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 ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This choice does not indicate symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Feeling sad about being overweight is not specific to BDD and could be related to body dissatisfaction or other emotional concerns.
Choice B rationale:
This choice indicates a symptom of BDD. Constantly comparing one's appearance to that of celebrities suggests a preoccupation with perceived flaws, which is a hallmark of BDD. Individuals with BDD often engage in such comparisons as a way to validate their negative self-image.
Choice C rationale:
While spending excessive time in front of the mirror can be a symptom of BDD, the statement alone does not definitively indicate the disorder. It's important to consider the reason behind the mirror checking behavior and the individual's emotional distress related to it.
Choice D rationale:
This choice indicates a symptom of BDD. Avoiding social situations due to the fear of being negatively evaluated or judged based on one's perceived flaws is a classic sign of BDD. Individuals with BDD often believe that others are fixated on their perceived defects.
Choice E rationale:
This choice does not indicate symptoms of BDD. Having a collection of items without attaching sentimental value is not specific to BDD. It's important to focus on behaviors and thoughts related to perceived physical flaws when assessing for BDD.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
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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