Nursing Elites

1. A client has been prescribed diazepam (Valium) for the treatment of anxiety. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• B. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
• C. Stop taking the medication if you feel better.
• D. Double the dose if you miss a dose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking diazepam (Valium) as it can potentiate the sedative effects and increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. Taking the medication with food may help reduce stomach upset, but avoiding alcohol is crucial to ensure safe and effective use of diazepam. Choice B is partially correct, as taking the medication with food can indeed help with stomach upset, but it is not as crucial as avoiding alcohol. Choice C is incorrect because abruptly stopping diazepam can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should only be done under medical supervision. Choice D is incorrect as doubling the dose is dangerous and should never be done without healthcare provider approval.

2. Which of the following interventions are appropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Stay with the client and remain calm
• B. Encourage deep breathing
• C. Move the client to a quiet environment
• D. Mindfulness meditation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide immediate support to the client. Appropriate interventions include staying with the client and remaining calm, encouraging deep breathing, and moving the client to a quiet environment. However, mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present moment and may require a certain level of concentration, may not be feasible or effective during an acute panic attack. The priority is to help the client feel safe and supported, which the other interventions address more directly. Mindfulness meditation might not be suitable during a panic attack due to the heightened state of anxiety and the need for immediate calming techniques.

3. A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to the hospital for detoxification. Which of the following symptoms shouldn't the nurse expect to observe during withdrawal?

• A. Tremors
• B. Hallucinations
• C. Diaphoresis
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During alcohol withdrawal, the nurse should expect to observe symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, and diaphoresis. Seizures may also occur during severe withdrawal. Bradycardia is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal; instead, tachycardia (an increased heart rate) is more commonly observed due to the stimulant effects of alcohol withdrawal on the sympathetic nervous system.

4. A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Allow the client to perform rituals initially
• B. Set limits on the time allowed for rituals
• C. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings
• D. Provide a structured schedule of activities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Interventions for a client with OCD should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Allowing the client to perform rituals is an essential part of managing OCD and should not be restricted in the initial stages of care. Setting limits on the time for rituals helps prevent excessive engagement in them. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings promotes emotional expression and processing. Providing a structured schedule of activities helps establish routine and predictability, which can be beneficial for individuals with OCD.

5. Which neurotransmitter is primarily implicated in the development of schizophrenia?

• A. Serotonin
• B. Norepinephrine
• C. Dopamine
• D. Acetylcholine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is dopamine. Dopamine dysregulation is a key factor in the development of schizophrenia. Excess dopamine activity in certain brain regions is associated with positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. Dopaminergic medications that reduce dopamine levels are often used to manage these symptoms, further supporting the role of dopamine in schizophrenia. Serotonin (Choice A) is more commonly associated with mood regulation and is implicated in depression and anxiety disorders. Norepinephrine (Choice B) is involved in the body's 'fight or flight' response and is linked to conditions like anxiety and PTSD. Acetylcholine (Choice D) plays a role in muscle movement and memory but is not primarily implicated in schizophrenia.

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