Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following interventions is inappropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Provide a well-lit environment.
• B. Encourage deep breathing.
• C. Move the client to a quiet environment.
• D. Administer prescribed antianxiety medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a panic attack, a well-lit environment might exacerbate the client's symptoms due to sensory overload. Therefore, it is inappropriate to provide a well-lit environment during a panic attack. Encouraging deep breathing, moving the client to a quiet environment, and administering prescribed antianxiety medication are appropriate interventions for managing a panic attack. These actions help create a calming atmosphere and address the physiological symptoms associated with panic attacks.

2. A client displays signs and symptoms indicative of hypochondriasis. The nurse would initially expect to see:

• A. Self-preoccupation
• B. La belle indifference
• C. Fear of physicians
• D. Insight into the source of their fears

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In hypochondriasis, individuals are excessively preoccupied with and worried about having a serious illness, despite reassurance from medical professionals. This self-preoccupation is a key characteristic of hypochondriasis. 'La belle indifference' refers to a lack of concern or distress about symptoms, which is not typically seen in hypochondriasis. Fear of physicians may be present due to the individual's persistent belief in their illness despite medical reassurance. Insight into the source of their fears is usually lacking in hypochondriasis, as individuals often believe their physical symptoms are evidence of a serious illness.

3. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed venlafaxine. The nurse should educate the patient about which potential side effect?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypotension
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, can lead to hypertension as a side effect. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly at higher doses. Educating the patient about this potential adverse effect is crucial to enhance awareness and monitoring for any signs or symptoms of elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because venlafaxine is more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension, bradycardia, or hyperglycemia.

4. Maggie, a child in protective custody, is found to have an imaginary friend, Holly. Her foster family shares this information with the nurse. The nurse teaches the family members about children who have suffered trauma and knows her teaching was effective when the foster mother states:

• A. I understand that imaginary friends are abnormal.
• B. I understand that imaginary friends are a maladaptive behavior.
• C. I understand that imaginary friends are a coping mechanism.
• D. I understand that we should tell the child that imaginary friends are unacceptable.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Imaginary friends can serve as a coping mechanism for children, especially those who have experienced trauma. They can provide comfort and a sense of control in challenging situations. Acknowledging and supporting the child's imaginary friend can be beneficial in their emotional healing and development.

5. In the treatment of a patient with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode, which medication is commonly prescribed?

• A. Valproic acid
• B. Risperidone
• C. Fluoxetine
• D. Lithium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is used to manage depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness. While mood stabilizers like lithium are often used in bipolar disorder, for depressive episodes, antidepressants like fluoxetine are preferred to address the specific symptoms associated with depression. Valproic acid is a mood stabilizer often used in bipolar disorder to manage manic episodes. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used in bipolar disorder to help control manic episodes or as an adjunctive treatment, but it is not a first-line medication for depressive episodes.

Similar Questions