Nursing Elites

1. Which medication is often prescribed for patients with bipolar disorder to help stabilize mood?

• A. Sertraline
• B. Lithium
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Diazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is the medication frequently prescribed to stabilize mood in patients with bipolar disorder. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes, making it a cornerstone in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Sertraline is an antidepressant commonly used for depression, while haloperidol and diazepam are not typically first-line treatments for bipolar disorder.

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. What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Sertraline
• C. Buspirone
• D. Diazepam

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Buspirone is a medication commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its effectiveness and lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines like diazepam. While fluoxetine and sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often used for various anxiety disorders, buspirone is specifically indicated for GAD.

4. After a severe automobile accident, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were brought to the hospital. Mrs. Johnson is unable to remember anything about the accident or the two days preceding it. The nurse recognizes this as:

• A. Generalized amnesia
• B. Localized amnesia
• C. Selective amnesia
• D. Continuous amnesia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to an inability to recall specific events, often traumatic, within a particular time frame. In this case, Mrs. Johnson's memory loss about the accident and the preceding two days aligns with the characteristics of localized amnesia. Generalized amnesia involves a more extensive memory loss, often encompassing a person's entire life, which is not the case here. Selective amnesia involves forgetting specific details but not a whole chunk of time like in this scenario. Continuous amnesia is not a recognized term in psychology.

5. Which symptom is most characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Fear of social situations
• B. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Impulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worrying about various aspects of life is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). In GAD, individuals experience excessive and uncontrollable worry about a wide range of everyday problems. This persistent worrying can lead to physical and emotional symptoms, impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. Fear of social situations, hallucinations, and impulsive behaviors are not typically associated with GAD.

Similar Questions