Nursing Elites

1. A patient is receiving education about taking clozapine. Which statement indicates the patient understands the side effects?

• A. I should report any signs of infection to my healthcare provider immediately.
• B. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• C. I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
• D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients taking clozapine should report signs of infection immediately due to the risk of agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening side effect of clozapine characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cell count, which can leave the patient vulnerable to infections. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom would be most indicative of this disorder?

• A. Frequent nightmares
• B. Persistent worrying about multiple issues
• C. Excessive sleeping
• D. Loss of interest in daily activities

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Persistent worrying about multiple issues is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, relationships, and health. This persistent and excessive worrying distinguishes GAD from normal everyday concerns and is a defining feature of the disorder. Frequent nightmares (Choice A) are more commonly associated with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than GAD. Excessive sleeping (Choice C) is not a typical symptom of GAD, as individuals with GAD often experience difficulty falling or staying asleep due to their anxious thoughts. Loss of interest in daily activities (Choice D) is more characteristic of conditions like depression rather than GAD.

3. During a panic attack, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
• B. Provide a quiet, non-stimulating environment.
• C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
• D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a panic attack, a quiet, non-stimulating environment is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This helps reduce stimuli that may exacerbate the panic attack and allows the individual to focus on calming down. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute panic attack as the focus should be on reducing stimuli. Administering medication should follow healthcare provider's orders and may not be the initial intervention. Teaching relaxation techniques is beneficial in managing anxiety but may not be the priority during the acute phase of a panic attack where reducing stimuli is crucial.

4. Which of the following is a positive symptom of schizophrenia?

• A. Apathy
• B. Social withdrawal
• C. Delusions
• D. Flat affect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'C: Delusions.' Positive symptoms of schizophrenia involve an excess or distortion of normal functions. Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are not based in reality and are considered positive symptoms because they represent an addition of abnormal behavior or thoughts.

5. In treating PTSD, which type of therapy is most commonly recommended?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• B. Psychoanalytic therapy
• C. Humanistic therapy
• D. Gestalt therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly recommended therapy for PTSD due to its effectiveness in helping patients identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with trauma. This therapy focuses on providing practical coping strategies to manage symptoms and process traumatic experiences. Psychoanalytic therapy, humanistic therapy, and gestalt therapy are less commonly used for PTSD as they may not target the specific symptoms and cognitive distortions associated with this disorder.

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