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.
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When developing a care plan for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which long-term goal is most appropriate?
- A. The patient will experience no episodes of anxiety.
- B. The patient will recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts.
- C. The patient will avoid situations that cause anxiety.
- D. The patient will take medication as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate long-term goal for managing generalized anxiety disorder is for the patient to recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts. By addressing and modifying these thoughts, the patient can develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their anxiety more effectively in the long term. Choices A and C are not ideal long-term goals as complete elimination of anxiety episodes or avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations may not be realistic or sustainable. Choice D focuses solely on medication adherence, which is important but does not address the core cognitive-behavioral aspects of managing anxiety in GAD.
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.
Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Frequent panic attacks
- B. Persistent and excessive worry
- C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
- D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent and excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things, even when there is little or no reason to worry. This worry is difficult to control and can significantly impact daily life. While panic attacks, recurrent intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors can occur in other anxiety disorders, persistent and excessive worry is the hallmark symptom of GAD. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary symptom associated with GAD.
When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, which nursing intervention is a priority?
- A. Providing detailed education about the condition
- B. Monitoring for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation
- C. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events
- D. Helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Ensuring patient safety is crucial, as individuals with this disorder may be at increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviors. Providing education about the condition is beneficial but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events can be detrimental and should be done cautiously under professional guidance. While helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity is important in the long term, it is not the immediate priority when safety is a concern.
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
- B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
- C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
- D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.