ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug because these symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client's condition and determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted or if other interventions are necessary. A: Administering an antidote without consulting the healthcare provider could be dangerous and inappropriate without proper evaluation. C: Diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness are not normal side effects of lithium and may indicate a problem that requires intervention. D: Holding the medication without consulting the healthcare provider could lead to abrupt withdrawal and potential rebound symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and amotivation. Which intervention is likely to be most effective in returning this client to a normal level of functioning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the client to develop a plan of structured activities. Structured activities can help combat psychomotor retardation and amotivation by providing a sense of purpose and routine. This intervention promotes engagement and can help the client regain motivation and energy. Group therapy (B) may be beneficial but might not address the immediate need for structured activities. Administering PRN stimulant medications (C) can have risks and may not address the underlying issues. Providing constant supervision and support (D) may create dependency rather than fostering independence and self-management skills.
Question 3 of 5
A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the nurse. What is the best approach for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct approach is to stay quietly with the client (Option A) because it demonstrates active listening and shows support. It allows the client to express her emotions while feeling understood. Telling her she is out of control (Option B) may escalate the situation. Distracting her with finger foods (Option C) may invalidate her feelings. Ignoring the behavior (Option D) disregards her needs and potentially worsens the situation.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. Which medication should also be discontinued?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benztropine (Cogentin). Benztropine is commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotic medications. If the client has discontinued the antipsychotic medication, there is no longer a need for benztropine. A: Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and should not be discontinued abruptly. C: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and should not be discontinued abruptly. D: Magnesium is not typically related to treatment for bipolar disorder or antipsychotic medication.
Question 5 of 5
A RN is teaching a client about initiation of a prescribed abstinence therapy using Disulfiram (Antabuse). What information should the client acknowledge understanding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remain alcohol-free for 12 hours prior to the first dose. This is essential because taking Disulfiram along with alcohol can lead to a severe reaction, including nausea, vomiting, flushing, and potentially fatal complications. It is crucial for the client to understand the importance of abstaining from alcohol to avoid these adverse effects. Choice A is incorrect because the client does not need to admit to others that he is a substance abuser; it is a personal decision. Choice C is incorrect because attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is not directly related to the initiation of Disulfiram therapy. Choice D is incorrect because Disulfiram is specifically for alcohol abstinence, not for heroin or cocaine.