A healthcare provider is developing a care plan for a patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which intervention should be included to help the patient manage flashbacks?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Teaching the patient grounding techniques. Grounding techniques help individuals with PTSD manage flashbacks by bringing their focus back to the present moment and reality. This can include techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and using the five senses to connect with the environment. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly (A) can be overwhelming and retraumatizing. Relaxation techniques (C) may not be effective during a flashback when the individual is in a hyperaroused state. Developing a safety plan (D) is important but is more focused on preventing future crises rather than managing flashbacks in the moment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient's weight daily. This intervention is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa as it helps track the patient's progress and identify any concerning weight fluctuations promptly. Daily weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly and ensure the patient's safety. Choice A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress is incorrect because isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's disordered eating behaviors and hinder the recovery process. Choice C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily is incorrect as excessive exercise is a common symptom of anorexia nervosa and can further contribute to the patient's physical and psychological health risks. Choice D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet is incorrect without proper monitoring as it can lead to refeeding syndrome and other complications. Monitoring the patient's weight is essential before implementing dietary changes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weight gain. Lithium is known to cause weight gain as a common side effect in patients with bipolar disorder. This is due to its impact on the body's metabolism and hormonal balance. Monitoring for weight changes is crucial as it can affect the patient's overall health and well-being. Increased energy (A) is not a common side effect of lithium and can be a sign of hypomania or mania in bipolar disorder. Constipation (B) and dry mouth (D) are possible side effects of some medications, but they are not typically associated with lithium.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apathy. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia refer to the absence or reduction of normal behaviors or functions. Apathy is a common negative symptom characterized by a lack of interest, motivation, or emotion. Hallucinations (A) and delusions (B) are positive symptoms, involving distortions of perception or belief. Disorganized speech (D) is a symptom of disorganized thinking, which is also a positive symptom in schizophrenia. Thus, apathy best aligns with the concept of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for suicide. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because individuals with major depressive disorder have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing and addressing this risk is crucial for patient safety. Choice A is not the priority as nutritional imbalances may not pose immediate harm compared to suicide risk. Choice C, disturbed sleep pattern, and choice D, ineffective coping, are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of suicide in a patient with major depressive disorder.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Buspirone. Buspirone is frequently prescribed for patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as it is a non-addictive anxiolytic medication that is effective in managing chronic anxiety symptoms without the risk of dependence or tolerance. It works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety levels. A: Fluoxetine and B: Sertraline are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) commonly used for depression and some types of anxiety disorders, but they are not typically first-line treatments for GAD. D: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that is fast-acting but carries a high risk of dependence and tolerance, making it less suitable for long-term management of GAD.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. This is crucial because alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. It is important to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam does not necessarily need to be taken with food. Choice C is incorrect as alprazolam is typically taken during the day due to its sedative effects. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the dose without medical guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Teaching the patient grounding techniques. Grounding techniques help individuals with PTSD manage flashbacks by bringing their focus back to the present moment and reality. This can include techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and using the five senses to connect with the environment. Encouraging the patient to confront the trauma directly (A) can be overwhelming and retraumatizing. Relaxation techniques (C) may not be effective during a flashback when the individual is in a hyperaroused state. Developing a safety plan (D) is important but is more focused on preventing future crises rather than managing flashbacks in the moment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diazepam. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat panic disorder due to its anxiolytic properties. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Lithium (A) is typically used to treat bipolar disorder, not panic disorder. Haloperidol (C) and Clozapine (D) are antipsychotic medications primarily used for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, not panic disorder. Diazepam is the most suitable choice for treating panic disorder due to its anxiolytic effects and quick onset of action.