Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?

• A. Flashbacks
• B. Excessive worry
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

2. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect of this medication?

• A. Agranulocytosis
• B. Weight gain
• C. Hair loss
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as it is a common side effect of this medication. Weight gain can occur due to metabolic changes and increased appetite associated with risperidone use. Agranulocytosis is a severe decrease in a type of white blood cells, and it is not a common side effect of risperidone. Hair loss and hyperthyroidism are also not typically associated with risperidone use.

3. When caring for a patient with major depressive disorder prescribed an MAOI, what type of food should the nurse educate the patient to avoid?

• A. High-protein foods
• B. High-fiber foods
• C. Tyramine-rich foods
• D. Low-fat foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients prescribed MAOIs need to avoid consuming tyramine-rich foods as these can lead to hypertensive crises. Tyramine is found in various foods like aged cheeses, cured meats, some types of beer, and fermented products. Interactions between tyramine and MAOIs can result in severe hypertension, highlighting the importance of educating patients about dietary restrictions to ensure their safety. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because high-protein foods, high-fiber foods, and low-fat foods do not pose a significant risk of hypertensive crises when taken with MAOIs. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Preoccupation with a perceived physical defect
• B. Fear of gaining weight
• C. Excessive worry about physical symptoms
• D. Persistent depressive mood

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preoccupation with a perceived physical defect. Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder exhibit an obsessive preoccupation with a perceived flaw in their physical appearance, which is often minor or not noticeable to others. This preoccupation causes distress and leads to repetitive behaviors like mirror checking or seeking reassurance about their appearance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because fear of gaining weight is more characteristic of an eating disorder, excessive worry about physical symptoms may be seen in somatic symptom disorder, and persistent depressive mood aligns more with depressive disorders rather than body dysmorphic disorder.

5. A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone (Buspar). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should avoid driving while taking this medication.
• B. I can stop taking this medication abruptly if I feel better.
• C. It may take several weeks for this medication to take effect.
• D. I should avoid using this medication during pregnancy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients should not stop taking buspirone (Buspar) abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms. Choice A is correct as buspirone can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoiding driving is important. Choice C is also accurate because buspirone may take several weeks to reach its full effectiveness. Choice D is valid as buspirone is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the fetus.

Similar Questions