ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A male with bipolar disorder has not slept or eaten in four days. He paces and becomes increasingly agitated and loud while the nurse talks to his spouse. What intervention is best for the nurse to implement at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Move to a quiet area and provide peanut butter with crackers. This intervention aims to address the client's basic needs for sleep and food, as lack of sleep and nutrition can exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Moving to a quiet area helps reduce stimulation, while providing a snack can help stabilize blood sugar levels and potentially calm the client. Administering sedative medication (B) should be a last resort due to potential side effects and dependency. Encouraging the client to rest and sleep (C) may not be effective without addressing the immediate agitation and hunger. Confronting the client (D) may escalate the situation instead of de-escalating it.
Question 4 of 5
What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Supporting physiological stability. After ECT, priority is to monitor vital signs, airway, and consciousness level to ensure the patient's physical well-being. This includes assessing for any adverse effects such as hypotension or arrhythmias. Nutrition and hydration (A) are important but secondary to physiological stability. Reducing disorientation and confusion (C) may be addressed after ensuring physiological stability. Assisting the patient with negative thoughts (D) is important but is not the immediate focus post-ECT.
Question 5 of 5
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, 'I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep.' The nurse will advise the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale for this is as follows: 1. Restarting the antidepressant will help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms the patient is experiencing. 2. Coming to the clinic to see the healthcare provider is important to assess the patient's condition. 3. Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. 4. Going to the emergency department (choice A) is not necessary unless the symptoms worsen or become severe. 5. Taking aspirin and fluids (choice B) will not address the underlying issue of antidepressant withdrawal. 6. Resuming the antidepressant for 2 more weeks (choice D) is not recommended as it does not address the immediate withdrawal symptoms.