The client presents to the emergency department with a headache in the back of the head, diaphoresis, and neck stiffness. The client's blood pressure measures 180/124 mm Hg and heart rate is 168 beats/min. The spouse says the client is currently prescribed "something for depression" and denies any history of cardiac disease. The nurse should suspect the use of what medication?

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

An atypical antipsychotic

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. MAOIs can interact with certain foods and other medications, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe hypertension, headache, diaphoresis, and other symptoms.
B.   SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome can present with symptoms such as headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia, but it typically doesn't cause severe hypertension.
C.   TCAs are another class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. TCAs can cause anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. However, TCAs are less commonly associated with severe hypertension compared to MAOIs.
D.   Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While they are not typically associated with causing severe hypertension directly, they can have cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises, can help reduce physiological arousal and anxiety symptoms associated with thoughts of the feared object.

A. Avoidance is a common coping mechanism for individuals with specific phobias. While avoidance may provide temporary relief from anxiety, it does not address the underlying fear and can perpetuate the phobia over time.

B. Facing the feared object without any support or guidance may be overwhelming and could potentially exacerbate anxiety rather than promote self-control.

C. While cognitive restructuring and challenging irrational beliefs about the feared object are important components of cognitive-behavioral therapy for specific phobias, simply stating that the fear is unrealistic and inappropriate may not be sufficient for anxiety self-control.

A. Manipulate others. B. Decrease the time available for interaction with people. C. Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors. D. Decrease anxiety.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. The constant repetitive cleaning behavior observed in the client with OCD is likely an attempt to decrease anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts or fears of contamination.

A. While individuals with OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors to gain a sense of control over their environment, the primary motivation behind these behaviors is not to manipulate others.

B. While engaging in repetitive cleaning behaviors may occupy the client's time and attention, the primary purpose of these behaviors is not necessarily to decrease the time available for interaction with people.

C. While individuals with OCD may experience distress or anxiety related to their obsessions and may engage in compulsive behaviors to reduce these feelings, the goal is typically to alleviate anxiety

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is seeking treatment for a specific phobia. The nurse in the anxiety disorders clinic documents that the client's anxiety is related to exposure to the phobic object. Which is a realistic outcome for anxiety self-control in this situation?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling "down" and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry. Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?

A nurse is providing care to children on a general pediatric unit. Which of the following children should the nurse identify as a potential victim of abuse?

An anxiolytic agent has been prescribed for the client. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate to the nurse that client education about this medication has been effective?

A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and was prescribed fluoxetine 2 weeks ago. The client reports having an improved appetite, but still feels very depressed and is still having trouble sleeping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client with paranoid personality disorder who is extremely suspicious of the nursing staff and other clients. Which of the following nursing approaches is appropriate when establishing a therapeutic relationship with this client?

A client experiences panic attacks when confronted with riding in elevators. The therapist is teaching the client ways to relax while incrementally exposing the client to getting on an elevator. This technique is called which of the following?

Which behavior would first alert the school nurse or teacher to suspect sexual abuse in a 7-year- old child?