What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder?
- A. Conducting a suicide assessment
- B. Arranging for placement in a group home
- C. Providing a low-stimulation environment
- D. Establishing trust and rapport
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conducting a suicide assessment is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. In this scenario, the immediate concern is to assess the risk of harm to the patient's life. It is crucial to determine if the overdose was intentional and if the patient has suicidal ideation or intent. Arranging for placement in a group home (choice B) may be necessary at a later stage depending on the patient's needs, but it is not the priority in this urgent situation. Providing a low-stimulation environment (choice C) and establishing trust and rapport (choice D) are important aspects of care but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in this case.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which therapeutic intervention is most appropriate for a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia?
- A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- B. Hypnotherapy
- C. Electroconvulsive therapy
- D. Pharmacotherapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypnotherapy is the most appropriate therapeutic intervention for a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia. This approach aims to help the patient recover lost memories in a controlled environment, allowing them to process and integrate their memories effectively. Hypnotherapy can assist in uncovering and addressing the underlying issues contributing to dissociative amnesia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking or behavior and may not directly address memory recovery. Electroconvulsive therapy is typically used for severe depression or certain mental disorders, not dissociative amnesia. Pharmacotherapy involves medication and is not the primary intervention for dissociative amnesia.
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.
What is an important aspect of patient education regarding buspirone when prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Buspirone is an as-needed medication for anxiety.
- B. Buspirone has a high risk of addiction and dependence.
- C. Buspirone may not become effective until 2-4 weeks after starting the medication.
- D. Buspirone should be taken with food to increase absorption.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When educating a patient about buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to highlight that buspirone may take 2-4 weeks to become effective. Patients need to be aware of this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue the medication as prescribed. This information helps patients understand that they may not experience immediate relief and should not discontinue the medication prematurely. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not as-needed, it has a lower risk of addiction compared to other anxiety medications, and it does not need to be taken with food for increased absorption.
When working with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which therapeutic approach is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
- B. Using exposure therapy to help the patient confront their fears.
- C. Advising the patient to focus on positive thoughts.
- D. Suggesting that the patient keep busy to distract from traumatic memories.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that involves gradually exposing the patient to their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This approach helps individuals confront and process their fears, reducing the impact of the traumatic event over time. Avoiding discussing the trauma (choice A) may lead to avoidance behaviors and hinder recovery. Focusing on positive thoughts (choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying trauma. Keeping busy to distract from memories (choice D) is a form of avoidance that does not help in processing the traumatic experiences. Therefore, using exposure therapy (choice B) is the most appropriate approach to effectively treat PTSD.
What is the primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias?
- A. To eliminate the phobia completely
- B. To gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety
- C. To teach the patient relaxation techniques
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary benefit of using exposure therapy for patients with phobias is to gradually reduce the patient's fear and anxiety. Exposure therapy involves exposing the individual to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner to help them confront their fears and learn that the perceived threat is not as harmful as initially believed. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to a decrease in anxiety and fear responses, helping the individual manage and overcome their phobia. Choice A is incorrect because exposure therapy aims to reduce fear and anxiety, not necessarily eliminate the phobia completely. Choice C is incorrect as although relaxation techniques might be part of the therapy, the primary goal is fear reduction. Choice D is incorrect as exposure therapy typically involves gradual exposure rather than providing immediate relief.