Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is the most effective initial intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Encourage the patient to discuss their feelings.
• B. Provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient.
• C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
• D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a panic attack, the most effective initial intervention is to provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient. This approach can help the patient feel safe and supported, which may help reduce the intensity and duration of the panic attack. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings may not be helpful during the acute phase of a panic attack as it can be overwhelming. Administering prescribed medication immediately is not typically the first-line intervention for panic attacks. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in the long term but may not be the most effective immediate intervention during a panic attack.

3. What is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder?

• A. Conducting a suicide assessment
• B. Arranging for placement in a group home
• C. Providing a low-stimulation environment
• D. Establishing trust and rapport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Conducting a suicide assessment is the priority intervention for a patient admitted for an overdose of sedatives and diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. In this scenario, the immediate concern is to assess the risk of harm to the patient's life. It is crucial to determine if the overdose was intentional and if the patient has suicidal ideation or intent. Arranging for placement in a group home (choice B) may be necessary at a later stage depending on the patient's needs, but it is not the priority in this urgent situation. Providing a low-stimulation environment (choice C) and establishing trust and rapport (choice D) are important aspects of care but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in this case.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Mild bradycardia
• B. Electrolyte imbalances
• C. Slight hypotension
• D. Lanugo

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Electrolyte imbalances are a critical concern in patients with anorexia nervosa due to the potential for severe complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and neurological disturbances. Prompt identification and management of electrolyte imbalances are essential to prevent life-threatening outcomes.

5. 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.

Similar Questions