When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, which nursing intervention is a priority?
- A. Providing detailed education about the condition
- B. Monitoring for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation
- C. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events
- D. Helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Ensuring patient safety is crucial, as individuals with this disorder may be at increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviors. Providing education about the condition is beneficial but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events can be detrimental and should be done cautiously under professional guidance. While helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity is important in the long term, it is not the immediate priority when safety is a concern.
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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.
A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates effective understanding of the medication?
- A. I will take this medication only when I feel anxious.
- B. I should start feeling less anxious within a few days.
- C. This medication can be addictive if taken for a long time.
- D. It may take a few weeks for this medication to become effective.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because buspirone may take a few weeks to become effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients should be aware of this delay and not expect immediate relief from their symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not just when feeling anxious. Choice B is incorrect because the onset of action for buspirone is gradual, and patients should not expect immediate relief within a few days. Choice C is incorrect because buspirone is not considered addictive, unlike some other medications used for anxiety disorders.
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
- B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
- C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
- D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.
After a severe automobile accident, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were brought to the hospital. Mrs. Johnson is unable to remember anything about the accident or the two days preceding it. The nurse recognizes this as:
- A. Generalized amnesia
- B. Localized amnesia
- C. Selective amnesia
- D. Continuous amnesia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to an inability to recall specific events, often traumatic, within a particular time frame. In this case, Mrs. Johnson's memory loss about the accident and the preceding two days aligns with the characteristics of localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia involves a more extensive memory loss, often encompassing a person's entire life, which is not the case here. Selective amnesia involves forgetting specific details but not a whole chunk of time like in this scenario. Continuous amnesia is not a recognized term in psychology.
A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom would be most indicative of this disorder?
- A. Frequent nightmares
- B. Persistent worrying about multiple issues
- C. Excessive sleeping
- D. Loss of interest in daily activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent worrying about multiple issues is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, relationships, and health. This persistent and excessive worrying distinguishes GAD from normal everyday concerns and is a defining feature of the disorder. Frequent nightmares (Choice A) are more commonly associated with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than GAD. Excessive sleeping (Choice C) is not a typical symptom of GAD, as individuals with GAD often experience difficulty falling or staying asleep due to their anxious thoughts. Loss of interest in daily activities (Choice D) is more characteristic of conditions like depression rather than GAD.