Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. Decreased interest in activities
• B. Feelings of worthlessness
• C. Difficulty sleeping
• D. Changes in appetite

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Among the symptoms listed, difficulty sleeping is particularly concerning in patients with major depressive disorder. Insomnia or other sleep disturbances can exacerbate depressive symptoms and increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Healthcare professionals should address sleep issues promptly to provide appropriate interventions and prevent further complications.

2. A patient is receiving education about dietary restrictions while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Which food should the patient avoid?

• A. Aged cheese
• B. Fresh vegetables
• C. Grilled chicken
• D. Fruit juices

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients taking MAOIs should avoid aged cheese as it contains high levels of tyramine, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors can inhibit the breakdown of tyramine, leading to an excess accumulation in the body and potentially dangerous increases in blood pressure.

3. What is the most effective initial intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

• A. Encourage the patient to discuss their feelings.
• B. Provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient.
• C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
• D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a panic attack, the most effective initial intervention is to provide a quiet environment and stay with the patient. This approach can help the patient feel safe and supported, which may help reduce the intensity and duration of the panic attack. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings may not be helpful during the acute phase of a panic attack as it can be overwhelming. Administering prescribed medication immediately is not typically the first-line intervention for panic attacks. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in the long term but may not be the most effective immediate intervention during a panic attack.

4. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas’s nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

• A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
• B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
• C. Anxiety and depression.
• D. The ability to express his needs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression. This coping mechanism can exacerbate the underlying mental health condition and hinder proper treatment. Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring issues are essential in providing holistic care for individuals with schizophrenia.

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

• A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
• B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
• C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
• D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to encourage them to focus on deep breathing exercises. This intervention helps the patient manage the physiological symptoms of a panic attack by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperventilation, which are common during such episodes. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate breathing patterns and alleviate feelings of anxiety and panic.

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