Nursing Elites

1. A patient with social anxiety disorder is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which symptom is this medication most likely intended to address?

• A. Panic attacks
• B. Tremors and palpitations
• C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
• D. Depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta-blockers are commonly used to alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as tremors and palpitations. These medications help manage the autonomic symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and trembling, which are often prominent in social anxiety disorder. Beta-blockers do not primarily target cognitive symptoms like recurrent, intrusive thoughts (choice C), panic attacks (choice A), or depression (choice D) in social anxiety disorder.

2. After Natasha's husband passed away two months ago, she has been overwhelmed with grief. When Natasha is subsequently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, her daughter, Nadia, makes which true statement?

• A. Depression often begins after a major loss. Losing dad was a major loss.
• B. Bereavement and depression are the same problem.
• C. Mourning is pathological and not normal behavior.
• D. Antidepressant medications will not help this type of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is common for major depressive disorder to be triggered by significant life events, such as the sudden loss of a loved one. Therefore, Nadia's statement that 'Depression often begins after a major loss' is correct. Bereavement and major depressive disorder are related but distinct conditions, and while mourning can be intense, it is generally considered a normal response to loss. Antidepressant medications can be beneficial in treating depression, including cases triggered by a significant loss.

3. A community mental health nurse is planning care to address the issue of depression among older adult clients in the community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement as a method of tertiary prevention?

• A. Educating clients on health promotion techniques to reduce the risk of depression
• B. Performing screenings for depression at community health programs
• C. Establishing rehabilitation programs to decrease the effects of depression
• D. Providing support groups for clients at risk for depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Establishing rehabilitation programs to decrease the effects of depression is a method of tertiary prevention.

4. During a mental health assessment, a patient states, 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore.' This statement is an indication of which of the following?

• A. Anxiety disorder
• B. Bipolar disorder
• C. Depression
• D. Schizophrenia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient's statement 'I just don't see the point in anything anymore' reflects feelings of hopelessness and a lack of purpose, which are common symptoms of depression. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. While anxiety disorders can involve excessive worry and fear, bipolar disorder includes episodes of both depression and mania, and schizophrenia typically involves symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, depression is the most appropriate choice based on the patient's statement.

5. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performs hand washing repeatedly. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Restricting the patient from washing hands
• B. Setting strict limits on the patient's hand washing
• C. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
• D. Ignoring the patient's behavior

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with OCD who repetitively performs hand washing. This intervention provides structure by allowing the patient to engage in the behavior at designated times, helping to reduce the compulsion gradually. Restricting or setting strict limits may increase anxiety and worsen the condition, while ignoring the behavior does not address the underlying issue of OCD.

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