What is the purpose of using risperidone in psychiatric treatment?
To treat symptoms of schizophrenia
To treat symptoms of anxiety
To treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
To treat symptoms of depression
The Correct Answer is A
A. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic used primarily to treat symptoms of schizophrenia. It helps manage symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It works by altering the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin.
B. Risperidone is not typically used as a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. While it can have some impact on mood and agitation, anxiety is usually treated with medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines. Risperidone might be used in cases where anxiety is part of a broader psychotic disorder, but it is not the primary treatment for anxiety alone.
C. Risperidone is not commonly used to treat ADHD. ADHD is typically managed with stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines, or non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine. Risperidone might be used off-label in some cases if ADHD symptoms are severe and co- occurring with other disorders, but it is not a standard treatment for ADHD.
D. Risperidone is not primarily used to treat depression. Depression is typically treated with antidepressants, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, or other classes of antidepressants. Risperidone might be used as an adjunct medication in cases where depression is accompanied by psychotic symptoms or severe mood disturbances, but it is not a primary treatment for depression alone.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulties with daily functioning. However, depression alone might not fully explain the abrupt change if there were no prior context of mood swings or manic behavior.
B. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings that include manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. The observed behaviors—active participation and high energy followed by a
sudden shift to tearfulness and withdrawal—are consistent with the mood cycling seen in bipolar disorder. The manic or hypomanic phase could explain the previous high level of activity, while the depressive phase explains the sudden refusal to engage and withdrawal.
C. Psychotic behavior involves a loss of touch with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. The behaviors described (active participation and then sudden withdrawal) do not specifically indicate psychosis.
D. Dysthymic disorder (now referred to as Persistent Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5) is characterized by a chronic, mild depression lasting for at least two years. It typically involves a more consistent, persistent low mood rather than the abrupt shifts seen in bipolar disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Increasing rest and sleep can be beneficial for overall well-being and can help alleviate some symptoms of mood disturbances but it is not sufficient as the initial step in addressing possible postpartum depression.
B. Using a postpartum depression-screening tool is a crucial step in assessing the client’s mental health status. This tool can help determine the severity of the symptoms and whether they meet the criteria for postpartum depression. It provides a structured way to evaluate the client’s symptoms and guide further intervention. This should be the first step in addressing the client’s reported feelings.
C. While antidepressant medication may be appropriate for treating postpartum depression if diagnosed, it is not the first step. Before prescribing medication, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment using a screening tool to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the condition.
D. Counseling can be a valuable part of treatment for postpartum depression, but it should follow an
initial assessment to confirm the presence of the condition. It is important to first evaluate the client’s symptoms using a screening tool to determine the appropriate level of intervention and to tailor the
counseling to the client’s specific needs.
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