which medication is often prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder gad
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023

1. What medication is frequently prescribed for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Buspirone is a medication commonly prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its effectiveness and lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines like diazepam. While fluoxetine and sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) often used for various anxiety disorders, buspirone is specifically indicated for GAD.

2. A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. It is crucial for patients to understand that they should not stop taking their medication once they feel better. Discontinuing antidepressants abruptly can lead to a relapse of depressive symptoms. Patients should continue taking their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start feeling better, to ensure the best outcomes in managing major depressive disorder. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements. Taking medication with food can help reduce stomach upset, avoiding alcohol is essential while on sertraline to prevent interactions, and experiencing some improvement in mood within a few weeks is a common expectation when starting an antidepressant like sertraline.

3. What is a primary goal of treatment for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. While complete elimination of all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors may be an ideal outcome, it is often unrealistic. Focusing on reducing the impact of these symptoms on the patient's daily life and functioning is more achievable and practical. Choices C and D are incorrect as they are not primary goals in the treatment of OCD. Increasing social interactions and improving sleep quality may be beneficial as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they are not the primary focus when managing OCD.

4. A patient diagnosed with panic disorder asks the nurse about the purpose of deep breathing exercises. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

5. Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents’ home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his “nice” mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation for this response is:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Resilience is the ability to adapt well despite adversity, which is demonstrated by Christopher's positive relationships and school performance. Despite the challenging situation of being removed from his parents' home, Christopher's ability to form a positive bond with the neighbor, enjoy school, and excel academically showcases his resilience in coping with the circumstances.

Similar Questions

A nurse is planning care for several clients attending community-based mental health programs. Which of the following clients should the nurse visit first?
When orienting a new client to a mental health unit, which of the following statements should the nurse make about the unit’s community meetings?
Which assessment question, when asked by the nurse, demonstrates an understanding of comorbid mental health conditions associated with major depressive disorder?
In planning care for the termination phase of a nurse-client relationship, which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Which patient statement suggests the presence of dissociative amnesia?

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