ATI LPN
Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition
Chapter 20 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient comes to the clinic with superficial cuts on the left wrist. The patient paces around the room sobbing but cringes when approached and responds to questions with only shrugs or monosyllables. What is the nurse's best initial statement to this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A crisis exists for this patient. The two primary thrusts of crisis intervention are to provide for the safety of the individual and use anxiety-reduction techniques to facilitate the use of inner resources. The nurse offers therapeutic presence, which provides caring, ongoing observation relative to the patient's safety. The incorrect responses use nontherapeutic techniques, including false reassurance and giving advice.
Question 2 of 5
A patient comes to the clinic with superficial cuts on the left wrist. The patient is pacing and sobbing. After a few minutes with the nurse, the patient is calmer. What should the nurse ask to determine the patient's perception of the precipitating event?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A clear definition of the immediate problem provides the best opportunity to find a solution. Asking about recent upsetting events permits the assessment of the precipitating event. Asking 'why' questions are a nontherapeutic communication technique.
Question 3 of 5
A patient comes to the crisis center saying, 'I'm in a terrible situation. I don't know what to do.' The triage nurse can initially assume that the patient is experiencing what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Individuals in crisis are universally anxious. They are often frightened and may be mildly confused. Perceptions are often narrowed. None of the other options are supported with behaviors.
Question 4 of 5
An adolescent comes to the crisis clinic and reports sexual abuse by an uncle. The patient told the parents about the uncle's behavior, but the parents did not believe the adolescent. What type of crisis exists?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An adventitious crisis is a crisis of disaster that is not a part of everyday life; it is unplanned or accidental. Adventitious crises include natural disasters, national disasters, and crimes of violence. Sexual molestation falls within this classification.
Question 5 of 5
Which patient statement best suggests they have returned to a pre-crisis level of functioning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Resolution of a crisis can result in a return to pre-crisis functioning, or a higher or lower level of functioning. The goal of crisis intervention is a return to at least pre-crisis functioning level. A good job performance evaluation is suggestive of pre-crisis functioning.