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.
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A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to participate in physical activities.
- B. Providing a stimulating environment to keep the patient engaged.
- C. Allowing the patient to isolate until they feel better.
- D. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings and concerns.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because encouraging the patient to express their feelings and concerns is crucial in addressing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. This intervention can help the patient process their emotions, improve self-awareness, and facilitate therapeutic communication. It also promotes a supportive environment for the patient to receive appropriate care.
Incorrect choices:
A: While physical activities can be beneficial, they may not address the underlying emotional issues during a depressive episode.
B: Providing a stimulating environment might overwhelm the patient and worsen their symptoms.
C: Allowing the patient to isolate may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, and hinder recovery.
In schizophrenia, a patient is experiencing negative symptoms. Which of the following is a negative symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Apathy
- D. Disorganized speech
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apathy. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Apathy is a common negative symptom characterized by a lack of interest, motivation, or emotion. Hallucinations (A) and delusions (B) are positive symptoms, involving distortions of perception or belief. Disorganized speech (D) is a symptom of disorganized thinking, which is also a positive symptom in schizophrenia. Thus, apathy best aligns with the concept of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
When a patient is diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which nursing diagnosis should be the priority?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
- B. Risk for suicide
- C. Disturbed sleep pattern
- D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for suicide. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because individuals with major depressive disorder have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing and addressing this risk is crucial for patient safety. Choice A is not the priority as nutritional imbalances may not pose immediate harm compared to suicide risk. Choice C, disturbed sleep pattern, and choice D, ineffective coping, are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of suicide in a patient with major depressive disorder.
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.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
- B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
- C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
- D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because focusing on deep breathing exercises helps the patient regulate their breathing and reduce hyperventilation during a panic attack. This intervention promotes relaxation and helps calm the patient down. Encouraging avoidance of physical activity (B) is incorrect as it does not address the immediate physiological symptoms of a panic attack. Asking the patient to describe their feelings (C) may be helpful for assessment but does not directly address the urgent need to manage the panic attack. Providing detailed information about panic attacks (D) is important for education but is not the priority during an active panic attack.