ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse concludes that a restless, agitated client is manifesting a fight-or-flight response. The nurse should associate this response with which neurotransmitter?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Norepinephrine. During the fight-or-flight response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the release of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine increases heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, preparing the body to either fight or flee from a perceived threat. Dopamine (A) is more related to reward and pleasure. Serotonin (B) is involved in regulating mood and emotions. Cortisol (D) is a stress hormone, not a neurotransmitter involved in the fight-or-flight response.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching about the monoamine category of neurotransmitters. Which student statement indicates that learning about the function of norepinephrine has occurred?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because norepinephrine is primarily involved in regulating arousal, libido, and appetite. This neurotransmitter is released in response to stress or danger, increasing alertness and readiness for action. Choices A and C are incorrect because they describe the functions of serotonin and dopamine, respectively. Serotonin regulates mood, cognition, and perception, while dopamine is involved in pain modulation, inflammatory response, and wakefulness. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate in indicating learning about the function of norepinephrine.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following symptoms should a nurse expect to assess in a client experiencing elevated levels of thyroid hormone? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emotional lability. Elevated levels of thyroid hormone can lead to increased emotional reactivity and mood swings. This is due to the impact of thyroid hormone on neurotransmitters in the brain. Depression (B) is more commonly associated with low thyroid hormone levels. Insomnia (C) can occur with both high and low thyroid hormone levels. Restlessness (D) is more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where there is excess thyroid hormone.
Question 4 of 5
An involuntarily committed client is verbally abusive to the staff and repeatedly threatening to sue. The client records the full names and phone numbers of the staff. Which nursing action is most appropriate to decrease the possibility of a lawsuit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing action is to choose option C: Notify the client that documenting personal staff information is against hospital policy. This response is effective in addressing the situation because it clearly communicates boundaries to the client and informs them of the hospital's policy. By doing so, the client is made aware that their behavior is not acceptable and that there are consequences for violating the policy. This action also helps to protect the staff members' privacy and security. Option A: Verbally redirect the client and then limit one-on-one interaction, may not effectively address the issue of the client recording personal staff information. Option B: Involve the hospital's security division as soon as possible, is a more drastic measure that may escalate the situation unnecessarily. Option D: Continue professional attempts to establish a positive working relationship with the client, is not appropriate in this scenario as the client's behavior is threatening and abusive.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse should provide this information to facilitate which ethical principle?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy refers to respecting an individual's right to make informed decisions about their own care. Providing information empowers patients to make autonomous decisions, aligning with this principle. Beneficence focuses on doing good for the patient, nonmaleficence on avoiding harm, and justice on fairness in resource allocation. While these are important ethical principles in healthcare, they do not directly relate to the act of providing information to support patient autonomy.