ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This is the most important action because it prioritizes safety by involving more staff to manage the potentially dangerous situation. It ensures a team approach to address the aggressive behavior, reduces the risk of harm to others, and increases the likelihood of a successful de-escalation. Administering sedative medication (B) should only be considered as a last resort to ensure safety. Confronting the client (C) may escalate the situation further. Moving other clients to a safe area (D) is important but not as immediate or effective as obtaining staff assistance.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. 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 client has discontinued the antipsychotic medication, there is no longer a need for benztropine. A: Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and should not be discontinued abruptly. C: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and should not be discontinued abruptly. D: Magnesium is not typically related to treatment for bipolar disorder or antipsychotic medication.
Question 4 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 5 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.