which behavior is most characteristic of a patient with agoraphobia

ATI LPN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. Which behavior is most characteristic of agoraphobia?

A. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation
B. Excessively washing hands to prevent contamination
C. Experiencing unexpected panic attacks
D. Having a fear of gaining weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Agoraphobia is characterized by the avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation aligns with this fear of being in situations where escape might be challenging, making choice A the most characteristic behavior of agoraphobia. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the core feature of agoraphobia, which is the avoidance of situations perceived as difficult to escape from.

2. In schizophrenia, a patient is experiencing negative symptoms. Which of the following is a negative symptom?

A. Hallucinations
B. Delusions
C. Apathy
D. Disorganized speech

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In schizophrenia, negative symptoms refer to deficits in normal emotional responses or other thought processes. Apathy is a negative symptom characterized by a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized speech are positive symptoms, which involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or thoughts.

3. Which symptom is most indicative of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A. Flashbacks of traumatic events
B. Persistent, intrusive thoughts
C. Frequent mood swings
D. Auditory hallucinations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Persistent, intrusive thoughts are a hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Individuals with OCD experience persistent and unwanted thoughts or obsessions that are intrusive and cause significant distress. These thoughts often lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions to try to alleviate the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessions. Flashbacks of traumatic events (Choice A), frequent mood swings (Choice C), and auditory hallucinations (Choice D) are not typical symptoms of OCD. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, mood swings can be seen in mood disorders, and auditory hallucinations are more characteristic of psychotic disorders.

4. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What is a common side effect the nurse should monitor for?

A. Increased energy
B. Constipation
C. Weight gain
D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect associated with lithium therapy. It is essential for the nurse to monitor the patient for changes in weight as it can impact the individual's overall health and well-being. Patients on lithium should be advised on dietary and lifestyle modifications to manage potential weight gain and maintain a healthy weight.

5. Which patient statement suggests the presence of dissociative amnesia?

A. I keep forgetting where I put my keys.
B. I don’t remember the accident that brought me here or the past two days.
C. Sometimes I feel like I’m watching myself from outside my body.
D. I often lose track of time when I’m reading.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement reflects a significant gap in memory related to a traumatic event, which is characteristic of dissociative amnesia. Choice A is more indicative of normal forgetfulness and absentmindedness. Choice C suggests depersonalization or dissociative identity disorder rather than dissociative amnesia. Choice D describes a common experience related to concentration while reading, not memory loss as seen in dissociative amnesia.