What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Sertraline
- C. Buspirone
- D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Buspirone. Buspirone is frequently prescribed for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it is a non-addictive anxiolytic medication that is effective in managing chronic anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or tolerance. It works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety levels.
A: Fluoxetine and B: Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly used for depression and some types of anxiety disorders, but they are not typically first-line treatments for GAD.
D: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is fast-acting but carries a high risk of dependence and tolerance, making it less suitable for long-term management of GAD.
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A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Increased energy
- B. Constipation
- C. Weight gain
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight gain. Lithium is known to cause weight gain as a common side effect in patients with bipolar disorder. This is due to its impact on the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. Monitoring for weight changes is crucial as it can affect the patient's overall health and well-being. Increased energy (A) is not a common side effect of lithium and can be a sign of hypomania or mania in bipolar disorder. Constipation (B) and dry mouth (D) are possible side effects of some medications, but they are not typically associated with lithium.
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.
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.
Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?
- A. Sertraline
- B. Lithium
- C. Haloperidol
- D. Diazepam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder because it helps stabilize mood by regulating neurotransmitter activity. It is a mood stabilizer that is effective in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapses. Sertraline (A) is an antidepressant and can potentially trigger manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. Haloperidol (C) is an antipsychotic used for treating psychotic symptoms but not specifically for stabilizing mood in bipolar disorder. Diazepam (D) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and not indicated for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.
Which symptom is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Fear of social situations
- B. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Impulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because excessive worrying about various aspects of life is a core symptom of GAD. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is disproportionate to the actual events or situations. Fear of social situations (A) is common in social anxiety disorder, not GAD. Hallucinations (C) are not typically associated with GAD. Impulsive behaviors (D) are more indicative of conditions like ADHD or impulse control disorders.