ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is prescribed diazepam as needed (PRN) for panic disorder. Which of the following facts would cause the nurse to question the order?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. If the client had a severe addiction problem in the past, prescribing diazepam (a benzodiazepine) PRN for panic disorder may not be appropriate due to the risk of addiction and potential for misuse. The nurse should question this order to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Choice B (diagnosis of IBS) is not a direct contraindication for diazepam use in panic disorder. Choice C (allergy to meperidine) is unrelated to the prescription of diazepam. Choice D (prescription of lithium carbonate) is not a direct reason to question the diazepam order, as they can be prescribed together for different indications.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse working on an inpatient psychiatric unit observes a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rearranging the magazines in the dayroom. The nurse understands this action is primarily meant to do which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client with OCD rearranging the magazines is likely engaging in a compulsive behavior to temporarily reduce the anxiety they are feeling. This action provides the client with a sense of control and relief from their obsessive thoughts, albeit temporarily. This behavior is a manifestation of the client's need to alleviate distress caused by their obsessions. A: While rearranging the magazines may result in a structured environment, the primary motivation is to reduce anxiety, not necessarily to ensure order. B: The client's actions are not primarily intended to show others how to stay organized but rather to cope with their anxiety. D: The client's behavior is not focused on showing the nursing staff they can handle emotions but rather on managing their own distress.
Question 3 of 5
A child is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of conduct disorder. The nurse would expect to find which of the following symptoms?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of cruelty towards people and animals. Conduct disorder is characterized by persistent patterns of behavior that violate the rights of others, such as aggression towards people or animals. This behavior includes physical harm or cruelty. This symptom is a key feature of conduct disorder and distinguishes it from other disorders. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical symptoms of conduct disorder. High anxiety related to separation from home and family (B) is more indicative of separation anxiety disorder. Constant complaints of physical symptoms (C) are more characteristic of somatic symptom disorder. Confabulation when confronted with inappropriate behaviors (D) is not a typical feature of conduct disorder.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing the client in a fugue state. What assessment findings would the nurse recognize as most significant to experiencing a fugue state?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a recent history of severe trauma is most significant to experiencing a fugue state. Fugue state is often triggered by severe trauma or stress, causing a person to temporarily lose their sense of identity and wander aimlessly. Choice A, depersonalization, is more related to dissociative disorders rather than fugue state. Choice B, depressive symptoms, may be present but are not specific to a fugue state. Choice C, childhood trauma, may contribute to dissociative disorders but is not directly linked to experiencing a fugue state. Therefore, the recent history of severe trauma is the most relevant assessment finding in this scenario.
Question 5 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.