The patient has generalized anxiety disorder. He asks the nurse, ...

[Alainaaa8]

The patient has generalized anxiety disorder. He asks the nurse, Will I need medication for this? My neighbor is very nervous and he takes medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. Medications are a way of life for patients with anxiety disorders.
  2. Medication is necessary initially; later we will try therapy.
  3. Probably not, but you shouldn't compare yourself to your neighbor.
  4. Medication is necessary when anxiety interferes with your quality of life.

Question 2

The patient is scheduled to have an EEG to confirm the presence of a sleep disorder. The patient asks the nurse to describe Stage IV NREM sleep. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. This is the lightest stage of sleep, and is profoundly affected by anxiety.
  2. Dreaming occurs here; without dreams you will be irritable and paranoid.
  3. This is the deepest stage of sleep; without it you will be tired and depressed.
  4. This stage comprises the greatest amount of sleep time, and is important.

[mk6555]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: It is more productive to identify and treat the cause of anxiety than to use medications. When anxiety becomes severe enough to significantly interfere with the patient's quality of life, pharmacotherapy is indicated. Medications are not considered a way of life for patients with anxiety disorders; many patients can manage anxiety without medications. The nurse does not have enough information to tell the patient that medications will probably not be necessary. Medication combined with therapy is considered the best approach for treatment of anxiety disorders.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Stage IV NREM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep. Patients who are deprived of it experience depression and a feeling of apathy and fatigue. Dreaming occurs in REM sleep, not NREM sleep. Stage IV NREM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep, not the lightest stage of sleep. Stage II NREM sleep, not Stage IV NREM sleep, comprises the greatest amount of total sleep time.

[Alainaaa8]

Excellent

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