ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female client who is wearing dirty clothes and has foul body odor comes to the clinic reporting feeling scared because she is being stalked. What action is most important for the RN to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Offer the client a safe place to relax before interviewing her. This is important because the client is feeling scared and may be in a vulnerable state. Providing a safe and comfortable environment first helps establish trust and rapport with the client, allowing her to feel more at ease to discuss her concerns. It also shows empathy and understanding towards her current situation. Choice B is incorrect because asking the client to describe why she is being stalked may not be appropriate at this initial stage and could further distress her. Choice C is incorrect as recommending the client talk with a social worker may be premature without understanding the full scope of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as assuring the client that the healthcare provider will see her today does not address her immediate need for a safe and calming environment.
Question 2 of 5
The RN is providing care for a client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen. Which approach should the RN use when changing this client's dressing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the dressing change in a non-judgmental manner. This approach is essential when caring for clients with borderline personality disorder to build trust and maintain a therapeutic relationship. Providing detailed explanations (choice A) may overwhelm the client. Asking why the client self-harmed (choice C) can be perceived as threatening and may trigger negative emotions. Requesting another staff member's assistance (choice D) may not address the need for a non-judgmental approach. The key is to prioritize empathy and respect the client's autonomy while addressing their physical needs.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.