Nursing Elites

1. What must be considered when preparing the teaching plan for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is being prescribed lithium therapy?

• A. Caffeine and alcohol can affect lithium levels.
• B. Lithium should be taken with meals to avoid gastrointestinal distress.
• C. Regular blood tests are required to monitor lithium levels.
• D. Lithium can cause weight gain.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing a teaching plan for a patient prescribed lithium therapy for bipolar disorder, it is crucial to emphasize the need for regular blood tests to monitor lithium levels. Monitoring levels is essential to ensure the drug's effectiveness and to manage potential side effects. While factors like caffeine and alcohol intake, taking lithium with meals, and the risk of weight gain may be relevant considerations, the primary focus should be on the necessity of regular blood tests for effective management of lithium therapy. Therefore, option C is the correct choice as it addresses a critical aspect of lithium therapy management.

2. Which therapeutic approach is most effective for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective therapeutic approach for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety. It focuses on changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, providing practical strategies to manage anxiety symptoms effectively. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of CBT in treating GAD by helping patients develop coping mechanisms and skills to address their anxiety. Choice A, Psychoanalytic therapy, is not the most effective for GAD as it primarily focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences rather than providing immediate coping strategies. Choice C, Humanistic therapy, emphasizes personal growth and self-improvement, which may not directly target the specific symptoms of GAD. Choice D, Gestalt therapy, focuses on increasing self-awareness and personal responsibility, which might not address the cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns associated with GAD as directly as CBT does.

3. A client is undergoing systematic desensitization for an extreme fear of elevators. Which of the following actions should be implemented with this form of therapy?

• A. Demonstrate riding in an elevator, then ask the client to imitate the behavior.
• B. Advise the client to say “stop” out loud every time they begin to feel an anxiety response related to an elevator.
• C. Gradually expose the client to an elevator while practicing relaxation techniques.
• D. Stay with the client in an elevator until the anxiety response diminishes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Systematic desensitization is a type of therapy used to help individuals overcome phobias or anxieties. It involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation, in this case, an elevator, while simultaneously practicing relaxation techniques. This process helps the client associate relaxation with the previously feared stimulus, gradually reducing anxiety levels over time. Choice A is incorrect as it involves imitation rather than gradual exposure. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on a verbal response rather than the systematic process of exposure and relaxation. Choice D is incorrect as it does not involve the systematic approach of gradually exposing the client while teaching relaxation techniques.

4. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed sertraline. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Dry mouth
• B. Weight gain
• C. Insomnia
• D. Nausea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nausea is a common side effect associated with sertraline, a medication commonly used in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is essential for the nurse to monitor for nausea as it can impact the patient's adherence to the medication regimen. Educating the patient about this potential side effect and advising ways to manage it can enhance treatment compliance and overall therapeutic outcomes.

5. A healthcare provider is developing a care plan for a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should be included to help the patient manage flashbacks?

• A. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly.
• B. Teaching the patient grounding techniques.
• C. Encouraging the patient to use relaxation techniques.
• D. Helping the patient develop a safety plan.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Teaching grounding techniques is an effective intervention for managing flashbacks in patients with PTSD. Grounding techniques help individuals focus on the present moment, which can reduce the intensity of flashbacks and promote a sense of safety and stability.

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