Which medication is commonly used to treat both major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Duloxetine. Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat both major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Gabapentin (A) is primarily used for neuropathic pain, Amitriptyline (C) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and neuropathic pain, and Tramadol (D) is an opioid analgesic used for pain management but not typically for major depressive disorder.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, developing a safety plan with the patient. This intervention is crucial for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder. A safety plan helps the patient identify triggers, warning signs, coping strategies, and support networks to prevent self-harm. It also outlines specific steps to take in a crisis situation. This intervention is more direct and practical compared to the other options. A: Keeping a journal may be helpful for self-reflection but may not provide immediate strategies to prevent self-harm. B: Setting boundaries is important but may not directly address self-harm behaviors. C: Providing coping skills is beneficial, but a safety plan is more specific and tailored to managing self-harm risks. In summary, developing a safety plan is the most effective intervention for addressing self-harm behaviors in patients with borderline personality disorder.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased need for sleep. During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals often experience decreased need for sleep. This is a key symptom of mania, as it is characterized by high energy levels, impulsivity, and decreased need for rest. In contrast, option B (feelings of worthlessness) is more reflective of symptoms seen in depressive episodes, not manic episodes. Option C (increased need for sleep) is also not indicative of mania, as mania is associated with decreased sleep. Option D (avoidance of social interactions) may occur in some cases, but it is not a defining feature of mania.

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.