What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
- B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
- C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
- D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because focusing on deep breathing exercises helps the patient regulate their breathing and reduce hyperventilation during a panic attack. This intervention promotes relaxation and helps calm the patient down. Encouraging avoidance of physical activity (B) is incorrect as it does not address the immediate physiological symptoms of a panic attack. Asking the patient to describe their feelings (C) may be helpful for assessment but does not directly address the urgent need to manage the panic attack. Providing detailed information about panic attacks (D) is important for education but is not the priority during an active panic attack.
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A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with bipolar disorder. Which finding suggests the patient is experiencing a manic episode?
- A. Decreased need for sleep
- B. Feelings of worthlessness
- C. Increased need for sleep
- D. Avoidance of social interactions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased need for sleep. During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals often experience decreased need for sleep. This is a key symptom of mania, as it is characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and decreased need for rest. In contrast, option B (feelings of worthlessness) is more reflective of symptoms seen in depressive episodes, not manic episodes. Option C (increased need for sleep) is also not indicative of mania, as mania is associated with decreased sleep. Option D (avoidance of social interactions) may occur in some cases, but it is not a defining feature of mania.
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 patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?
- A. Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress
- B. Monitoring the patient's weight weekly
- C. Encouraging the patient to exercise daily
- D. Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient's weight weekly. This intervention is essential in the care plan for a patient with anorexia nervosa as it helps track their progress, assess nutritional status, and identify any concerning weight fluctuations. Regular weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress - This choice is incorrect as isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's eating disorder behaviors and hinder their recovery.
C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily - Exercise may not be appropriate for a patient with anorexia nervosa due to the risk of excessive physical activity exacerbating their condition.
D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet - While increasing calorie intake may be necessary for weight restoration, it should be done under close supervision by healthcare providers and tailored to the individual's needs, making this choice incorrect.
Which of the following is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder?
- A. Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
- B. Fear of social situations
- C. Grandiose sense of self-importance
- D. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impulsive and self-destructive behaviors. This is a common symptom of borderline personality disorder as individuals often engage in reckless behaviors without considering the consequences. They may have self-harming tendencies and engage in impulsive actions like substance abuse or risky sexual behavior.
A: Obsessive-compulsive behaviors are more characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
B: Fear of social situations is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
C: Grandiose sense of self-importance is a symptom of narcissistic personality disorder, not borderline personality disorder.
In summary, impulsive and self-destructive behaviors are key features of borderline personality disorder, distinguishing it from other mental health conditions.
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.