A nurse is discussing pharmacological interventions for treating OCDs with a group of patients. Which statement accurately describes the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in OCD treatment?
"SSRIs primarily target glutamate modulation in the brain.”
"SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain to reduce obsessions and compulsions.”
"SSRIs are used to enhance positive emotional outcomes in individuals with OCD.”
"SSRIs are reserved for individuals who have ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
"SSRIs primarily target glutamate modulation in the brain." This statement is inaccurate. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily target the modulation of serotonin levels in the brain, not glutamate. These medications work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and helps regulate mood and anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
"SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain to reduce obsessions and compulsions." This statement accurately describes the role of SSRIs in treating OCD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, and imbalances in serotonin have been implicated in OCD. By increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, SSRIs can help reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Choice C rationale:
"SSRIs are used to enhance positive emotional outcomes in individuals with OCD." This statement is not accurate. While SSRIs can improve mood and reduce anxiety, their primary role in treating OCD is to alleviate the symptoms of obsessions and compulsions by affecting neurotransmitter levels. They are not specifically used to enhance positive emotional outcomes.
Choice D rationale:
"SSRIs are reserved for individuals who have ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions." This statement is incorrect. Ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions are those that are consistent with a person's self-image and beliefs, and individuals may not feel a strong need to resist or change them. SSRIs are used to treat both ego-dystonic (inconsistent with self-image) and ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions in OCD, as these medications target the underlying neurochemical imbalances that contribute to the disorder's symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging suppression of the urge to pull hair might worsen the client's anxiety and tension associated with trichotillomania. This approach may not address the underlying issues and could lead to increased distress.
Choice B rationale:
Camouflaging hair loss can be a practical approach, but it does not address the compulsive behavior itself. It focuses on hiding the consequences of the disorder rather than addressing the core issue.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client in finding replacement behaviors is the most appropriate intervention. This approach helps redirect the urge to pull hair into healthier alternatives, helping the client manage the compulsive behavior in a constructive manner.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding mirrors might be counterproductive. For some individuals with trichotillomania, avoiding mirrors might increase anxiety and preoccupation, as they may feel disconnected from their appearance. It's important to address the underlying behavior rather than avoiding triggers.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to "talk about their fears" might be a beneficial intervention in some cases, but for individuals with OCD who are struggling with compulsive behaviors driven by their fears, directly addressing exposure to those fears is a more effective approach.
Choice B rationale:
While setting limits on the client's behavior is important, it may not be the priority in this situation. Instead, assisting the client in gradually confronting their fears through exposure therapy can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Choice C rationale:
The correct response emphasizes gradual exposure therapy, a well-established approach in treating OCD. This intervention helps the client confront their fears in a controlled and systematic manner, leading to desensitization and reduction in their anxiety over time.
Choice D rationale:
Providing relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety, but for someone with OCD who is avoiding situations due to contamination fears, the primary intervention should focus on exposure therapy to address the specific OCD-related fears.
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