Nursing Elites

1. In treating social anxiety disorder, which medication is commonly prescribed to patients with this condition?

• A. Methylphenidate
• B. Sertraline
• C. Lithium
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder. SSRIs are a first-line pharmacological treatment for social anxiety disorder due to their effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and emotions. Methylphenidate is a stimulant primarily used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but not in social anxiety disorder. Lithium is typically used in bipolar disorder, while haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication more commonly used in conditions like schizophrenia. Therefore, the correct choice for treating social anxiety disorder is Sertraline (B).

2. When assessing a client with suspected bipolar disorder, which of the following findings should the nurse not expect?

• A. Periods of elevated mood
• B. Decreased need for sleep
• C. Flight of ideas
• D. Anhedonia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bipolar disorder, common findings include periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and flight of ideas. Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, is more indicative of conditions like major depressive disorder. Therefore, the nurse should not expect to find anhedonia in a client with suspected bipolar disorder.

3. When a patient with major depressive disorder is started on fluoxetine, what is the most important side effect for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Suicidal ideation
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When initiating fluoxetine therapy in a patient with major depressive disorder, monitoring for suicidal ideation is crucial due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors that can occur, especially in the initial phase of treatment. This close monitoring is essential to ensure patient safety and intervene promptly if such symptoms arise. Weight gain, hypertension, and hyperglycemia are potential side effects of some medications used to treat depression, but suicidal ideation is the most critical and immediate side effect to monitor for when starting fluoxetine.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with suspected substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional not expect?

• A. Neglect of responsibilities
• B. Increased tolerance to the substance
• C. Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance
• D. Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Findings in a client with substance use disorder typically include neglect of responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Increased tolerance to the substance is a common phenomenon in substance use disorder and is expected as the individual requires higher doses to achieve the same effect.

5. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which symptom would most likely be observed?

• A. Euphoria
• B. Anhedonia
• C. Increased energy
• D. Racing thoughts

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable, is a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder often experience a pervasive feeling of emptiness and loss of interest in activities they used to find pleasurable. Euphoria, increased energy, and racing thoughts are more commonly associated with conditions like bipolar disorder rather than major depressive disorder.

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