What is the primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) when treating a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
- A. To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories
- B. To help the patient change negative thought patterns
- C. To help the patient develop relaxation techniques
- D. To help the patient avoid triggers
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To help the patient confront and process traumatic memories. In EMDR for PTSD, the primary goal is to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories to reduce their emotional charge and associated distress. By confronting and processing these memories, the patient can reprocess them in a healthier way, leading to symptom reduction and improved functioning. Other choices are incorrect because EMDR does not solely focus on changing negative thought patterns (B), developing relaxation techniques (C), or avoiding triggers (D) as its primary goal. The essence of EMDR lies in the desensitization and reprocessing of traumatic memories to promote healing and recovery from PTSD symptoms.
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When a patient is diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which nursing diagnosis should be the priority?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
- B. Risk for suicide
- C. Disturbed sleep pattern
- D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for suicide. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because individuals with major depressive disorder have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing and addressing this risk is crucial for patient safety. Choice A is not the priority as nutritional imbalances may not pose immediate harm compared to suicide risk. Choice C, disturbed sleep pattern, and choice D, ineffective coping, are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of suicide in a patient with major depressive disorder.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed sertraline. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Weight gain
- C. Insomnia
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. This occurs due to increased serotonin levels affecting the digestive system. Dry mouth (A) is more common with other medications like anticholinergics. Weight gain (B) is a potential side effect of some antidepressants but not typically with sertraline. Insomnia (C) can occur with SSRIs, but it is less common than nausea as an initial side effect. Monitoring for nausea is essential to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment and well-being.
A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Decreased interest in activities
- B. Feelings of worthlessness
- C. Difficulty sleeping
- D. Changes in appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Difficulty sleeping. This finding is most concerning because it can indicate severe depression or potential suicidal ideation. Insomnia is a common symptom of major depressive disorder and can exacerbate the patient's condition. It is important to address sleep disturbances promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Rationale for why other choices are incorrect:
A: Decreased interest in activities is a common symptom of major depressive disorder but may not necessarily indicate immediate risk.
B: Feelings of worthlessness are also common in depression but may not be as urgent as sleep disturbances.
D: Changes in appetite can be a symptom of depression, but difficulty sleeping poses a more immediate concern for potential harm to the patient's well-being.
A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Mild bradycardia
- B. Electrolyte imbalances
- C. Slight hypotension
- D. Lanugo
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Electrolyte imbalances. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden death. This is the most concerning finding as it directly impacts the patient's health and can be life-threatening. Bradycardia (choice A) is common in anorexia but usually reversible with treatment. Slight hypotension (choice C) may occur due to dehydration but can be managed. Lanugo (choice D) is a reversible side effect of malnutrition and not as concerning as electrolyte imbalances.
A healthcare provider is developing a care plan for a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should be included to help the patient manage flashbacks?
- A. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly.
- B. Teaching the patient grounding techniques.
- C. Encouraging the patient to use relaxation techniques.
- D. Helping the patient develop a safety plan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Teaching the patient grounding techniques. Grounding techniques help individuals with PTSD manage flashbacks by bringing their focus back to the present moment and reality. This can include techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and using the five senses to connect with the environment. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly (A) can be overwhelming and retraumatizing. Relaxation techniques (C) may not be effective during a flashback when the individual is in a hyperaroused state. Developing a safety plan (D) is important but is more focused on preventing future crises rather than managing flashbacks in the moment.