The nurse is providing care to a client in the clinic who is newly diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following is the first-choice medication for a client with anxiety?

Propranolol

Hydroxyzine

Fluoxetine

Alprazolam

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Propranolol, a beta-blocker, reduces physical anxiety symptoms (e.g., tachycardia) by blocking adrenaline’s effects on beta receptors. It is not first-line for generalized anxiety disorder, as it addresses somatic symptoms rather than the underlying neurochemical imbalance, such as serotonin dysregulation, targeted by more effective long-term treatments.

Choice B reason: Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, has sedative properties and is used for acute anxiety by modulating histamine and serotonin receptors. It is not first-line for generalized anxiety disorder, as it lacks long-term efficacy and primarily addresses short-term symptoms, unlike treatments targeting chronic serotonin imbalances.

Choice C reason: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is the first-choice medication for generalized anxiety disorder. It increases serotonin levels in the brain, stabilizing mood and reducing excessive worry by enhancing neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, offering long-term efficacy with fewer dependency risks compared to benzodiazepines.

Choice D reason: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, enhances GABA activity for rapid anxiety relief but is not first-line due to high dependence risk and short-term effects. Generalized anxiety disorder requires long-term management, and SSRIs like fluoxetine are preferred for their efficacy in addressing chronic serotonin dysregulation without addiction potential.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Distorted beliefs are positive symptoms of schizophrenia, involving active delusions. Negative symptoms involve deficits, like emotional absence, making this incorrect for identifying a negative symptom.

Choice B reason: Lack of emotions, or flat affect, is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, reflecting reduced emotional expression. This deficit is a hallmark of negative symptomatology, making it the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Paranoia is a positive symptom, involving active psychotic thoughts. Negative symptoms are absences, like lack of emotion, making this incorrect for the negative symptom category.

Choice D reason: Confusion is not a primary schizophrenia symptom but may occur in other conditions. Negative symptoms involve emotional or motivational deficits, making this incorrect compared to lack of emotions.

A. Insert a padded tongue blade into the client’s mouth. B. Place the client on his back. C. Move objects away from the client. D. Restrain the client.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Inserting a padded tongue blade during a seizure is outdated and dangerous, as it can cause injury or obstruct the airway. Seizures involve uncontrolled neuronal firing, and forcing objects into the mouth risks trauma or aspiration, contrary to current epilepsy management guidelines focusing on airway protection and safety.

Choice B reason: Placing the client on their back during a seizure increases the risk of aspiration, as secretions or vomit may obstruct the airway. Seizures cause loss of motor control, and the side-lying position is preferred to maintain airway patency, making this an incorrect and unsafe instruction.

Choice C reason: Moving objects away from the client during a seizure is critical to prevent injury from uncontrolled movements caused by synchronized neuronal discharges in the brain. This ensures a safe environment, reducing the risk of trauma from striking objects, aligning with standard seizure management protocols to prioritize safety.

Choice D reason: Restraining a client during a seizure can cause injury, as forceful movements from epileptiform activity are involuntary. Restraints may increase muscle strain or fractures and heighten agitation, potentially worsening the seizure or causing psychological harm, making this an inappropriate and unsafe action.

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The nurse is providing care to a client in the clinic who is newly diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following is the first-choice medication for a client with anxiety?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with schizophrenia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as a negative symptom?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching the family of a client who has a new diagnosis of epilepsy about actions to take if the client experiences a seizure. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for clients who have various depressive disorders. The nurse should identify which of the following client diagnoses as presenting the greatest risk for suicide?

A nurse is caring for a client. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an indication of anorexia nervosa?

A nurse is performing a neurological assessment for a client who has head trauma. Which of the following assessments will give the nurse information about the function of the oculomotor cranial nerve?

A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should the nurse take?

Which of the following is not a sign of a basilar skull fracture?

A client who has been taking haloperidol for several weeks presents with restlessness, constant pacing, and inability to sit still. What is the most likely extrapyramidal symptom the client is experiencing?

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The nurse is caring for the following clients. Which client would the nurse assess first after receiving shift report?