What is the most effective initial intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to discuss their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the most effective initial intervention is to provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient. This approach can help the patient feel safe and supported, which may help reduce the intensity and duration of the panic attack. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings may not be helpful during the acute phase of a panic attack as it can be overwhelming. Administering prescribed medication immediately is not typically the first-line intervention for panic attacks. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in the long term but may not be the most effective immediate intervention during a panic attack.
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Which patient statement suggests the presence of dissociative amnesia?
- A. I keep forgetting where I put my keys.
- B. I don't remember the accident that brought me here or the past two days.
- C. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching myself from outside my body.
- D. I often lose track of time when I'm reading.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement reflects a significant gap in memory related to a traumatic event, which is characteristic of dissociative amnesia. Choice A is more indicative of normal forgetfulness and absentmindedness. Choice C suggests depersonalization or dissociative identity disorder rather than dissociative amnesia. Choice D describes a common experience related to concentration while reading, not memory loss as seen in dissociative amnesia.
What is the primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders?
- A. It focuses on 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 using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders is that it helps patients understand and change their thought patterns. By addressing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors, CBT can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve coping mechanisms. This approach empowers individuals to develop healthier responses to anxiety triggers, leading to long-lasting benefits beyond solely relying on medications or avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because CBT does not primarily focus on long-term use of medications, addressing childhood traumas, or encouraging avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations. While medications may be used in conjunction with CBT, the main focus of CBT is on cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Which assessment finding best supports dissociative fugue?
- A. The patient states that he cannot remember important information about himself.
- B. The patient is found to be wandering in a park and cannot remember his name or where he lives.
- C. The patient reports feeling as if she is outside her body and observing herself from a distance.
- D. The patient has a sudden onset of symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The key feature of dissociative fugue is sudden, unexpected travel away from home during which the individual may not be able to recall their identity or past events. Choice B best reflects this by describing a scenario where the patient is found wandering in a park and unable to remember their name or residence, which aligns with the characteristic dissociative amnesia seen in dissociative fugue. Choices A, C, and D do not directly support dissociative fugue. Choice A refers more to general dissociative amnesia, Choice C describes depersonalization/derealization disorder, and Choice D suggests acute stress reaction rather than dissociative fugue.
Which symptom is most commonly associated with social anxiety disorder?
- A. Fear of speaking in public
- B. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
- C. Flashbacks of traumatic events
- D. Persistent low mood
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fear of speaking in public is a hallmark symptom of social anxiety disorder. Individuals with social anxiety disorder often experience intense fear or anxiety about social situations where they may be scrutinized or judged by others, such as speaking in public. This fear can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life, making it a key feature in diagnosing social anxiety disorder. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, and persistent low mood are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, respectively. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it aligns with the characteristic symptom of social anxiety disorder.
A patient with social anxiety disorder is starting cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which statement by the nurse best explains the purpose of this therapy?
- A. CBT will help you understand and change your thought patterns.
- B. CBT will focus on exploring your childhood experiences.
- C. CBT will teach you relaxation techniques to use in social situations.
- D. CBT will help you avoid situations that cause anxiety.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a structured, short-term psychotherapy that aims to help patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. By understanding and altering these patterns, individuals can learn to manage and alleviate their symptoms effectively. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately describes the purpose of CBT for social anxiety disorder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is incorrect because while childhood experiences may be explored, the primary focus of CBT is on thought patterns and behaviors in the present. C is incorrect because although relaxation techniques may be a component of CBT, the primary goal is not just to teach relaxation but to address underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns. D is incorrect because the goal of CBT is not avoidance but rather to confront and manage anxiety-provoking situations.