ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who experiences occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How would the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): The client experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet, with no changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or daily routine, does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of depression. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. **Occasional Feelings of Sadness**: It is normal for individuals to experience feelings of sadness following a significant loss, such as the death of a beloved pet. 2. **No Changes in Appetite, Sleep Patterns, or Daily Routine**: The client's lack of changes in these areas suggests that their functioning is not significantly impaired. 3. **No Persistent or Severe Symptoms**: The client's behaviors do not indicate the presence of a major depressive episode, as there are no persistent or severe symptoms such as significant weight loss/gain, insomnia/hypersomnia, or psychomotor agitation/retardation. 4. **No Impairment in Functioning**: Since the client's behaviors
Question 2 of 5
Which nursing statement regarding the concept of psychosis is most accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals experiencing psychoses often have distorted perceptions of reality, leading to significant distress. They may have hallucinations or delusions, causing fear, confusion, and emotional turmoil. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with psychosis may not realize their behaviors are maladaptive due to their altered perception. Choice C is incorrect because individuals with psychosis may lack insight into their psychological problems. Choice D is incorrect as psychosis involves a disconnect from reality, leading to irrational thoughts and beliefs.
Question 3 of 5
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient psychiatric unit would require priority intervention by a nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritizes safety and security needs. Aggressive behavior jeopardizes the safety of others, requiring immediate intervention to prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D relate more to social and esteem needs, which are of lower priority according to Maslow's theory. Addressing them would be important but not as urgent as ensuring physical safety in the case of aggressive behavior.
Question 4 of 5
A 28-year-old paramedic presents for an independent medical examination. He has been on long-term disability for 2 years following an emergency response to a motor vehicle collision that involved fatalities. There is no previous psychiatric or substance use history. He states that he is improving. His wife agrees but notes that he has 'a very quick temper and breaks stuff when he is frustrated.' He reports feeling anxious about returning to work and feeling that 'people are out to get me.' He admits that he sometimes hears 'voices and people screaming.' What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
An adult outpatient diagnosed with major depression has a history of several suicide attempts by overdose. Given this patient's history and diagnosis, which antidepressant medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants are very safe in overdosage situations, which is not true of the other medications listed. Given this patient's history of overdosing, it is important that the medication be as safe as possible in case she takes an overdose of her prescribed medication.