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When a patient with schizophrenia is taking haloperidol, what is a priority assessment for the nurse?
- A. Assessing for signs of tardive dyskinesia
- B. Monitoring for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- C. Checking for signs of depression
- D. Monitoring for changes in appetite
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. This is because neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a potentially life-threatening side effect of haloperidol, characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. It requires immediate medical intervention. Assessing for tardive dyskinesia (A) is important but not as urgent as monitoring for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Checking for signs of depression (C) is relevant but not a priority when the patient is at risk of a serious adverse reaction. Monitoring changes in appetite (D) is less critical than assessing for neuroleptic malignant syndrome, as it is a common side effect that does not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life.
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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.
Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?
- A. Apathy
- B. Social withdrawal
- C. Delusions
- D. Flat affect
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delusions. Positive symptoms of schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to a person's normal repertoire of functioning. Delusions are a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality. Apathy (choice A) and social withdrawal (choice B) are negative symptoms, which involve a reduction or absence of normal behaviors. Flat affect (choice D) is also a negative symptom, referring to a lack of emotional expressiveness. In summary, delusions are the correct choice as they represent a positive symptom of schizophrenia, while the other choices are negative symptoms.
Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse says, 'Tell me more about what you are feeling right now'?
- A. Restating
- B. Clarification
- C. Reflection
- D. Exploration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Exploration. This therapeutic communication technique encourages the patient to expand on their feelings, promoting exploration of thoughts and emotions. By asking the patient to elaborate on their feelings, the nurse facilitates deeper understanding. Restating (A) involves repeating the patient's words back to them. Clarification (B) is seeking to understand the patient's meaning. Reflection (C) involves mirroring the patient's emotions. In this scenario, the nurse is prompting the patient to delve further into their emotions, making exploration the most appropriate technique.
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.
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.