Nursing Elites

1. In cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, what is the primary goal for the patient?

• A. To help the patient process the trauma and reduce avoidance behaviors.
• B. To help the patient confront and process the trauma in a safe environment.
• C. To help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors.
• D. To help the patient avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD is to help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors. Through this therapy, individuals learn to identify and challenge maladaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event, ultimately helping them to process the trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach aims to address the cognitive distortions and negative thoughts that have resulted from the trauma, facilitating healing and recovery.

2. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is under the care of a nurse. Which intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage the patient to suppress their compulsive behaviors.
• B. Allow the patient to perform their rituals, then gradually limit the time spent on these rituals.
• C. Discourage the patient from discussing their obsessions.
• D. Avoid setting limits on the patient’s compulsive behaviors.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD, it is crucial to allow them to perform their rituals while gradually limiting the time spent on these rituals. This approach helps the patient feel supported while working towards reducing the compulsive behaviors. Choice A is incorrect because suppressing compulsive behaviors can increase anxiety and distress. Choice C is inappropriate as discussing obsessions is part of therapy. Choice D is not recommended as setting limits on compulsive behaviors is essential for treatment.

3. A client in an acute mental health facility is being discharged and requires supervision due to a severe mental illness. The client’s partner works all day but is home by late afternoon. Which of the following strategies should the nurse suggest for follow-up care?

• A. Receiving daily care from a home health aide
• B. Having a weekly visit from a nurse case worker
• C. Attending a partial hospitalization program
• D. Visiting a community mental health center on a daily basis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For clients requiring supervision due to severe mental illness, attending a partial hospitalization program provides structured care and support while allowing the client to return home in the evenings, making it a suitable option for follow-up care. The other choices are less appropriate: A home health aide may not provide the necessary level of care and supervision, a weekly visit from a nurse case worker may not be sufficient for the client's needs, and visiting a community mental health center on a daily basis may not offer the structured support required for someone with a severe mental illness.

4. Which behavior is most characteristic of agoraphobia?

• A. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation
• B. Excessively washing hands to prevent contamination
• C. Experiencing unexpected panic attacks
• D. Having a fear of gaining weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Agoraphobia is characterized by the avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation aligns with this fear of being in situations where escape might be challenging, making choice A the most characteristic behavior of agoraphobia. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the core feature of agoraphobia, which is the avoidance of situations perceived as difficult to escape from.

5. 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.

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