Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following is an appropriate intervention?

• A. Encourage the client to talk about their feelings.
• B. Provide a quiet and calm environment.
• C. Encourage the client to exercise vigorously.
• D. Encourage the client to participate in group activities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During severe anxiety, it is essential to create a quiet and calm environment to help the client feel safe and reduce anxiety levels. Loud or stimulating environments can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, so providing a serene setting can promote relaxation and a sense of security.

2. In assessing a client with major depressive disorder, which of the following findings shouldn't the nurse expect?

• A. Anhedonia
• B. Hypersomnia
• C. Fatigue
• D. Flight of ideas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In major depressive disorder, common findings include anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Flight of ideas, characterized by racing thoughts and rapid speech, is typically associated with bipolar disorder during manic episodes, not major depressive disorder.

3. In addition to antianxiety agents, which classification of drugs is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and anxiety disorders?

• A. Antipsychotics
• B. Mood stabilizers
• C. Antidepressants
• D. Cholinesterase inhibitors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), are frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. These medications help alleviate symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain associated with mood regulation and anxiety.

4. In the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), what medication is frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment?

• A. Clonazepam
• B. Buspirone
• C. Propranolol
• D. Hydroxyzine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Buspirone is often chosen as a first-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its efficacy and favorable side effect profile. Unlike benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (A), buspirone does not carry the risk of tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms, making it a preferred choice. While propranolol (C) and hydroxyzine (D) are sometimes used for anxiety, they are not typically considered first-line treatments for GAD.

5. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prescribed prazosin. The nurse understands that this medication is used to treat which symptom of PTSD?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Nightmares
• C. Hypervigilance
• D. Depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prazosin is a medication often prescribed to manage nightmares in patients with PTSD. It works by blocking the action of adrenaline on specific receptors, which helps in reducing the intensity and frequency of nightmares. While flashbacks, hypervigilance, and depression are also common symptoms of PTSD, prazosin is specifically indicated for nightmares associated with the disorder. Flashbacks are typically addressed through therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypervigilance may be managed through counseling and coping strategies, and depression may necessitate antidepressant medications or therapy tailored for depression.

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