(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is teaching a group of patients about pharmacological interventions for OCDs. Which medications are commonly used to treat OCDs? Select all that apply.
Venlafaxine.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Risperidone.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Dopamine agonists.
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice C rationale:
Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is sometimes used as an augmentation strategy in treating OCD, particularly in cases where there are prominent obsessive-compulsive symptoms that are not well-controlled by other interventions. However, it's important to note that risperidone's use in OCD is off-label, meaning it's not approved by regulatory agencies specifically for OCD treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for OCD. These medications, such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine, increase the availability of serotonin in the brain and help alleviate obsessive-compulsive symptoms. They have been extensively studied and are considered first-line treatment options.
Choice A rationale:
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. While it may have some benefit for anxiety symptoms, including those related to OCD, it is not considered a first-line treatment for OCD. SSRIs have shown greater efficacy for OCD management.
Choice B rationale:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were among the first medications used to treat OCD. However, their side effect profiles and the availability of more effective and better-tolerated options, such as SSRIs, have led to TCAs being used less frequently for OCD treatment.
Choice E rationale:
Dopamine agonists are not commonly used for OCD treatment. In fact, they can potentially exacerbate symptoms, as imbalances in dopamine transmission are implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. Using dopamine agonists without a clear rationale could worsen the condition.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates a need for further education. For medications used to treat OCD, consistent and regular dosing is important for their effectiveness. Taking medication only when feeling anxious could lead to inconsistent blood levels of the medication, potentially diminishing its therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I should report any side effects to my doctor" is accurate and does not indicate a need for further education. Reporting side effects to the doctor is a responsible and informed approach to medication management.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "It's important to continue taking my medication even if I start feeling better" is correct. Often, individuals with OCD may experience improvement in symptoms but need to continue the medication regimen to maintain the positive effects and prevent relapse.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I'll stop taking my medication if I experience any discomfort" indicates a need for further education. Discomfort is a broad term that could encompass various mild side effects or adjustments that might be necessary when starting a new medication. It's important not to discontinue medication abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider.
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