Here are some scenario based multiple-choice questions on acute mental illness:
Jane is a 32-year-old woman who has been brought to the emergency department by her family. They report that she has been hearing voices telling her to harm herself and others. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action by the healthcare provider?
A) Administering a sedative to calm Jane down.
B) Assessing for immediate safety risks and taking steps to protect Jane and others.
C) Conducting a thorough physical examination to rule out medical causes.
D) Scheduling an appointment for Jane to see a psychiatrist in a few weeks.
Answer: B. Assessing for immediate safety risks and taking steps to protect Jane and others is the most important initial action when dealing with a patient who is actively experiencing symptoms of acute mental illness. Administering a sedative or conducting a physical exam may be appropriate later on, but safety is the top priority.
Tom is a 21-year-old man who has just been admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to a manic episode. He has been prescribed lithium to help stabilize his mood. Which of the following is an important teaching point to share with Tom about this medication?
A) He should expect immediate relief from his symptoms.
B) He should avoid taking any other medications while on lithium.
C) He should avoid consuming any caffeine while on lithium.
D) He should have regular blood tests to monitor his lithium levels.
Answer: D. Lithium is a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder, but it can be toxic at high levels. Patients taking lithium should have regular blood tests to monitor their lithium levels and make sure they are within a safe range. Immediate relief from symptoms is unlikely, and there are no specific dietary restrictions, although excessive caffeine intake can worsen symptoms of anxiety and mania. Patients should also talk to their healthcare provider before taking any other medications.
Sarah is a 45-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. She has been prescribed an antidepressant medication, but after two weeks, she reports feeling no improvement in her symptoms. Which of the following is an appropriate next step for her healthcare provider?
A) Increasing the dose of the current medication.
B) Switching to a different antidepressant medication.
C) Discontinuing the medication and trying psychotherapy instead.
D) Telling Sarah to give the medication more time to work.
Answer: B. If a patient with major depressive disorder does not respond to an antidepressant medication after two to four weeks, switching to a different medication is often the most appropriate next step. Increasing the dose may be an option, but it carries a higher risk of side effects. Discontinuing the medication entirely may not be advisable, as antidepressants should generally be tapered off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. While psychotherapy can be helpful for depression, it is not necessarily a replacement for medication. Telling Sarah to wait longer for the medication to work may be appropriate in some cases, but after two weeks, it is worth considering a different approach.
Comments
Post a Comment