Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
An accomplished student has won an award and will need to accept the award as well as give a short speech to thank faculty. The student is fearful of public speaking. The student consults a nurse at the Student Health Center. The nurse is aware that social phobias are often treated using:.
A. Response prevention.
Response prevention is a therapeutic technique used in exposure and response prevention therapy for anxiety disorders, especially OCD. It involves intentionally refraining from performing compulsive behaviors in order to reduce anxiety. However, it's not the primary treatment for social phobias.
B. Modeling.
Modeling involves observing and imitating someone else's behavior to learn and acquire new skills. While it can be used in various therapeutic approaches, it's not the primary treatment for social phobias.
C. Meditation.
Meditation can be helpful for managing anxiety and stress, but it's not the primary treatment for social phobias. Meditation techniques are generally broader in application and may not specifically address the symptoms of social phobia.
D. Beta blockers.
Beta blockers are often used to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate, tremors, and sweating. They can be particularly helpful for situations where anxiety-related symptoms, like those associated with public speaking, need to be controlled quickly. Thus, beta blockers are commonly used to address social phobias and the anxiety associated with them.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Psych Nursing Spring 2023 Proctored Exam 3. Take the full exam now
Similar Questions
A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?
A. Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors.
Confronting the client about the senseless nature of their compulsive behaviors can lead to resistance, defensiveness, and increased anxiety. It's important to approach clients with OCD in a supportive and non-judgmental manner.
B. Isolate the client for a period of time.
Isolating the client is not an appropriate intervention. It can exacerbate anxiety and distress, potentially worsening the symptoms of OCD. Social isolation is generally not recommended in mental health care.
C. Plan the client's schedule to allow time for rituals.
Planning the client's schedule to allow time for rituals is a therapeutic approach called "ritual accommodation." It involves gradually adjusting the schedule to accommodate rituals while also working on reducing the frequency and intensity of those rituals over time.
D. Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and schedules.
Setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors is not the best approach. While structure and rules are important in a mental health facility, individuals with OCD need a more gradual and understanding approach to manage their compulsions.
Mary, a depressed patient, is seen in the clinic and is being treated with an SSRI. Mary tells the nurse that she has some pills that she formerly took for depression and that they are called MAOIs. Mary tells the nurse "I want to take the MAOIs right now" instead of continuing with the current medication. The most important information the nurse should convey is:.
A. The dietary restrictions required to take MAOIs.
While dietary restrictions are indeed important when taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of hypertensive crisis, this information is not the most crucial in this scenario. The immediate concern is the potential reaction between SSRIs and MAOIs if taken together.
B. That the SSRI antidepressant will be more effective as the weeks go by.
The statement about the SSRI becoming more effective over time is accurate, but it's not the primary concern when the patient is considering abruptly switching medications. The potential interactions between different classes of antidepressants are a more immediate concern.
C. The need to have her blood pressure carefully monitored.
Monitoring blood pressure is relevant when taking MAOIs due to the risk of hypertensive crisis caused by consuming certain foods and beverages. However, the primary concern in this scenario is the potential interaction between different classes of antidepressants.
D. The risk of a serious reaction if she stops the SSRIs and begins the MAOIs.
This is the most important information to convey. Combining SSRIs and MAOIs can lead to a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Switching between these medications without proper guidance and a washout period can increase the risk of this serious reaction.
A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized for the treatment of severe depression. Which of the following nursing approaches is therapeutic to include in the client's plan of care?
A. Giving the client choices of activities.
While providing choices can be empowering for clients, it might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression, who may struggle with decision-making and motivation.
B. Playing a game of chess with the client.
This could be too mentally demanding and may not be appropriate for a client with severe depression, who may have difficulty concentrating or engaging in complex activities.
C. Encouraging decision-making.
Encouraging decision-making is important in general, but clients with severe depression may find it difficult and stressful to make decisions. This approach should be used cautiously and based on the client's readiness.
D. Spending time sitting with the client.
This is correct and therapeutic. Spending time with the client without the pressure to engage in conversation or activities can help the client feel supported and understood. It fosters trust and shows that the nurse is there to provide support, which is especially important for someone experiencing severe depression.
Full Explanation
a. Giving the client choices of activities: While providing choices can be empowering for clients, it might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression, who may struggle with decision-making and motivation.
b. Playing a game of chess with the client: This could be too mentally demanding and may not be appropriate for a client with severe depression, who may have difficulty concentrating or engaging in complex activities.
c. Encouraging decision-making: Encouraging decision-making is important in general, but clients with severe depression may find it difficult and stressful to make decisions. This approach should be used cautiously and based on the client's readiness.
d. Spending time sitting with the client: This is correct and therapeutic. Spending time with the client without the pressure to engage in conversation or activities can help the client feel supported and understood. It fosters trust and shows that the nurse is there to provide support, which is especially important for someone experiencing severe depression.