ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the RN. What is the best approach for the RN to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct approach is choice A: Stay quietly with the patient. This is the best option because staying calmly with the patient demonstrates support and understanding. It can help de-escalate the situation by showing the client that their feelings are being acknowledged. It also promotes a sense of safety and trust between the client and the nurse. Choice B is incorrect as telling the client she is out of control may escalate the situation further. Choice C, distracting the client with finger foods, is not addressing the underlying issue and may be seen as dismissive of the client's feelings. Choice D, ignoring the client's behavior, is also inappropriate as it can make the client feel unheard and increase agitation.
Question 2 of 5
A homeless client who reports feeling sad and depressed tells the mental health nurse that in the past 2 days she has only had 4 hours of sleep. Which action is most important for the RN to implement within the first 24 hours after treatment is initiated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Allow the client to rest and sleep. This is the most important action because sleep deprivation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and depression. By prioritizing rest and sleep within the first 24 hours, the nurse can address the immediate physical and emotional needs of the client. This action can help improve the client's overall well-being and mental health. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: - B: Ensuring the client attends groups addressing coping skills for dealing with depression is important but not the most critical within the first 24 hours. Rest and sleep should be prioritized initially. - C: Planning for the client's discharge is premature and not a priority when the client is in immediate distress. - D: Encouraging verbalization of feelings is important for therapeutic communication but addressing sleep deprivation takes precedence in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the antipsychotic medication was discontinued several days ago. 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 antipsychotic is discontinued, there is no longer a need for benztropine. A, Lithium, is used to treat bipolar disorder itself and should not be discontinued without medical supervision. C, Alprazolam, is an anxiolytic and is not directly related to antipsychotic medications. D, Magnesium, is a laxative and is not typically associated with bipolar disorder or antipsychotic medications.
Question 4 of 5
An 18-year-old client is brought to the emergency department with a suspected overdose. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the family?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The drug that was ingested. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment and antidote for the overdose. Knowing the specific substance helps the healthcare team assess the severity of the overdose and provide targeted care. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: - B: The time of ingestion is important but not as critical as knowing the specific drug for immediate intervention. - C: The client's medical history is relevant but not as urgent as identifying the ingested substance for immediate treatment. - D: The client's mental health history is important for long-term care but not as vital as identifying the drug for immediate life-saving measures.
Question 5 of 5
A 27-year-old female client is admitted to the psychiatric hospital with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase. She is demanding and active. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a structured environment with little stimuli. In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, clients often exhibit increased energy, agitation, and impulsivity. A structured environment with minimal stimuli helps reduce overstimulation and provides a sense of predictability, promoting a sense of safety and stability. This intervention can help prevent escalation of manic symptoms and promote self-regulation. Summary: B: Encouraging group activities may overstimulate the client and exacerbate manic symptoms. C: Allowing the client to set her own schedule may lead to erratic behavior and lack of boundaries. D: Administering sedative medications should be a last resort and not the initial intervention for managing manic symptoms.