ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, 'I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep.' The nurse will advise the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale for this is as follows: 1. Restarting the antidepressant will help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms the patient is experiencing. 2. Coming to the clinic to see the healthcare provider is important to assess the patient's condition. 3. Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. 4. Going to the emergency department (choice A) is not necessary unless the symptoms worsen or become severe. 5. Taking aspirin and fluids (choice B) will not address the underlying issue of antidepressant withdrawal. 6. Resuming the antidepressant for 2 more weeks (choice D) is not recommended as it does not address the immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses solid foods. In order to meet nutritional needs, which beverage will the nurse offer to this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Milk. Milk is a nutrient-dense beverage that can provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins D and B12, which are important for overall health and well-being. It can help meet the patient's nutritional needs despite refusing solid foods. Tomato juice (A) and orange juice (B) may not provide sufficient protein and other essential nutrients. Hot tea (C) is a non-nutrient beverage and does not offer the necessary nutrients for meeting the patient's nutritional requirements.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because psychomotor agitation in major depressive disorder typically manifests as excessive physical activity, such as pacing aimlessly around the room. This behavior is driven by inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. Choice B is incorrect because asking the nurse to repeat instructions is more indicative of cognitive impairment or difficulty with concentration rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice C is incorrect as complaints of prickly skin sensations are more likely related to anxiety or sensory issues rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice D is incorrect because slowed verbal responses are associated with psychomotor retardation, the opposite of psychomotor agitation seen in major depressive disorder.
Question 5 of 5
Family members of an individual undergoing a residential alcohol rehabilitation program ask, 'How can we help?' Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because making the individual responsible for the consequences of their behavior promotes accountability and aids in their recovery. This approach empowers the individual to take ownership of their actions and understand the impact of their behavior. It also helps in setting boundaries and establishing clear expectations. Choice A is incorrect as it implies acceptance of relapses as inevitable, which can be discouraging for the individual and hinder their progress. Choice B suggests a confrontational approach that may create tension and resistance. Choice C focuses on visitation frequency rather than the effectiveness of support and guidance.