Nursing Elites

1. A patient with panic disorder is prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What should the nurse include in the patient’s education?

• A. SSRIs are fast-acting medications that can relieve anxiety immediately.
• B. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of SSRIs to be felt.
• C. SSRIs have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
• D. The patient should discontinue the medication once they feel better.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed with SSRIs need to be educated that it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of the medication to be experienced. This delay is important for patient understanding and compliance with the treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs do not provide immediate relief and may take weeks to show significant improvement. Choice C is inaccurate as SSRIs are not known for having a high potential for abuse and dependence. Choice D is incorrect as patients should never discontinue medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider.

2. In an acute mental health facility, a nurse is communicating with a client. The client states, “I can’t sleep. I stay up all night.” The nurse responds, “You are having difficulty sleeping?” Which of the following therapeutic communication techniques is the nurse demonstrating?

• A. Offering general leads
• B. Summarizing
• C. Focusing
• D. Restating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse is using the restating technique, where the nurse paraphrases or repeats the main idea expressed by the client to show understanding and encourage further communication. Restating helps clarify the client's message and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Choice A, offering general leads, involves encouraging the client to continue talking with nonverbal or minimal verbal prompts. Summarizing (Choice B) involves condensing and organizing the client's message. Focusing (Choice C) involves centering the conversation on a key element or topic.

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. A client is discussing free associations as a therapeutic tool with a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of this technique?

• A. “I will write down my dreams as soon as I wake up.”
• B. “I might begin to associate my therapist with important people in my life.”
• C. “I can learn to express myself in a nonaggressive manner.”
• D. “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Free association is a psychoanalytic technique where the client is encouraged to say the first thing that comes to their mind without censoring or filtering. This technique helps uncover unconscious thoughts and emotions. Choice D, “I should say the first thing that comes to my mind,” indicates an understanding of free association as it aligns with the principle of allowing thoughts to flow freely without inhibition. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an understanding of free association and its purpose, making them incorrect. A, focusing on writing down dreams, does not relate to the immediate expression of thoughts. B, associating the therapist with important people, and C, learning to express oneself nonaggressively, do not capture the essence of free association as a technique for exploring unconscious processes.

5. Which symptom is most indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. Persistent low mood
• B. Frequent nightmares
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent nightmares are a hallmark symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD often experience intrusive and distressing nightmares related to the traumatic event they have experienced. These nightmares can contribute to sleep disturbances and further exacerbate the individual's overall psychological distress. Persistent low mood, hallucinations, and compulsive behaviors are not specific symptoms of PTSD and are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions such as depression, psychotic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder respectively.

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