,South College NSG 5905 Quiz 3 | Models of Care Across
Lifespan (2026) Q&A
1. Which anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, pervasive worry about multiple
domains that is difficult to control?
A) Panic disorder
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Separation anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, pervasive worry about
multiple areas of life that is difficult to control and is accompanied by symptoms such as
restlessness and concentration difficulty. Panic disorder centers on recurrent unexpected
panic attacks, social anxiety disorder involves fear of scrutiny, and separation anxiety
focuses on attachment figures.
2. What is the primary therapeutic mechanism of exposure and response prevention for
obsessive-compulsive disorder?
A) Suppressing obsessive thoughts through distraction
B) Preventing compulsive rituals while gradually confronting feared stimuli
C) Replacing compulsions with alternative ritualistic behaviors
D) Avoiding all anxiety-provoking situations indefinitely
Correct Answer: Preventing compulsive rituals while gradually confronting feared
stimuli
,Rationale: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) involves systematic exposure to
anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing the compulsive behaviors that typically reduce
anxiety. This breaks the cycle of obsessions and compulsions through habituation.
Suppression, ritual substitution, and indefinite avoidance would reinforce rather than treat
OCD symptoms.
3. A 15-year-old presents with recurrent unexpected episodes of intense fear, palpitations,
and a sense of impending doom. Which diagnosis is most consistent with this presentation?
A) Generalized anxiety disorder
B) Panic disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Correct Answer: Panic disorder
Rationale: Recurrent unexpected episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such
as palpitations and a sense of impending doom are characteristic of panic attacks, which in
a recurrent pattern suggest panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder involves pervasive
worry, social anxiety disorder centers on scrutiny fears, and OCD involves obsessions and
compulsions.
4. Which medication class is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric obsessive-
compulsive disorder?
A) Benzodiazepines
B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
C) Stimulants
D) Atypical antipsychotics
Correct Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
, Rationale: SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric OCD, often combined with
cognitive-behavioral therapy. Benzodiazepines are not first-line for OCD, stimulants are
used for ADHD, and atypical antipsychotics are generally reserved for augmentation or
specific indications.
5. Which principle explains why a nurse should avoid participating in a patient's
compulsive ritual?
A) Participation reinforces the anxiety-reducing function of the compulsion
B) Participation immediately cures the obsession
C) Participation is legally prohibited in all settings
D) Participation eliminates the need for therapy
Correct Answer: Participation reinforces the anxiety-reducing function of the
compulsion
Rationale: Participating in compulsive rituals reinforces the belief that the ritual prevents
feared outcomes, thereby maintaining OCD symptoms. The therapeutic approach instead
supports ERP by gradually reducing ritual engagement. Participation does not cure
obsessions, is not universally prohibited, and does not replace therapy.
6. A 9-year-old refuses to attend school and becomes distressed when separated from a
parent. Which diagnosis should be considered?
A) Generalized anxiety disorder
B) Separation anxiety disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Panic disorder
Correct Answer: Separation anxiety disorder
Lifespan (2026) Q&A
1. Which anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, pervasive worry about multiple
domains that is difficult to control?
A) Panic disorder
B) Generalized anxiety disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Separation anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: Generalized anxiety disorder
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive, pervasive worry about
multiple areas of life that is difficult to control and is accompanied by symptoms such as
restlessness and concentration difficulty. Panic disorder centers on recurrent unexpected
panic attacks, social anxiety disorder involves fear of scrutiny, and separation anxiety
focuses on attachment figures.
2. What is the primary therapeutic mechanism of exposure and response prevention for
obsessive-compulsive disorder?
A) Suppressing obsessive thoughts through distraction
B) Preventing compulsive rituals while gradually confronting feared stimuli
C) Replacing compulsions with alternative ritualistic behaviors
D) Avoiding all anxiety-provoking situations indefinitely
Correct Answer: Preventing compulsive rituals while gradually confronting feared
stimuli
,Rationale: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) involves systematic exposure to
anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing the compulsive behaviors that typically reduce
anxiety. This breaks the cycle of obsessions and compulsions through habituation.
Suppression, ritual substitution, and indefinite avoidance would reinforce rather than treat
OCD symptoms.
3. A 15-year-old presents with recurrent unexpected episodes of intense fear, palpitations,
and a sense of impending doom. Which diagnosis is most consistent with this presentation?
A) Generalized anxiety disorder
B) Panic disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Correct Answer: Panic disorder
Rationale: Recurrent unexpected episodes of intense fear with physical symptoms such
as palpitations and a sense of impending doom are characteristic of panic attacks, which in
a recurrent pattern suggest panic disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder involves pervasive
worry, social anxiety disorder centers on scrutiny fears, and OCD involves obsessions and
compulsions.
4. Which medication class is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric obsessive-
compulsive disorder?
A) Benzodiazepines
B) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
C) Stimulants
D) Atypical antipsychotics
Correct Answer: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
, Rationale: SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric OCD, often combined with
cognitive-behavioral therapy. Benzodiazepines are not first-line for OCD, stimulants are
used for ADHD, and atypical antipsychotics are generally reserved for augmentation or
specific indications.
5. Which principle explains why a nurse should avoid participating in a patient's
compulsive ritual?
A) Participation reinforces the anxiety-reducing function of the compulsion
B) Participation immediately cures the obsession
C) Participation is legally prohibited in all settings
D) Participation eliminates the need for therapy
Correct Answer: Participation reinforces the anxiety-reducing function of the
compulsion
Rationale: Participating in compulsive rituals reinforces the belief that the ritual prevents
feared outcomes, thereby maintaining OCD symptoms. The therapeutic approach instead
supports ERP by gradually reducing ritual engagement. Participation does not cure
obsessions, is not universally prohibited, and does not replace therapy.
6. A 9-year-old refuses to attend school and becomes distressed when separated from a
parent. Which diagnosis should be considered?
A) Generalized anxiety disorder
B) Separation anxiety disorder
C) Social anxiety disorder
D) Panic disorder
Correct Answer: Separation anxiety disorder
