Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A patient with major depressive disorder is started on fluoxetine. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Nausea
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nausea is a common side effect of fluoxetine and should be monitored.

3. Which therapeutic communication statement might a healthcare professional use when a patient’s nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?

• A. I know you mention hearing voices, but I cannot hear them.
• B. Stop listening to the voices, they are NOT real.
• C. You say you hear voices, what are they telling you?
• D. Please ask the voices to leave you alone for now.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the most appropriate therapeutic communication statement in this scenario. By asking the patient what the voices are telling them, the healthcare professional encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, aiding in understanding their altered thought processes. This approach can help establish a therapeutic relationship and provide valuable insight into the patient's experiences.

4. In cognitive processing therapy for PTSD, what is the primary goal for the patient?

• A. To help the patient process the trauma and reduce avoidance behaviors.
• B. To help the patient confront and process the trauma in a safe environment.
• C. To help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors.
• D. To help the patient avoid triggers that remind them of the trauma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of cognitive processing therapy for PTSD is to help the patient understand the impact of the trauma on their current thoughts and behaviors. Through this therapy, individuals learn to identify and challenge maladaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event, ultimately helping them to process the trauma and develop healthier coping mechanisms. This approach aims to address the cognitive distortions and negative thoughts that have resulted from the trauma, facilitating healing and recovery.

5. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is being taught about buspirone. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching?

• A. I should take this medication consistently rather than on an as-needed basis.
• B. It may take a few weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.
• C. This medication has a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines.
• D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because buspirone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis. It should be taken consistently to achieve optimal effectiveness in managing generalized anxiety disorder. Taking it as needed may lead to inadequate symptom control and reduced therapeutic benefits.

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