Nursing Elites

1. When working with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which therapeutic approach is most appropriate?

• A. Encouraging the patient to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
• B. Using exposure therapy to help the patient confront their fears.
• C. Advising the patient to focus on positive thoughts.
• D. Suggesting that the patient keep busy to distract from traumatic memories.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that involves gradually exposing the patient to their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This approach helps individuals confront and process their fears, reducing the impact of the traumatic event over time. Avoiding discussing the trauma (choice A) may lead to avoidance behaviors and hinder recovery. Focusing on positive thoughts (choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying trauma. Keeping busy to distract from memories (choice D) is a form of avoidance that does not help in processing the traumatic experiences. Therefore, using exposure therapy (choice B) is the most appropriate approach to effectively treat PTSD.

2. A patient with major depressive disorder is started on fluoxetine. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Nausea
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nausea is a common side effect of fluoxetine and should be monitored.

3. Which therapeutic approach is most effective for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Psychoanalytic therapy
• B. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• C. Humanistic therapy
• D. Gestalt therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapeutic approach for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It focuses on changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, providing practical strategies to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT in treating GAD by helping patients develop coping mechanisms and skills to address their anxiety. Choice A, Psychoanalytic therapy, is not the most effective for GAD as it primarily focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences rather than providing immediate coping strategies. Choice C, Humanistic therapy, emphasizes personal growth and self-improvement, which may not directly target the specific symptoms of GAD. Choice D, Gestalt therapy, focuses on increasing self-awareness and personal responsibility, which might not address the cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns associated with GAD as directly as CBT does.

4. A patient diagnosed with panic disorder asks the nurse about the purpose of deep breathing exercises. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

• A. Deep breathing helps distract you from your anxiety.
• B. Deep breathing can prevent future panic attacks.
• C. Deep breathing helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety.
• D. Deep breathing increases your overall lung capacity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

5. What intervention should the nurse implement when caring for a patient demonstrating manic behavior?

• A. Monitor the patient’s vital signs frequently.
• B. Engage the patient in calming activities.
• C. Offer the patient a quiet environment for relaxation.
• D. Reduce environmental stimuli and create a calm atmosphere.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a patient demonstrating manic behavior, the nurse should implement the intervention of reducing environmental stimuli and creating a calm atmosphere. This approach is crucial in managing manic behavior as it helps decrease triggers that may worsen the patient's symptoms. Engaging the patient in calming activities (Choice B) may not be effective during a manic episode as the patient may have difficulty focusing. While offering a quiet environment for relaxation (Choice C) is beneficial, it may not be sufficient to address the heightened stimulation experienced during mania. Monitoring the patient’s vital signs frequently (Choice A) is important in general patient care but may not directly address the specific needs of a patient exhibiting manic behavior.

Similar Questions