1. A patient with major depressive disorder is experiencing chronic pain. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Ignore the patient's complaints.
B. Encourage the patient to exercise.
C. Assess the pain levels regularly.
D. Refer the patient to a psychiatrist.
Answer: C. Assess ...
1. A patient with major depressive disorder is experiencing chronic pain. What is the
most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Ignore the patient's complaints.
B. Encourage the patient to exercise.
C. Assess the pain levels regularly.
D. Refer the patient to a psychiatrist.
Answer: C. Assess the pain levels regularly.
Rationale: Regular pain assessment helps in identifying the patient's needs and adjusting
the care plan accordingly. Patients with depression may express pain differently, so
continuous assessment is essential.
2. Which medication is commonly prescribed for a patient with anxiety disorders who
also presents with chronic pain?
A. Acetaminophen
B. Sertraline
C. Ibuprofen
D. Hydrocodone
Answer: B. Sertraline.
Rationale: Sertraline is an SSRI used to treat anxiety disorders and has been shown to
help with chronic pain conditions.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which
statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I feel like my pain is real."
B. "I should avoid physical activity to prevent worsening my symptoms."
C. "I can talk about my feelings with my therapist."
D. "Stress can affect my physical health."
Answer: B. "I should avoid physical activity to prevent worsening my symptoms."
Rationale: Patients with somatic symptom disorder are often encouraged to engage in
physical activity to help manage their symptoms rather than avoid it.
4. When planning care for a patient with chronic pain and depression, what should the
nurse prioritize?
A. Medication compliance
B. Pain management
C. Psychological counseling
D. Activity level
Answer: B. Pain management.
Rationale: Pain management should be prioritized, as effective pain control can improve
the patient's overall mood and willingness to engage in therapy.
5. Which of the following best describes the relationship between chronic pain and
mental health disorders?
A. Mental health disorders always lead to chronic pain.
B. Chronic pain can exacerbate mental health disorders.
C. Mental health disorders have no impact on chronic pain.
D. Chronic pain is solely a physical issue.
Answer: B. Chronic pain can exacerbate mental health disorders.
, Rationale: Chronic pain often contributes to the worsening of mental health conditions,
including depression and anxiety.
6. A patient reports experiencing pain that does not have a clear medical cause. Which
mental health disorder should the nurse suspect?
A. Major depressive disorder
B. Generalized anxiety disorder
C. Somatic symptom disorder
D. Bipolar disorder
Answer: C. Somatic symptom disorder.
Rationale: Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by physical symptoms that cannot
be fully explained by a medical condition.
7. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with both chronic
pain and anxiety?
A. Risk for impaired skin integrity
B. Anxiety related to chronic pain
C. Ineffective coping
D. Disturbed sleep pattern
Answer: B. Anxiety related to chronic pain.
Rationale: Addressing the patient's anxiety directly related to chronic pain is crucial for
developing an effective care plan.
8. When educating a patient about pain management strategies, which method should
the nurse emphasize?
A. Rely solely on medication
B. Engage in regular physical activity
C. Avoid discussing pain with healthcare providers
D. Isolate from family and friends
Answer: B. Engage in regular physical activity.
Rationale: Regular physical activity can help manage pain and improve overall mental
health.
9. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in a patient with chronic pain who
is also experiencing depression?
A. Increased appetite
B. Heightened energy levels
C. Withdrawal from social activities
D. Improved sleep patterns
Answer: C. Withdrawal from social activities.
Rationale: Patients with depression often withdraw from social interactions, and chronic
pain can exacerbate this tendency.
10. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with chronic pain and a
history of substance abuse?
A. Administer opioid analgesics as prescribed.
B. Refer the patient for pain management counseling.
C. Use non-pharmacological methods exclusively.
D. Educate the patient about pain management techniques.
Answer: B. Refer the patient for pain management counseling.
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