A 32-year-old woman presents to the psychiatric nurse practitioner with a 3-month history of concentration difficulty, irritability, and depression. She has not experienced these symptoms at any other time in her life. During an extensive history inquiry, the woman states that 4 months prior to her visit with the nurse practitioner, she had experienced a short-term flu-like illness and noticed a bull's eye-shaped rash on her calf. She has noted no other symptoms since then, until the mood symptoms began. Her physical examination and laboratory findings are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Syphilis
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Lyme disease
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Syphilis can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms in tertiary stages but is unlikely with an acute bull’s eye rash and flu-like symptoms preceding mood changes.
Choice B reason: Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by prolonged fatigue lasting at least 6 months, often with cognitive impairment, but does not usually present with a recent erythema migrans rash.
Choice C reason: This is correct. The patient’s history of a flu-like illness and a bull's eye-shaped rash (erythema migrans) is characteristic of early Lyme disease. Post-infectious neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression and irritability may develop weeks to months after initial infection.
Choice D reason: Adult ADHD would present with long-standing attention deficits from childhood, not a sudden onset following an infectious illness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hypertension is not typically associated with fungal infections or vaginal candidiasis and does not increase susceptibility to this condition.
Choice B reason: Multiple sclerosis itself is not a direct risk factor for vaginal yeast infections, although immune modulation from treatments could potentially increase risk.
Choice C reason: Diabetes mellitus is correct. Elevated blood glucose levels can promote fungal growth and increase the risk of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Choice D reason: Chronic fatigue syndrome is not a recognized risk factor for vaginal yeast infections. While it may affect overall immunity indirectly, it does not directly predispose to this infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperhidrosis is a known dose-dependent side effect of SSRIs, particularly paroxetine, making this statement correct.
Choice B reason: Age-related changes in drug metabolism and hormone levels may reduce SSRI efficacy in women over 50, making this statement accurate.
Choice C reason: This statement is not correct. While escitalopram may have a slightly lower risk of hyperhidrosis, switching without first evaluating dose adjustment or other interventions is not the standard first approach. The focus should be on managing side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Choice D reason: Reducing the dose and considering adjunctive therapies while evaluating hormonal status is an appropriate, evidence-based approach to managing SSRI-induced hyperhidrosis in this patient population.
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