ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and amotivation. Which intervention is likely to be most effective in returning this client to a normal level of functioning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the client to develop a plan of structured activities. Structured activities can help combat psychomotor retardation and amotivation by providing a sense of purpose and routine. This intervention promotes engagement and can help the client regain motivation and energy. Group therapy (B) may be beneficial but might not address the immediate need for structured activities. Administering PRN stimulant medications (C) can have risks and may not address the underlying issues. Providing constant supervision and support (D) may create dependency rather than fostering independence and self-management skills.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 of 5
What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Supporting physiological stability. After ECT, priority is to monitor vital signs, airway, and consciousness level to ensure the patient's physical well-being. This includes assessing for any adverse effects such as hypotension or arrhythmias. Nutrition and hydration (A) are important but secondary to physiological stability. Reducing disorientation and confusion (C) may be addressed after ensuring physiological stability. Assisting the patient with negative thoughts (D) is important but is not the immediate focus post-ECT.