Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat panic disorder?

• A. Lithium
• B. Diazepam
• C. Haloperidol
• D. Clozapine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used to treat panic disorder due to its anxiolytic effects. It helps reduce feelings of anxiety and panic by acting on the central nervous system. Lithium is primarily used for bipolar disorder, while Haloperidol and Clozapine are antipsychotic medications used for conditions like schizophrenia. Therefore, the correct choice for treating panic disorder among the options provided is Diazepam.

2. Which symptom is most indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

• A. Persistent low mood
• B. Frequent nightmares
• C. Hallucinations
• D. Compulsive behaviors

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Frequent nightmares are a hallmark symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with PTSD often experience intrusive and distressing nightmares related to the traumatic event they have experienced. These nightmares can contribute to sleep disturbances and further exacerbate the individual's overall psychological distress. Persistent low mood, hallucinations, and compulsive behaviors are not specific symptoms of PTSD and are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions such as depression, psychotic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder respectively.

3. 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.

4. What assessment question will provide insight into the effects of a woman’s circadian rhythms on her quality of life?

• A. How much sleep do you usually get each night?
• B. Does your heart ever seem to skip a beat?
• C. When was the last time you had a fever?
• D. Do you have problems urinating?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Inquiring about the amount of sleep a woman gets each night is crucial in understanding how her circadian rhythms may be affecting her quality of life. Circadian rhythms play a significant role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, and disruptions in these rhythms can impact overall well-being and quality of life.

5. A patient with a diagnosis of panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for when the patient starts this medication?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Gastrointestinal disturbances
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI, the nurse should monitor for gastrointestinal disturbances as a common side effect. SSRIs can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, especially at the beginning of treatment. Increased heart rate (Choice A) is not a common side effect of SSRIs; it is more commonly associated with medications like stimulants. Increased appetite (Choice B) is not a typical side effect of SSRIs, as they are more likely to cause weight loss or appetite suppression. Dry mouth (Choice D) is a side effect seen more commonly with medications that have anticholinergic properties, not typically with SSRIs.

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