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 schizophrenia is being educated about the significance of medication adherence. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding?

• A. I will take my medication only when I feel symptoms returning.
• B. I understand that taking my medication regularly is important to manage my symptoms.
• C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
• D. I should take my medication on an as-needed basis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because acknowledging the importance of consistently taking medication is crucial for effectively managing symptoms of schizophrenia. It is essential for patients with schizophrenia to adhere to their medication regimen to stabilize their condition and prevent symptom exacerbation. Waiting for symptoms to return before taking medication, stopping medication once feeling better, or taking medications on an as-needed basis are not recommended practices for managing schizophrenia effectively.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed fluoxetine for panic disorder. Which statement should be included in the teaching?

• A. You should notice the effects of this medication within a few days.
• B. It's important to take this medication only when you feel anxious.
• C. It may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of this medication.
• D. You can stop taking this medication as soon as you feel better.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that it may take several weeks before the patient notices the full effects of fluoxetine. This is because fluoxetine, like other SSRIs, requires time to reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect as fluoxetine does not show its effects within a few days. Choice B is incorrect as fluoxetine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when feeling anxious. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing fluoxetine abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a return of panic disorder symptoms.

4. A patient with social anxiety disorder is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which symptom is this medication most likely intended to address?

• A. Panic attacks
• B. Tremors and palpitations
• C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
• D. Depression

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta-blockers are commonly used to alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as tremors and palpitations. These medications help manage the autonomic symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and trembling, which are often prominent in social anxiety disorder. Beta-blockers do not primarily target cognitive symptoms like recurrent, intrusive thoughts (choice C), panic attacks (choice A), or depression (choice D) in social anxiety disorder.

5. Ted, a former executive, is now unemployed due to manic episodes at work. He was diagnosed with bipolar I 8 years ago. Ted has a history of IV drug abuse, which resulted in hepatitis C. He is taking his lithium exactly as scheduled, a fact that both Ted’s wife and his blood tests confirm. To reduce Ted’s mania, the psychiatric nurse practitioner recommends:

• A. Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• C. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• D. Lurasidone (Latuda)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lurasidone (Latuda) is an atypical antipsychotic medication commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can help manage symptoms of mania by stabilizing mood and reducing the intensity of manic episodes. Given Ted's history of bipolar I disorder and the need to address his manic symptoms, Lurasidone (Latuda) is a suitable recommendation by the psychiatric nurse practitioner to aid in managing Ted's condition effectively.

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