Nursing Elites

1. In the treatment of a patient with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode, which medication is commonly prescribed?

• A. Valproic acid
• B. Risperidone
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Lithium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is used to manage depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness. While mood stabilizers like lithium are often used in bipolar disorder, for depressive episodes, antidepressants like fluoxetine are preferred to address the specific symptoms associated with depression. Valproic acid is a mood stabilizer often used in bipolar disorder to manage manic episodes. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used in bipolar disorder to help control manic episodes or as an adjunctive treatment, but it is not a first-line medication for depressive episodes.

2. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention should the nurse implement to support the client's recovery?

• A. Encourage the client to engage in physical activity.
• B. Encourage the client to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• C. Encourage the client to set realistic goals for daily activities.
• D. Encourage the client to express feelings of sadness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, encouraging the client to set realistic goals for daily activities can be beneficial. Setting achievable goals can provide structure, a sense of accomplishment, and help in breaking tasks into manageable steps, which can support the client's recovery process. Options A and B, while important in managing bipolar disorder, may not directly address the client's depressive symptoms during this episode. Option D, encouraging the client to express feelings of sadness, is not as effective as setting achievable goals in providing structure and a sense of accomplishment during a depressive episode.

3. Which medication would the nurse least likely use to provide immediate intervention for an angry psychotic client?

• A. Lithium
• B. Alprazolam
• C. Diphenhydramine
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety disorders. While it may help calm an individual, it is not typically the first-line choice for managing acute agitation in a psychotic client. Haloperidol, on the other hand, is a typical antipsychotic medication often used for immediate intervention in psychiatric emergencies involving aggression or psychosis.

4. Adolescents often display fluctuations in mood along with undeveloped emotional regulation and poor tolerance for frustration. Emotional and behavioral control usually increases over the course of adolescence due to:

• A. Limited executive function
• B. Cerebellum maturation
• C. Cerebral stasis and hormonal changes
• D. A slight reduction in brain volume

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During adolescence, emotional and behavioral control typically improves as the cerebellum matures. The cerebellum plays a significant role in regulating emotions and behavior, contributing to the increased control seen in adolescents over time.

5. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage the patient to ignore the voices.
• B. Engage the patient in a reality-based activity.
• C. Provide a quiet environment to reduce stimulation.
• D. Ask the patient to describe the hallucinations in detail.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging the patient in a reality-based activity is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with schizophrenia experiencing hallucinations. This intervention can help distract the patient from the hallucinations and reorient them to the present, promoting a connection with reality and potentially reducing distress associated with the hallucinations. Choice A, encouraging the patient to ignore the voices, may not be effective as it can be challenging for the patient to dismiss the hallucinations. Choice C, providing a quiet environment, is helpful but may not directly address the hallucinations. Choice D, asking the patient to describe the hallucinations in detail, may increase the patient's focus on the hallucinations, potentially worsening distress.

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