What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with specific phobia?
- A. To eliminate the phobic response completely
- B. To increase the patient's exposure to the feared object
- C. To help the patient confront and reduce their fear gradually
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with a specific phobia is to help them confront their fear gradually, leading to a reduction in their fear response over time. This gradual exposure helps the individual learn to manage and cope with their phobia, ultimately reducing the intensity of their fear reactions. Choice A is incorrect because while the goal is to reduce the fear response, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on increasing exposure but on gradual confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as the therapy aims for long-term reduction rather than immediate relief.
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After a severe automobile accident, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were brought to the hospital. Mrs. Johnson is unable to remember anything about the accident or the two days preceding it. The nurse recognizes this as:
- A. Generalized amnesia
- B. Localized amnesia
- C. Selective amnesia
- D. Continuous amnesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to an inability to recall specific events, often traumatic, within a particular time frame. In this case, Mrs. Johnson's memory loss about the accident and the preceding two days aligns with the characteristics of localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia involves a more extensive memory loss, often encompassing a person's entire life, which is not the case here. Selective amnesia involves forgetting specific details but not a whole chunk of time like in this scenario. Continuous amnesia is not a recognized term in psychology.
Which therapeutic approach is most effective for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Psychoanalytic therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- C. Humanistic therapy
- D. Gestalt therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapeutic approach for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It focuses on changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, providing practical strategies to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT in treating GAD by helping patients develop coping mechanisms and skills to address their anxiety. Choice A, Psychoanalytic therapy, is not the most effective for GAD as it primarily focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences rather than providing immediate coping strategies. Choice C, Humanistic therapy, emphasizes personal growth and self-improvement, which may not directly target the specific symptoms of GAD. Choice D, Gestalt therapy, focuses on increasing self-awareness and personal responsibility, which might not address the cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns associated with GAD as directly as CBT does.
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.
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.
Which intervention should a healthcare professional implement to help a patient with social anxiety disorder?
- A. Encourage participation in group therapy sessions.
- B. Suggest practicing relaxation techniques during social interactions.
- C. Advise the patient to avoid social situations that cause anxiety.
- D. Teach the patient cognitive restructuring techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching cognitive restructuring techniques is an effective intervention for patients with social anxiety disorder. This approach helps individuals challenge and change their negative thought patterns, leading to improved coping mechanisms in social situations. Choice A, encouraging participation in group therapy sessions, may be overwhelming for individuals with social anxiety. Choice B, suggesting relaxation techniques, may offer short-term relief but does not address the underlying cognitive distortions. Choice C, advising avoidance of social situations, reinforces avoidance behaviors and does not promote long-term improvement in managing social anxiety.