ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Excessive thirst in a client on lithium carbonate may indicate lithium toxicity. Step 2: Reporting the serum lithium level to the healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring and adjusting the dosage. Step 3: This intervention ensures timely intervention to prevent lithium toxicity complications. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect: - B: Sucking on hard candy won't address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. - C: Polydipsia is not a common side effect of lithium; it indicates possible toxicity. - D: Prohibiting faucet drinking doesn't address the immediate need to assess and manage lithium levels.
Question 2 of 5
A teenage male client is admitted to the postoperative unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps. These are early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Agitation is due to the brain's craving for the drug, sweating is a common withdrawal symptom, and abdominal cramps can result from the GI tract reacting to the absence of narcotics. Choice B is incorrect because lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension are more indicative of opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect as euphoria, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity are symptoms of narcotic use rather than withdrawal. Choice D is incorrect because confusion, fever, and tremors are not typical early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the expected early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
An older homeless client visits the psychiatric clinic to obtain a prescription renewal for alprazolam (Xanax). During the health assessment, the client complains of chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to check the blood pressure first. Chest pain is a serious symptom that could indicate a cardiovascular issue. Checking the blood pressure will help determine if the chest pain is related to hypertension or a cardiac event. This step is crucial for immediate assessment and intervention. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice B) should only be done after assessing blood pressure to ensure it is safe to administer. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) can be done after assessing the blood pressure to provide them with information for further guidance. Providing a quiet environment (Choice D) is not the priority when a client presents with chest pain.
Question 4 of 5
An individual with a known history of alcohol abuse is admitted for emergency surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse includes in the plan of care to observe for signs of delirium tremens. Which early signs indicate that the client is beginning to have delirium tremens?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness and confusion. Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals with a history of alcohol abuse. Early signs of DT include restlessness and confusion. This is due to the sudden cessation of alcohol intake, leading to overactivity of the central nervous system. Lethargy and bradycardia (choice B) are not typical signs of DT, as DT is characterized by hyperactivity of the CNS. Euphoria and hyperactivity (choice C) are also not indicative of DT, as DT is associated with agitation and confusion. Fever and seizures (choice D) can occur in severe cases of DT, but they are not typically early signs. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as restlessness and confusion are early signs of delirium tremens.
Question 5 of 5
Patient taking Carbamazepine. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action of obtaining a fingerstick glucose for a patient taking Carbamazepine is to monitor for hypoglycemia, a common side effect of the medication. This is crucial as Carbamazepine can lower blood sugar levels. Monitoring liver function tests (B) is not directly related to Carbamazepine use. Checking serum sodium levels (C) is not a priority unless the patient shows symptoms of hyponatremia. Assessing for signs of infection (D) is important but not specifically related to Carbamazepine use. Overall, obtaining a fingerstick glucose is the most appropriate action to monitor for potential side effects of Carbamazepine.