ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A novice mental health nurse shares that, “I’ll never get used to playing cards or other games with patients. It seems like a poor use of scarce nursing time.” The best response for the nurse’s mentor would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best response for the nurse’s mentor would be to highlight the importance of activities in mental health nursing. Participating in activities such as playing cards or games with patients is not just about passing time, but it also serves a therapeutic purpose. Engaging in activities helps patients to develop social skills, build relationships, and take small risks in a safe environment. As mental health nurses, it is crucial to understand that these activities are not a waste of time but rather an essential part of the therapeutic process. By participating in activities with patients, nurses can actively support their mental well-being and contribute to their overall treatment and recovery.
Question 2 of 5
The physician has ordered atropine 5 mg intramuscularly (IM) for a patient to be administered 30 minutes prior to ECT. The rationale for use of this medication is that it reduces secretions and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rationale for using atropine 5 mg IM prior to ECT is to protect against vagal bradycardia, not to improve the scope of convulsive activity, reduce the need for recovery room staff, or prevent incontinence of bladder and bowel. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to an increase in heart rate and protection against bradycardia that can occur during ECT.
Question 3 of 5
For which patient is the nurse most likely to need to schedule a pre-ECT workup and teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse is most likely to need to schedule a pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) workup and teaching for Patient D, who has depression associated with the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. In such cases, ECT may be considered as a treatment option due to the severity of the depression and the limitations in using other treatments. Before ECT can be initiated in a patient with such complex medical conditions, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation and preparation process, which includes obtaining informed consent, assessing the patient's medical history, conducting pre-ECT laboratory tests, and providing patient and family education about the procedure. Given the unique circumstances of Patient D's inoperable brain tumor, the nurse must ensure all necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety and efficacy of ECT as a treatment option.
Question 4 of 5
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry and states, “It’s not fair! How could he do this to me?” This remark is assessed as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The woman's statement, "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" expresses a sense of anger and injustice over her husband's accidental death. She is questioning why this has happened to her, which suggests feelings of anger and frustration. This expression is not necessarily a plea for help or a manifestation of fear of making decisions alone, but it is a clear display of anger and a sense of unfairness in the situation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient returned from attending the service memorializing his wife, who died after a sudden illness. Although those around him were visibly saddened, he smiled and remained in control. He refused support from friends, stating, “I can handle anything that comes my way.” The patient’s behavior is an example of grief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's behavior of smiling and remaining in control while refusing support from friends, despite attending a service memorializing his wife's death, is indicative of distorted grief. In distorted grief, individuals may show seemingly inappropriate reactions or behaviors that do not align with the typical grieving process. The patient's avoidance of accepting support and expression of excessive self-reliance in the face of a significant loss suggest a distorted way of coping with grief. In normal grief, individuals may experience a range of emotions and accept support from others as they navigate through the grieving process.