Which symptom is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
- A. Frequent mood swings
- B. Intrusive, repetitive thoughts
- C. Hallucinations
- D. Flashbacks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intrusive, repetitive thoughts. Intrusive, repetitive thoughts are the hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with OCD experience persistent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. These thoughts are intrusive and difficult to control, causing significant distress and interfering with daily activities. While mood swings, hallucinations, and flashbacks can be present in other mental health conditions, they are not the primary symptoms associated with OCD.
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Which characteristic is most commonly associated with dissociative identity disorder?
- A. Frequent nightmares
- B. Auditory hallucinations
- C. Multiple distinct personalities
- D. Chronic fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dissociative identity disorder, commonly known as multiple personality disorder, is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states within an individual. These distinct personalities may have their own way of perceiving and interacting with the world, often leading to gaps in memory and a sense of detachment. Frequent nightmares, auditory hallucinations, and chronic fatigue are not primary characteristics of dissociative identity disorder. Option C, multiple distinct personalities, is the hallmark feature of this disorder, making it the correct choice.
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 patient with social anxiety disorder is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which symptom is this medication most likely intended to address?
- A. Panic attacks
- B. Tremors and palpitations
- C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
- D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Beta-blockers are commonly used to alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as tremors and palpitations. These medications help manage the autonomic symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and trembling, which are often prominent in social anxiety disorder. Beta-blockers do not primarily target cognitive symptoms like recurrent, intrusive thoughts (choice C), panic attacks (choice A), or depression (choice D) in social anxiety disorder.
A patient with panic disorder is prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What should the nurse include in the patient's education?
- A. SSRIs are fast-acting medications that can relieve anxiety immediately.
- B. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of SSRIs to be felt.
- C. SSRIs have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
- D. The patient should discontinue the medication once they feel better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed with SSRIs need to be educated that it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of the medication to be experienced. This delay is important for patient understanding and compliance with the treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs do not provide immediate relief and may take weeks to show significant improvement. Choice C is inaccurate as SSRIs are not known for having a high potential for abuse and dependence. Choice D is incorrect as patients should never discontinue medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider.
What is an important aspect of patient education regarding buspirone when prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Buspirone is an as-needed medication for anxiety.
- B. Buspirone has a high risk of addiction and dependence.
- C. Buspirone may not become effective until 2-4 weeks after starting the medication.
- D. Buspirone should be taken with food to increase absorption.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When educating a patient about buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to highlight that buspirone may take 2-4 weeks to become effective. Patients need to be aware of this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue the medication as prescribed. This information helps patients understand that they may not experience immediate relief and should not discontinue the medication prematurely. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not as-needed, it has a lower risk of addiction compared to other anxiety medications, and it does not need to be taken with food for increased absorption.