Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with a phobia of flying?
- A. Exposure therapy
- B. Cognitive restructuring
- C. Medication management
- D. Psychoeducation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Exposure therapy is considered the most appropriate intervention for a patient with a phobia of flying. This therapeutic approach involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared stimulus, in this case, flying, in a controlled and supportive environment. By facing the fear in a structured manner, the patient can learn to manage their anxiety response and eventually reduce their phobia-related symptoms. While cognitive restructuring may help change negative thought patterns and medication management can alleviate symptoms, exposure therapy is specifically designed to address phobias through systematic desensitization, making it the most suitable intervention in this scenario. Psychoeducation aims to provide information and support but may not directly target the phobia itself.
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A patient with major depressive disorder is started on venlafaxine. Which class of antidepressant does this medication belong to?
- A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- B. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- D. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Venlafaxine is classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs work by increasing the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps alleviate symptoms of depression. This mechanism of action distinguishes SNRIs from other classes of antidepressants like SSRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs, making venlafaxine an effective choice for patients with major depressive disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A, SSRIs, primarily target serotonin reuptake only. Choice B, TCAs, work by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, but they are not as selective as SNRIs. Choice C, MAOIs, inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, leading to increased levels of various neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine, but they are typically used as second- or third-line agents due to dietary restrictions and potential side effects.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is undergoing treatment with an SSRI. Which SSRI is commonly utilized for this condition?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Citalopram
- C. Paroxetine
- D. Escitalopram
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder due to its efficacy in managing OCD symptoms. While different SSRIs may be used based on individual patient response and tolerability, Paroxetine stands out as a well-established option for treating OCD. Fluoxetine (Choice A) is another SSRI commonly used for OCD, but Paroxetine is more commonly associated with this indication. Citalopram (Choice B) and Escitalopram (Choice D) are also SSRIs but are not typically the first choice for treating OCD.
Which of the following is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications?
- A. Hyperactivity
- B. Weight loss
- C. Extrapyramidal symptoms
- D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors and rigidity, are frequently observed as side effects of antipsychotic medications. These symptoms result from the medications' influence on dopamine receptors in the brain. Choice A, hyperactivity, is not a typical side effect of antipsychotic medications. Choice B, weight loss, is less common compared to weight gain. Choice D, insomnia, though possible, is not as prevalent as extrapyramidal symptoms in individuals taking antipsychotic medications.
During a panic attack, what is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient with panic disorder?
- A. Encourage the patient to verbalize their feelings.
- B. Provide reassurance and stay with the patient.
- C. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
- D. Distract the patient with a task.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority intervention for the nurse is to provide reassurance and stay with the patient. This action helps reduce fear and provides a sense of safety, which can aid in calming the patient and preventing further escalation of the panic attack. Encouraging the patient to verbalize their feelings (Choice A) may be beneficial after the acute phase of the panic attack. Leaving the patient alone (Choice C) may increase feelings of abandonment and escalate the panic attack. Distracting the patient with a task (Choice D) is not recommended during a panic attack as it may divert attention but not address the underlying anxiety and fear.
A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with schizophrenia. Which symptom would be considered a positive symptom of this disorder?
- A. Alogia
- B. Anhedonia
- C. Delusions
- D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delusions are considered a positive symptom of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms represent an excess or distortion of normal functions, such as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized speech or behavior. In contrast, negative symptoms involve a decrease or absence of normal functions, like alogia (poverty of speech), anhedonia (inability to experience pleasure), and flat affect (reduced expression of emotions). Therefore, in the context of schizophrenia, delusions fall under the category of positive symptoms.