A 42-year-old male client tells the PMHNP he is experiencing anxiety about death, and is asking himself questions about the meaning of his life. "Why am I here and what does it matter if I am just going to die?" The PMHNP should recommend which of the following forms of therapy?
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
Existential Therapy
Group Therapy
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is primarily used for emotion regulation and managing self-harm behaviors, often in borderline personality disorder, rather than addressing existential questions about meaning and mortality.
Choice B reason: Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) focuses on challenging and changing irrational beliefs to reduce anxiety and depression. While it can address anxiety, it does not directly explore the philosophical concerns about life’s purpose that this patient presents.
Choice C reason: Existential therapy directly addresses questions about the meaning of life, death, freedom, and isolation. It helps individuals explore existential anxiety and personal responsibility, making it the most appropriate therapy for this patient’s concerns.
Choice D reason: Group therapy provides support and interpersonal feedback but may not allow for focused exploration of deep existential questions. While beneficial for social support, it is not the primary therapeutic approach for this type of existential anxiety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fluoxetine is an SSRI that may be used off-label for PTSD, but it is not specifically FDA-approved for this condition.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Sertraline is an SSRI and one of the first-line medications approved by the FDA for PTSD treatment, demonstrating efficacy in reducing core PTSD symptoms.
Choice C reason: Mirtazapine is not FDA-approved for PTSD but may be used off-label to target sleep disturbances or depressive symptoms.
Choice D reason: Lamotrigine is a mood stabilizer used primarily for bipolar disorder and not FDA-approved for PTSD management.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune hyperthyroidism characterized by goiter, exophthalmos, tremors, nervousness, and cardiovascular symptoms, consistent with this patient.
Choice B reason: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis usually causes hypothyroidism with fatigue and weight gain, not hyperthyroid symptoms.
Choice C reason: Hypothyroidism presents with slow metabolism, fatigue, and weight gain, opposite to the patient’s hyperthyroid signs.
Choice D reason: Thyroid cancer may present as a nodule, but systemic hyperthyroid symptoms and exophthalmos are not typical.
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