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.
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Which of the following is a common side effect of benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety?
- A. Insomnia
- B. Weight gain
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drowsiness is a common side effect of benzodiazepines prescribed for anxiety. Benzodiazepines work by depressing the central nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness as a side effect. This sedative effect is often desired in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but individuals should be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, while taking these medications. Insomnia, weight gain, and increased appetite are not typically associated with benzodiazepines; instead, drowsiness and sedation are more common side effects.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. The nurse understands that buspirone is different from benzodiazepines because it:
- A. Has a high potential for abuse.
- B. Works immediately to relieve anxiety.
- C. Does not cause sedation.
- D. Is used for short-term treatment only.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buspirone is different from benzodiazepines because it does not cause sedation. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone has a lower potential for abuse and does not cause the sedative effects commonly seen with benzodiazepines. While benzodiazepines may work immediately to relieve anxiety, buspirone may take longer to show its therapeutic effects. Additionally, buspirone is not limited to short-term treatment only, making it a preferred choice in patients where sedation is a concern or in those with a history of substance abuse.
Which therapeutic approach is considered most effective for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- A. Cognitive processing therapy
- B. Psychoanalysis
- C. Medication management
- D. Group therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cognitive processing therapy is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been shown to be highly effective in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy focuses on helping individuals process and make sense of their traumatic experiences, leading to symptom reduction and improved coping mechanisms. Psychoanalysis, medication management, and group therapy can be beneficial in some cases, but cognitive processing therapy is specifically tailored for addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of PTSD. Psychoanalysis may not be as effective for PTSD due to its focus on unconscious conflicts rather than trauma processing. Medication management can be useful as an adjunct to therapy but does not address the core issues of PTSD. Group therapy can provide support but may not offer the individualized approach that cognitive processing therapy provides.
Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
- A. Haloperidol
- B. Fluoxetine
- C. Methylphenidate
- D. Clozapine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used in the treatment of ADHD. It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control in individuals with ADHD. Haloperidol and clozapine are antipsychotic medications typically used for other conditions such as schizophrenia, while fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the correct answer is Methylphenidate (Choice C).
In treating a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), what is the most appropriate goal of this therapy?
- A. To explore the patient's childhood experiences.
- B. To reduce the patient's symptoms through medication.
- C. To change the patient's negative thought patterns.
- D. To improve the patient's social skills.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is to change the patient's negative thought patterns. This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. Exploring childhood experiences (Choice A) may be part of therapy, but the primary focus is on present thoughts and behaviors. While medication (Choice B) can help manage symptoms, CBT aims to address the root cause through cognitive restructuring. Improving social skills (Choice D) is not the primary goal of CBT for GAD, although it may be a secondary benefit as confidence improves with reduced anxiety.