Nancy has antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following is a goal of treatment for Nancy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of Nancy, who has antisocial personality disorder, the goal of treatment should be focused on long-term therapy (Option B). Explanation of why Option B is correct: Long-term therapy is essential for individuals with antisocial personality disorder as it provides a structured and supportive environment where Nancy can explore her thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through therapy, Nancy can work on developing insight into her condition, learn coping strategies, improve her interpersonal skills, and work on changing maladaptive patterns of behavior commonly associated with this disorder. Explanation of why the other options are incorrect: A) Complying with her medication regimen (Option A) may be important for certain mental health conditions, but it is not the primary goal for individuals with antisocial personality disorder. Medication is not a primary treatment modality for this disorder. C) Becoming a group facilitator (Option C) is not a typical goal for treating antisocial personality disorder. While engaging in activities that promote social skills can be beneficial, becoming a group facilitator is not a standard or primary treatment goal. D) Eliminating her anxiety (Option D) is not the primary goal for treating antisocial personality disorder. While addressing anxiety may be part of the treatment plan, the core focus should be on addressing the underlying issues related to the disorder itself. Educational context: Understanding the goals of treatment for different mental health conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially those working in mental health settings. By recognizing the specific needs of individuals with antisocial personality disorder and tailoring treatment goals accordingly, healthcare providers can offer more effective and person-centered care. This question highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans based on the unique characteristics and challenges associated with each mental health condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a tricyclic antidepressant overdose, the nurse should prioritize interventions that address the potential life-threatening complications associated with this type of toxicity. The correct answer, option C - Administration of an antipyretic, is not a recommended measure in this situation. Tricyclic antidepressant overdoses are known to cause a variety of serious symptoms, including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and respiratory depression. Therefore, the priority interventions should focus on stabilizing the client's condition. Maintaining a patent airway (option A) is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation. Administration of sodium bicarbonate (option B) is essential in tricyclic antidepressant overdoses as it helps to counteract the cardiac toxicity associated with these medications by treating the sodium channel blockade. Obtaining an electrocardiogram (option D) is vital to monitor the client's cardiac status and detect any potential arrhythmias early. In an educational context, understanding the specific interventions required for different medication overdoses is vital for nurses and healthcare providers working in emergency settings. This knowledge enables them to provide timely and appropriate care to stabilize the client's condition and prevent further complications. By prioritizing interventions based on the specific overdose scenario, healthcare professionals can improve patient outcomes and ensure safe and effective care delivery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of psychotropic medications, understanding the symptoms and implications of lithium toxicity is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this quiz question, the correct answer is D) Apathy and lethargy, which are indicative of mild lithium toxicity. Apathy and lethargy are common early signs of mild lithium toxicity. These symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions or side effects, highlighting the importance of recognizing them in the context of lithium use. Option A) Confusion and ataxia are more commonly associated with moderate to severe lithium toxicity, indicating a more serious level of intoxication that requires immediate medical attention. Option B) Muscle fasciculations and oliguria are also symptoms of moderate to severe lithium toxicity, reflecting a more advanced stage of intoxication. Option C) Tinnitus and blurred vision are not typically associated with lithium toxicity; these symptoms may suggest other medical conditions or medication side effects. Educationally, this question serves to reinforce the importance of recognizing early signs of lithium toxicity to prevent progression to more severe complications. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients on lithium therapy and promptly identify and address any signs of toxicity to ensure patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Thioridazine (Mellaril) is an antipsychotic medication known to cause a unique adverse reaction of retinal pigmentation when used in high doses, which can lead to irreversible damage to the eyes. Therefore, limiting the daily dose to 800 mg is crucial in preventing this serious side effect. Option A) Hypertension is not a common adverse reaction associated with thioridazine. This distractor is incorrect as it does not align with the known side effects of the medication. Option B) Respiratory arrest is not a typical adverse reaction specific to thioridazine. While some antipsychotic medications may have respiratory depression as a side effect, it is not a primary concern with thioridazine. Option C) Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder and not directly related to thioridazine use. This distractor is unrelated to the medication in question. In an educational context, understanding the potential adverse effects of psychotropic medications like thioridazine is essential for healthcare professionals, particularly those working in mental health settings. By knowing the specific side effects of each medication, healthcare providers can monitor patients for signs of adverse reactions, intervene early, and prevent serious complications. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimizing treatment outcomes in individuals receiving psychotropic medications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of psychotropic medications, the correct answer to the question is B) Mood stabilizers. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Mood stabilizers are a class of psychiatric medications specifically designed to help manage and stabilize these mood fluctuations in individuals with bipolar disorder. Antidepressants (option A) are primarily used to treat depression and are not typically the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. In fact, using antidepressants alone in bipolar disorder can sometimes trigger manic episodes. Anxiolytics (option C), such as benzodiazepines, are used to treat anxiety disorders and are not the primary medications for managing the mood swings seen in bipolar disorder. Stimulants (option D) are medications commonly used to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are not indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Understanding the specific classes of psychiatric medications and their intended uses is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly those working in mental health settings, to provide safe and effective care for individuals with psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder. By knowing the appropriate medications for each condition, healthcare providers can help improve patient outcomes and quality of life.