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When developing a care plan for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which short-term goal is most appropriate?
- A. The patient will experience no episodes of anxiety within the next week.
- B. The patient will learn and practice relaxation techniques.
- C. The patient will avoid all anxiety-provoking situations.
- D. The patient will be medication-free within a month.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Option B, 'The patient will learn and practice relaxation techniques,' is the most appropriate short-term goal for managing generalized anxiety disorder. Teaching relaxation techniques can help the patient develop coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety levels in the immediate future, making it a realistic and beneficial goal. Options A and C are not feasible in the short term as complete elimination of anxiety episodes or avoidance of all anxiety-provoking situations may not be achievable or practical within a week. Option D is not a suitable short-term goal as it overlooks the potential need for medication in managing generalized anxiety disorder.
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What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment to help the patient feel safe and reduce sensory overload. This approach can help the patient focus on calming down and regaining control. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may exacerbate the panic attack by increasing stress and arousal levels. Administering medication should be done following healthcare provider's orders, as it may not be appropriate to give medication immediately without proper assessment. Teaching relaxation techniques might not be effective during the acute phase of a panic attack when the individual is overwhelmed by intense anxiety.
In treating PTSD, which type of therapy is most commonly recommended?
- A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- B. Psychoanalytic therapy
- C. Humanistic therapy
- D. Gestalt therapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly recommended therapy for PTSD due to its effectiveness in helping patients identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with trauma. This therapy focuses on providing practical coping strategies to manage symptoms and process traumatic experiences. Psychoanalytic therapy, humanistic therapy, and gestalt therapy are less commonly used for PTSD as they may not target the specific symptoms and cognitive distortions associated with this disorder.
A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) frequently washes their hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Allow the patient to wash their hands, then gradually limit the time spent on this behavior.
- B. Discourage the patient from discussing their obsessions.
- C. Encourage the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors.
- D. Avoid setting limits on the patient's compulsive behaviors.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD who frequently washes their hands, it is important to understand that compulsive behaviors provide temporary relief from anxiety. Allowing the patient to engage in their rituals initially and then gradually setting limits on the time spent can help them gain control over their compulsions. This approach supports the patient without causing undue distress, ultimately assisting in managing OCD symptoms effectively. Choice B is incorrect as discouraging the patient from discussing their obsessions can hinder therapeutic communication and understanding of their condition. Choice C is wrong because encouraging the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors may increase their anxiety and lead to worsening symptoms. Choice D is also incorrect as avoiding setting limits on the patient's compulsive behaviors does not help the patient in gaining control over their OCD symptoms.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed fluoxetine for panic disorder. Which statement should be included in the teaching?
- A. You should notice the effects of this medication within a few days.
- B. It's important to take this medication only when you feel anxious.
- C. It may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of this medication.
- D. You can stop taking this medication as soon as you feel better.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that it may take several weeks before the patient notices the full effects of fluoxetine. This is because fluoxetine, like other SSRIs, requires time to reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect as fluoxetine does not show its effects within a few days. Choice B is incorrect as fluoxetine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when feeling anxious. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing fluoxetine abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a return of panic disorder symptoms.
Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?
- A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
- B. Summarizing the essence of the patient's comments in your own words.
- C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
- D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient's comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.