Questions 29

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient diagnosed with major depression has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Implement suicide precautions. This is the highest priority because the patient has a plan for suicide, which poses an immediate risk to their safety. Implementing suicide precautions involves ensuring the patient's environment is safe, removing any potential means of self-harm, and closely monitoring the patient to prevent any suicide attempts.


Choice B is incorrect because offering high-calorie snacks and fluids frequently addresses the physical aspect of weight loss but does not address the immediate safety concern of suicide.


Choice C is incorrect because assisting the patient to identify personal strengths is important for building self-esteem but is not the highest priority when the patient is at risk for suicide.


Choice D is incorrect because observing the patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication is important but not as urgent as ensuring the patient's safety in the case of suicidal ideation.

Question 2 of 5

A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry and states, Its not fair! How could he do this to me? This remark is assessed as:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, an expression of anger. The woman's statement "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" indicates feelings of anger and resentment towards her husband for leaving her unexpectedly. This response does not show a plea for help (
A), as she is expressing her emotions rather than seeking assistance. It is also not an explosive episode (
B) as there is no indication of sudden outbursts or intense emotional reactions. Similarly, it is not about fear of making decisions alone (
D) as her statement focuses on her feelings of unfairness and betrayal. In summary, the woman's remark reflects her anger and sense of injustice following her husband's accidental death.

Question 3 of 5

A patient states, "I’m not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates they are experiencing severe depression and suicidal ideation. Suicide precautions should be the highest priority to ensure the patient's safety. This includes removing any potential means of self-harm, constant monitoring, and close supervision. Self-esteem-building activities (
A) may be helpful in the long term but are not the immediate priority. Anxiety self-control measures (
B) are important but addressing suicidal ideation takes precedence. Sleep enhancement activities (
C) are also important but not the highest priority when dealing with suicidal thoughts.

Question 4 of 5

Which nursing intervention supports the principles on which the cross-links theory of aging is based?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selecting foods high in vitamins A, C, and E supports the principles of the cross-links theory of aging, which focuses on the accumulation of damage from oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the formation of cross-links in tissues. This intervention can potentially slow down the aging process by reducing cellular damage.


Choice A is incorrect because applying an elastin-sustaining moisturizer does not directly address the oxidative stress aspect of the cross-links theory of aging.


Choice B is incorrect as assessing family history for genetic diseases does not specifically target the mechanisms involved in the cross-links theory of aging.


Choice C is incorrect because questioning about exposure to environmental toxins may be important for overall health but is not directly related to the principles of the cross-links theory of aging.

Question 5 of 5

A novice nurse who will be assessing a patient after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) asks her mentor, “What sort of memory impairment is present after several ECT treatments?” The best response for the mentor would be:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately reflects the typical memory impairment after ECT treatments. ECT affects both recent and remote memory, leading to profound confusion and cognitive difficulties. This is due to the disruption of neural pathways involved in memory consolidation and retrieval.


Choice A is incorrect as ECT does have predictable effects on memory.
Choice B is incorrect because patients typically have more difficulty with recent memory than remote memory.
Choice C is also incorrect as patients usually experience more than just mild difficulty remembering recent events; the memory impairment is more severe than just forgetting what was eaten for breakfast.

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