ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A highly successful businessman presents to community mental health after complaining of sleepiness and anxiety over his financial status. What should the PN do to diminish his anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach him to limit sugar and caffeine intake. This is the best option as excessive sugar and caffeine consumption can worsen anxiety symptoms. By reducing intake, it can help stabilize mood and energy levels. Choice B of encouraging a vacation may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of anxiety. Choice C of recommending financial counseling focuses solely on the financial aspect, not the physical factors contributing to anxiety. Choice D of administering PRN antianxiety medication should be a last resort and not the initial intervention.
Question 2 of 5
During one-to-one session with the nurse, a female client who has been admitted for chronic depression and attempted suicide discloses her experience of sexual promiscuity and prostitution. When the nurse asks the client if she was ever sexually abused as a child, the client says, 'I don't remember, but my mother ran my father off when I was five.' The nurse should recognize that the client may be using which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Repression. Repression is a defense mechanism where painful or unacceptable memories are pushed into the unconscious mind to avoid conscious awareness. In this scenario, the client's inability to remember potential childhood sexual abuse could be a result of repressing those memories due to the distress they may cause. The client's response of not remembering but mentioning a significant event from childhood (mother running off father) suggests the possibility of repressed memories. Summary: - Choice B: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality, which is not evident in this scenario. - Choice C: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or feelings to others, which is not applicable in this context. - Choice D: Rationalization involves creating logical explanations to justify behaviors, which is not demonstrated in the client's response.
Question 3 of 5
A client with bulimia and depression who is taking Phenelzine (Nardil) 90 mg daily is admitted to an acute care hospital for uncontrolled hypertension. What dietary choice should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pepperoni pizza. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which interacts with tyramine-rich foods, like aged, fermented, or spoiled foods, leading to hypertensive crisis. Pepperoni is high in tyramine due to its fermentation process. Grilled chicken salad, steamed vegetables, and fresh fruit are low in tyramine and safe to consume with Phenelzine.
Question 4 of 5
A 14-year-old client with anorexia is allowed to select which activity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arts and crafts activity. For a 14-year-old with anorexia, engaging in arts and crafts can provide a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, relaxation, and distraction from negative thoughts about body image or food. It promotes creativity and allows the client to explore emotions in a non-threatening way. Physical exercise (B) may exacerbate the client's condition by reinforcing unhealthy behaviors. Cooking class (C) may trigger anxiety around food. Group therapy (D) can be beneficial, but the client may not be ready to openly discuss their struggles with others. Therefore, the arts and crafts activity is the most suitable choice for this client.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells the nurse that he is going to kill his sister. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider. This is the appropriate action because the patient's statement indicates a serious threat to someone's life, requiring immediate intervention by a higher authority for safety measures. Confronting the patient directly may escalate the situation. Administering sedatives is not appropriate as it does not address the threat. Documenting the statement is important but should not be the first and only action taken in such a critical situation.