ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male client approaches the nurse with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, 'My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out!' The nurse recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own anger and selfishness onto his roommate. By attributing these negative traits to someone else, the client avoids acknowledging and dealing with his own feelings. This defense mechanism helps protect his self-image and cope with uncomfortable emotions. Denial (A) involves refusing to accept reality, rationalization (C) involves justifying behavior with logical excuses, and splitting (D) involves seeing people as all good or all bad, which are not demonstrated in the scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. The nurse should provide information to the patient and family about
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: SSRIs can initially increase suicidal thoughts in some patients due to changes in neurotransmitter levels. Step 2: Monitoring for increased suicidal thoughts is crucial to prevent harm. Step 3: Reporting increased suicidal thoughts allows for timely intervention and adjustment of treatment. Step 4: Choices A, B, and D are irrelevant to SSRI therapy for depressive disorder.
Question 3 of 5
Major depressive disorder resulted after a patient's employment was terminated. The patient now says to the nurse, 'I'm not worth the time you spend with me. I am the most useless person in the world.' Which nursing diagnosis applies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is C: Situational low self-esteem. This is because the patient's negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness are directly related to the situational trigger of losing their job. This diagnosis captures the temporary nature of the self-esteem issue. A: Powerlessness does not fully capture the patient's self-esteem issues. B: Defensive coping is not the most appropriate diagnosis as the patient is not exhibiting defensive behaviors. D: Disturbed personal identity is not the best fit as the patient's issue is more focused on self-worth rather than identity confusion or alteration.
Question 4 of 5
A patient was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During which month would this patient's symptoms be most acute?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (January). Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically in the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms are most acute during the darkest and coldest months, such as January. April (B), June (C), and September (D) are less likely to be the peak months for SAD symptoms as they correspond to spring, summer, and early fall when there is more daylight and warmer temperatures, which typically alleviate symptoms of SAD.
Question 5 of 5
A disheveled patient in the acute phase of major depressive disorder is withdrawn, has psychomotor retardation, and has not showered for several days. The nurse will
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is in the acute phase of major depressive disorder, showing withdrawal and psychomotor retardation. Approach with empathy and understanding is crucial. Bringing up the issue at a community meeting (A) may embarrass the patient. Telling the patient to bathe daily (B) may come off as insensitive. Making observations (C) may not lead to action. Assisting the patient with showering in a firm and neutral manner (D) is the most appropriate as it shows empathy, respect, and provides practical support.