ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A despondent client, who has recently lost her husband of 30 years, tearfully states, Ill feel a lot better if I sell my house and move away. Which nursing reply is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the client's emotions and gently suggests caution in making a big decision during a vulnerable time. It shows empathy and encourages the client to reconsider the decision later. Choice A lacks exploration of client's feelings, Choice C introduces unnecessary guilt, and Choice D focuses on the change rather than the emotional state.
Question 2 of 5
A client refuses to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with his spouse because of fearing that the cruise ship will sink and all will drown. Using a cognitive theory perspective, the nurse should use which of these statements to explain to the spouse the etiology of this fear?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Your spouse may be experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation. This aligns with cognitive theory, which focuses on how our thoughts and perceptions influence our emotions and behaviors. In this case, the client's fear of the cruise ship sinking is likely based on an irrational and exaggerated belief rather than a realistic assessment of the situation. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on internal conflicts, which may not be directly related to the client's fear of the cruise ship sinking. Choice C is incorrect as genetic predisposition alone is unlikely to explain the specific fear of the cruise ship sinking. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a biological basis for the fear, whereas cognitive theory emphasizes the role of thoughts and perceptions.
Question 3 of 5
A family member is seeking advice about an elderly parent who seems to worry unnecessarily about everything. The family member states, Should I seek psychiatric help for my mother? Which is an appropriate nursing reply?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a clear and accurate explanation of when anxiety is considered abnormal. It states that anxiety is abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning. This response shows understanding of the situation and suggests seeking professional help based on specific criteria. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the concerns as part of the aging process without addressing the possibility of abnormal anxiety. Choice C is incorrect as it jumps to the conclusion of seeking psychiatric help without evaluating the level of anxiety or impairment. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies anxiety treatment by suggesting it can only be treated with medications, ignoring the importance of therapy and other interventions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client taking a benzodiazepine. Which client statement would indicate a need for further follow-up instructions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement indicates a misunderstanding. Benzodiazepines do not require routine blood monitoring for toxicity. Benzodiazepines are typically monitored based on clinical response and potential side effects. Choices B, C, and D are all correct statements related to benzodiazepine use, emphasizing the importance of not abruptly stopping the medication, avoiding alcohol, and not taking extra doses to prevent addiction.
Question 5 of 5
A client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. What client history should cause a nurse to question this order?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: History of alcohol dependence. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and can be addictive, especially for individuals with a history of substance abuse like alcohol dependence. This client population is at higher risk for misuse, addiction, and overdose. It is important for the nurse to question this order to avoid potential harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly impact the safety or efficacy of alprazolam for acute anxiety.