Nursing Elites

1. Which medication is commonly used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

• A. Lorazepam
• B. Fluoxetine
• C. Lithium
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Fluoxetine (Choice B). Fluoxetine, an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), is commonly used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). SSRIs like Fluoxetine are considered first-line medications for managing OCD symptoms by helping to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which plays a role in mood regulation and anxiety reduction. Choice A, Lorazepam, is a benzodiazepine primarily used for anxiety disorders but is not a first-line treatment for OCD. Choice C, Lithium, is typically used in conditions like bipolar disorder, not OCD. Choice D, Haloperidol, is an antipsychotic medication and is not commonly used to treat OCD.

2. Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

• A. Frequent panic attacks
• B. Persistent and excessive worry
• C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent and excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things, even when there is little or no reason to worry. This worry is difficult to control and can significantly impact daily life. While panic attacks, recurrent intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors can occur in other anxiety disorders, persistent and excessive worry is the hallmark symptom of GAD. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary symptom associated with GAD.

3. Which of the following is an example of a mood stabilizer used to treat bipolar disorder?

• A. Fluoxetine
• B. Lithium
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Lorazepam

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lithium is a widely recognized mood stabilizer used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control mood swings, prevent manic episodes, and reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant, Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, and Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and insomnia, none of which are primary mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.

4. Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?

• A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
• B. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
• C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
• D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.

5. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas’s nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

• A. Generally good health despite the mental illness.
• B. An aversion to drinking fluids.
• C. Anxiety and depression.
• D. The ability to express his needs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to manage co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and depression. This coping mechanism can exacerbate the underlying mental health condition and hinder proper treatment. Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring issues are essential in providing holistic care for individuals with schizophrenia.

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