A patient with generalized anxiety disorder is being taught about buspirone. Which statement indicates the patient needs further teaching?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Buspirone is not meant for immediate relief, so taking it consistently is crucial for its effectiveness. 2. Buspirone takes time to build up in the body and show its full effect, usually a few weeks. 3. Buspirone is known for having a lower risk of dependency compared to benzodiazepines. 4. Taking buspirone consistently is essential, unlike benzodiazepines which are often taken on an as-needed basis. Therefore, choice A is incorrect as it goes against the appropriate usage of buspirone for treating generalized anxiety disorder.

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.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Nausea. Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. This occurs due to increased serotonin levels affecting the digestive system. Dry mouth (A) is more common with other medications like anticholinergics. Weight gain (B) is a potential side effect of some antidepressants but not typically with sertraline. Insomnia (C) can occur with SSRIs, but it is less common than nausea as an initial side effect. Monitoring for nausea is essential to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nausea. Fluoxetine, an SSRI antidepressant, commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. This is due to its effect on serotonin levels in the gut. Weight gain (A) and increased appetite (B) are less common side effects of fluoxetine. Dry mouth (D) is more commonly associated with tricyclic antidepressants, not SSRIs. Monitoring for nausea is crucial to ensure patient compliance and well-being.

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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Exploration. This therapeutic communication technique encourages the patient to expand on their feelings, promoting exploration of thoughts and emotions. By asking the patient to elaborate on their feelings, the nurse facilitates deeper understanding. Restating (A) involves repeating the patient's words back to them. Clarification (B) is seeking to understand the patient's meaning. Reflection (C) involves mirroring the patient's emotions. In this scenario, the nurse is prompting the patient to delve further into their emotions, making exploration the most appropriate technique.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Providing the patient with a structured daily routine. This intervention is most appropriate as it helps the patient establish a sense of stability, predictability, and purpose in their daily life, which can be beneficial in managing depressive symptoms. By having a routine, the patient can develop a sense of accomplishment and control, improve sleep patterns, and reduce feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Encouraging the patient to express their feelings through art (A) may be helpful as a supplementary intervention, but it may not provide the necessary structure and consistency needed for coping skills development. Providing information about the diagnosis (B) is important but may not directly address coping skills. Keeping a journal of thoughts and feelings (C) can be beneficial, but a structured routine provides more tangible support for developing coping skills.

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.