Nursing Elites

1. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I can take this medication on an as-needed basis.
• B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
• C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
• D. I should take this medication consistently every day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Buspirone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis. It should be taken consistently every day to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Choice B is correct as it accurately reflects that buspirone may take a few weeks to reach its full effect. Choice C is also correct as buspirone indeed has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. Choice D is correct because taking buspirone consistently every day is the appropriate way to use this medication.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is an example of a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Lithium
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is a widely recognized mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings, prevent manic episodes, and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant, Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia, none of which are primary mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.

4. Which therapeutic communication statement might a healthcare professional use when a patient’s nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?

• A. I know you mention hearing voices, but I cannot hear them.
• B. Stop listening to the voices, they are NOT real.
• C. You say you hear voices, what are they telling you?
• D. Please ask the voices to leave you alone for now.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate therapeutic communication statement in this scenario. By asking the patient what the voices are telling them, the healthcare professional encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, aiding in understanding their altered thought processes. This approach can help establish a therapeutic relationship and provide valuable insight into the patient's experiences.

5. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing nightmares. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Encouraging the patient to journal before bedtime
• B. Teaching relaxation techniques
• C. Avoiding discussing the nightmares directly
• D. Developing a safety plan

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Teaching relaxation techniques is an appropriate intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing nightmares. Relaxation techniques can help the patient manage anxiety and improve sleep quality, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. By teaching relaxation techniques, the nurse empowers the patient to actively cope with and reduce the distressing symptoms of PTSD, contributing to overall therapeutic outcomes.

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