When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would the nurse most likely observe?
- A. Flashbacks
- B. Excessive worry
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive worry is a characteristic feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, health, or family, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical in conditions like schizophrenia, while compulsive behaviors are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, in the context of GAD, excessive worry is the symptom that the nurse is most likely to observe.
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A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage the patient to ignore the voices.
- B. Provide a structured and safe environment.
- C. Engage the patient in a debate about the reality of the voices.
- D. Ask the patient to describe the content of the hallucinations.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention when a patient with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations is to ask the patient to describe the content of the hallucinations. This intervention helps assess the risk associated with the hallucinations and provides valuable insight into the patient's condition, aiding in developing an effective care plan. Encouraging the patient to ignore the voices (Choice A) may not address the underlying issues or risks associated with the hallucinations. Providing a structured and safe environment (Choice B) is important but does not directly address the hallucinations. Engaging the patient in a debate about the reality of the voices (Choice C) may worsen the situation by invalidating the patient's experiences.
Which therapeutic approach is most effective for managing borderline personality disorder?
- A. Dialectical behavior therapy
- B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- C. Psychoanalysis
- D. Supportive therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the most effective therapeutic approach for managing borderline personality disorder. DBT is a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on providing skills to cope with intense emotions, improve relationships, and regulate behavior. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in reducing self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and improving overall functioning in individuals with borderline personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (Choice B) is a common and effective treatment for many mental health conditions but is not as specifically tailored to address the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder as DBT. Psychoanalysis (Choice C) is a more intensive and long-term therapy that focuses on exploring unconscious patterns and early life experiences, which may not be as practical or effective for the impulsive and emotional dysregulation seen in borderline personality disorder. Supportive therapy (Choice D) provides emotional support but lacks the structured skills training and strategies that are essential in managing borderline personality disorder.
Which of the following is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Sexual dysfunction
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a commonly reported side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can affect sexual function by causing issues such as decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or anorgasmia. Patients should be educated about these potential side effects when starting SSRIs to facilitate informed decision-making and appropriate management strategies.
Incorrect Choices:
A) Hypotension is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
C) Increased appetite is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
D) Tachycardia is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is undergoing treatment with an SSRI. Which SSRI is commonly utilized for this condition?
- A. Fluoxetine
- B. Citalopram
- C. Paroxetine
- D. Escitalopram
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder due to its efficacy in managing OCD symptoms. While different SSRIs may be used based on individual patient response and tolerability, Paroxetine stands out as a well-established option for treating OCD. Fluoxetine (Choice A) is another SSRI commonly used for OCD, but Paroxetine is more commonly associated with this indication. Citalopram (Choice B) and Escitalopram (Choice D) are also SSRIs but are not typically the first choice for treating OCD.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed venlafaxine. The nurse should educate the patient about which potential side effect?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, can lead to hypertension as a side effect. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly at higher doses. Educating the patient about this potential adverse effect is crucial to enhance awareness and monitoring for any signs or symptoms of elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because venlafaxine is more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension, bradycardia, or hyperglycemia.