In treating PTSD, which type of therapy is most commonly recommended?
- A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- B. Psychoanalytic therapy
- C. Humanistic therapy
- D. Gestalt therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly recommended therapy for PTSD due to its effectiveness in helping patients identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with trauma. This therapy focuses on providing practical coping strategies to manage symptoms and process traumatic experiences. Psychoanalytic therapy, humanistic therapy, and gestalt therapy are less commonly used for PTSD as they may not target the specific symptoms and cognitive distortions associated with this disorder.
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What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment to help the patient feel safe and reduce sensory overload. This approach can help the patient focus on calming down and regaining control. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may exacerbate the panic attack by increasing stress and arousal levels. Administering medication should be done following healthcare provider's orders, as it may not be appropriate to give medication immediately without proper assessment. Teaching relaxation techniques might not be effective during the acute phase of a panic attack when the individual is overwhelmed by intense anxiety.
When developing a care plan for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which short-term goal is most appropriate?
- A. The patient will experience no episodes of anxiety within the next week.
- B. The patient will learn and practice relaxation techniques.
- C. The patient will avoid all anxiety-provoking situations.
- D. The patient will be medication-free within a month.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B, 'The patient will learn and practice relaxation techniques,' is the most appropriate short-term goal for managing generalized anxiety disorder. Teaching relaxation techniques can help the patient develop coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety levels in the immediate future, making it a realistic and beneficial goal. Options A and C are not feasible in the short term as complete elimination of anxiety episodes or avoidance of all anxiety-provoking situations may not be achievable or practical within a week. Option D is not a suitable short-term goal as it overlooks the potential need for medication in managing generalized anxiety disorder.
Which symptom is most indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Flashbacks of traumatic events
- B. Persistent, intrusive thoughts
- C. Frequent mood swings
- D. Auditory hallucinations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent, intrusive thoughts are a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Individuals with OCD experience persistent and unwanted thoughts or obsessions that are intrusive and cause significant distress. These thoughts often lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions to try to alleviate the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. Flashbacks of traumatic events (Choice A), frequent mood swings (Choice C), and auditory hallucinations (Choice D) are not typical symptoms of OCD. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, mood swings can be seen in mood disorders, and auditory hallucinations are more characteristic of psychotic disorders.
What is the primary benefit of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with anxiety disorders?
- A. It focuses on the long-term use of medications.
- B. It helps patients understand and change their thought patterns.
- C. It primarily addresses childhood traumas.
- D. It encourages patients to avoid anxiety-provoking situations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary benefit of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with anxiety disorders is that it helps individuals understand and change their thought patterns. By doing so, patients can effectively reduce their anxiety levels by altering their responses to anxious thoughts and situations, leading to improved coping mechanisms and overall well-being. Choice A is incorrect because CBT does not focus on the long-term use of medications but rather on changing cognitive patterns. Choice C is incorrect because while CBT may address past experiences, its primary focus is on current thoughts and behaviors. Choice D is incorrect as CBT aims to help patients confront and manage anxiety-provoking situations rather than avoid them.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed fluoxetine for panic disorder. Which statement should be included in the teaching?
- A. You should notice the effects of this medication within a few days.
- B. It's important to take this medication only when you feel anxious.
- C. It may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of this medication.
- D. You can stop taking this medication as soon as you feel better.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that it may take several weeks before the patient notices the full effects of fluoxetine. This is because fluoxetine, like other SSRIs, requires time to reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect as fluoxetine does not show its effects within a few days. Choice B is incorrect as fluoxetine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when feeling anxious. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing fluoxetine abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a return of panic disorder symptoms.