reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts
- C. To increase the patient's social interactions
- D. To improve the patient's sleep quality
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While complete elimination of all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be an ideal outcome, it is often unrealistic. Focusing on reducing the impact of these symptoms on the patient's daily life and functioning is more achievable and practical. Choices C and D are incorrect as they are not primary goals in the treatment of OCD. Increasing social interactions and improving sleep quality may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they are not the primary focus when managing OCD.
During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which question would be most appropriate?
- A. Do you often experience periods of sadness?
- B. Do you have difficulty controlling your worrying?
- C. Do you find yourself repeating behaviors or thoughts?
- D. Do you experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate question when assessing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to inquire about repeating behaviors or thoughts. This is a hallmark feature of OCD, where individuals often engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals to alleviate anxiety or distress. This behavior distinguishes OCD from other mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (choice B), major depressive disorder (choice A), and panic disorder (choice D). Therefore, recognizing repetitive behaviors or thoughts helps in identifying the presence of OCD and tailoring appropriate interventions for the patient.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is under the care of a nurse. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors.
- B. Allow the patient to perform their rituals, then gradually limit the time spent on these rituals.
- C. Discourage the patient from discussing their obsessions.
- D. Avoid setting limits on the patient's compulsive behaviors.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD, it is crucial to allow them to perform their rituals while gradually limiting the time spent on these rituals. This approach helps the patient feel supported while working towards reducing the compulsive behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because suppressing compulsive behaviors can increase anxiety and distress. Choice C is inappropriate as discussing obsessions is part of therapy. Choice D is not recommended as setting limits on compulsive behaviors is essential for treatment.
When working with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which therapeutic approach is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
- B. Using exposure therapy to help the patient confront their fears.
- C. Advising the patient to focus on positive thoughts.
- D. Suggesting that the patient keep busy to distract from traumatic memories.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that involves gradually exposing the patient to their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This approach helps individuals confront and process their fears, reducing the impact of the traumatic event over time. Avoiding discussing the trauma (choice A) may lead to avoidance behaviors and hinder recovery. Focusing on positive thoughts (choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying trauma. Keeping busy to distract from memories (choice D) is a form of avoidance that does not help in processing the traumatic experiences. Therefore, using exposure therapy (choice B) is the most appropriate approach to effectively treat PTSD.