Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
• B. Provide a safe, calm environment.
• C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
• D. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to provide a safe, calm environment. This action is crucial as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety and creates a sense of security, which can aid in managing the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, administering medication, or teaching deep breathing exercises can be beneficial interventions, but creating a safe and calm environment takes precedence in addressing the immediate needs of the patient during a panic attack.

2. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk briefly about the traumatic event.
• B. Reassure the patient that they are safe and the event is not happening now.
• C. Administer a sedative medication as prescribed.
• D. Suggest the patient write about their feelings in a journal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a flashback, the patient may feel as though the traumatic event is reoccurring. Reassuring the patient that they are safe and the event is not happening presently can help ground them in reality and reduce anxiety. This approach can provide a sense of safety and security, which is crucial in managing flashbacks associated with PTSD. Encouraging the patient to talk briefly about the traumatic event may worsen the distress during a flashback by intensifying the re-experiencing of the trauma. Administering sedative medication should not be the initial intervention, as non-pharmacological approaches are preferred in managing flashbacks. Suggesting the patient write about their feelings in a journal may be beneficial as part of ongoing therapy, but it is not the most appropriate initial intervention during a flashback.

3. When communicating with a client admitted for treatment of a substance use disorder, which of the following communication techniques should be identified as a barrier to therapeutic communication?

• A. Offering advice
• B. Reflecting
• C. Listening attentively
• D. Giving information

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Offering advice is a barrier to therapeutic communication because it can hinder the client's ability to explore their own solutions and feelings. It may come across as judgmental or dismissive of the client's experience, leading to a breakdown in trust and hindering the therapeutic relationship. Reflecting (choice B) is a helpful technique that involves paraphrasing or restating the client's words to show understanding. Listening attentively (choice C) is crucial for building rapport and demonstrating empathy. Giving information (choice D) is also important but should be done in a way that supports the client's understanding and autonomy, rather than directing their choices.

4. A healthcare provider is educating a patient about the side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Which side effect should the provider emphasize?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Increased libido
• C. Nausea
• D. Insomnia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When educating patients about SSRIs, it is crucial to emphasize the common side effect of nausea. Nausea is a frequently reported side effect of SSRIs that can impact adherence to treatment. By highlighting this side effect, patients can be better prepared and informed about what to expect when taking these medications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as weight gain, increased libido, and insomnia are not typically associated with SSRIs as common side effects. Nausea is a more relevant and prevalent side effect to address with patients.

5. Which of the following interventions is most effective in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

• A. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors.
• B. Helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational.
• C. Providing the patient with a structured daily routine.
• D. Allowing the patient to avoid situations that trigger their obsessions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective intervention in managing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is helping the patient to understand that their thoughts are irrational. This cognitive-behavioral approach can assist in reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors by challenging and reframing maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns associated with OCD. Encouraging the patient to engage in repetitive behaviors (choice A) reinforces the compulsive behavior rather than addressing the underlying issue. Providing a structured daily routine (choice C) may help in some cases but does not directly target the irrational thoughts and beliefs. Allowing the patient to avoid trigger situations (choice D) can provide temporary relief but does not address the core problem of irrational thoughts and behaviors.

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