ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and is prescribed medication therapy. Which agent would the nurse expect to administer to the client to obtain the quickest relief from anxiety symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that works quickly to alleviate anxiety symptoms due to its rapid onset of action. It enhances the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, providing immediate relief. Buspirone (A) may take weeks to reach full effect. Venlafaxine (B) is an SNRI that also takes time to show efficacy. Imipramine (D) is a tricyclic antidepressant with delayed onset of action and is not typically used as a first-line treatment for anxiety.
Question 2 of 5
A client with complex somatic symptom disorder is complaining of significant pain in the joints. When providing care to this client, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client's experience of pain is real. In complex somatic symptom disorder, physical symptoms are real to the client even if there is no clear medical explanation. It is crucial for the nurse to validate the client's experience of pain to establish trust and promote therapeutic alliance. This approach can help address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. Incorrect choices: A: Opioid analgesics are not always the primary mode of therapy for somatic symptom disorder as they may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. C: Complementary therapies can be beneficial in managing pain and promoting overall well-being in clients with somatic symptom disorder. D: Outcomes need to consider not only the biologic aspects but also the psychosocial and environmental factors influencing the client's pain experience.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with insomnia. When developing a teaching plan for the client, which sleep promotion intervention would the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining regular bedtimes and rising times helps establish a consistent sleep schedule, which is crucial for managing insomnia. This intervention promotes the client's natural sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality. Encouraging the client to consider stopping smoking (Choice A) is important for overall health but may not directly address the immediate sleep issue. Taking frequent naps (Choice C) can disrupt the client's ability to fall asleep at night. Administering sleep medications (Choice D) should be a last resort and not the initial intervention.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use lower pitched tones. Presbycusis causes difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, so using lower pitched tones can help the patient hear better. Higher volume (choice A) may distort the sound and not necessarily improve understanding. Addressing family members (choice B) does not directly address the patient's hearing deficit. Asking about sign language (choice C) assumes the patient knows sign language, which may not be the case. Thus, using lower pitched tones is the most appropriate approach for effective communication with a patient with presbycusis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client's condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness. Delirium is an acute condition that manifests quickly, unlike dementia which is more gradual. The sudden change in consciousness is a key factor in diagnosing delirium. Choice A is incorrect as talking normally is not a primary diagnostic criterion for delirium. Choice B is incorrect as gradual confusion over time is more indicative of dementia rather than delirium. Choice D is incorrect as exposure to an infectious agent is not a primary cause for delirium, although it could contribute in some cases.