ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is diagnosed with agoraphobia. Which question indicates the nurse understands the etiology related to this disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because agoraphobia is characterized by a fear of places or situations where escape might be difficult. Asking about specific places causing fear demonstrates understanding of the etiology. Choice B is incorrect as parental support is not directly related to agoraphobia. Choice C is incorrect as impulse control issues are not a primary feature of agoraphobia. Choice D is incorrect as feeling like the mind goes blank is not a typical symptom of agoraphobia.
Question 2 of 5
During an intake assessment, a nurse asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, “I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.†Which is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides a logical and evidence-based explanation for why psychosocial questions are relevant to the client's heart condition. By highlighting the connection between psychological factors and medical conditions, the nurse can help the client understand the importance of addressing both aspects for optimal health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it simply dismisses the client's concerns without providing a meaningful explanation. Choice B is incorrect as it fails to address the client's resistance and may come off as confrontational. Choice D is incorrect as it undermines the significance of psychosocial questions in the assessment process.
Question 3 of 5
When under stress, a client routinely uses alcohol to excess. When the client's husband finds her drunk, the husband yells at the client about her chronic alcohol abuse. Which action alerts the nurse to the client's use of the defense mechanism of denial?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client's statement "I don't drink too much!" directly reflects denial, a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to accept reality to protect themselves from uncomfortable truths. This response shows the client's refusal to acknowledge their excessive alcohol use despite clear evidence. A is incorrect because hiding liquor bottles indicates deception, not denial. B is incorrect as yelling at her son for slouching is displacement, not denial. C is incorrect as burning dinner on purpose demonstrates passive-aggressive behavior, not denial. In summary, only answer D directly showcases denial as a defense mechanism in response to the husband's confrontation about alcohol abuse.
Question 4 of 5
A 55-year-old man presents with suicidal ideation. He tells you that he 'was just laid off from his job' after only 3 months, and that his 3 children 'want nothing to do with him' because he 'wasn't really involved in their childhoods'. He feels hopeless and useless. Which of Erikson's stages describes this man's difficulties?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Generativity versus stagnation. Erikson's psychosocial theory posits that during middle adulthood (generativity versus stagnation stage), individuals seek to contribute to the world and leave a legacy. The 55-year-old man's distress over being laid off and his perceived failure as a parent align with feelings of stagnation, where he may feel unproductive and disconnected from his family and society. Option A) Ego integrity versus despair pertains to late adulthood and involves reflecting on one's life, which is not the primary issue for the man in this scenario. Option C) Identity versus role confusion is more relevant to adolescence, focusing on self-discovery and identity formation. Option D) Intimacy versus isolation relates to young adulthood and the struggle between forming close relationships and feeling isolated, which is not the main concern for the man in this case. Educationally, understanding Erikson's stages can help mental health professionals assess and support individuals experiencing crises related to specific life stages. By applying this knowledge, practitioners can tailor interventions to address the underlying psychosocial challenges clients face, ultimately enhancing therapeutic outcomes and promoting holistic well-being.
Question 5 of 5
Four individuals have given information about their suicide plans. Which plan evidences the highest suicide risk?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, jumping from a railroad bridge located in a deserted area late at night, presents the highest suicide risk. This method is considered highly lethal due to the high likelihood of fatal injuries upon impact, making it a more immediate and certain means of suicide compared to the other options. Option A, turning on the oven to let gas escape, may not result in death as quickly or reliably as jumping from a height. Option B, cutting the wrists, can be survivable and may allow time for intervention if discovered promptly. Option C, overdosing on aspirin with codeine, also carries a lower immediate lethality compared to jumping from a height. From an educational perspective, it is crucial to understand the concept of lethality in suicide risk assessment. Educators should emphasize the importance of recognizing high-risk suicide methods that are more likely to result in fatal outcomes. Training in suicide prevention should include identifying and assessing the lethality of suicide plans to ensure effective intervention strategies are implemented to prevent tragic outcomes.