ATI RN
Adult Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse anticipates the provider might prescribe which of the following medications?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of caring for a client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the provider might prescribe Paroxetine (Option D) due to its classification as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat PTSD symptoms. Paroxetine helps regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts associated with PTSD. Option A, Tramadol, is an opioid analgesic primarily used for pain management and is not a first-line treatment for PTSD. Option B, Semaglutide, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels and is not indicated for PTSD management. Option C, Zaleplon, is a sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia and is not typically prescribed for PTSD. Understanding the rationale behind medication choices in treating mental health conditions like PTSD is crucial for nurses in providing holistic care to their clients. By knowing the appropriate medications and their mechanisms of action, nurses can collaborate effectively with the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes and promote mental health and well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder during the depressive phase. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In adult behavioral health nursing, working with patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder requires a nuanced understanding of the condition's phases and appropriate interventions. In the depressive phase, the most appropriate nursing intervention is to provide a calm and low-stimulation environment (Option A). This is crucial because individuals in the depressive phase of bipolar disorder often experience heightened sensitivity to stimuli and may benefit from a quiet, soothing environment to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. Encouraging the patient to engage in group therapy and activities (Option B) may not be the best approach during the depressive phase as social interactions and group settings could be overwhelming for the individual. Supporting the patient in making plans for future activities and goals (Option C) may be challenging as individuals in the depressive phase may struggle with feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation. Promoting physical exercise (Option D) is generally beneficial for individuals with bipolar disorder, but during the depressive phase, it may be difficult for the patient to engage in physical activities due to low energy levels and lack of motivation. Educationally, understanding the specific needs of individuals with bipolar disorder in different phases is essential for providing effective nursing care. It is important for nurses to tailor interventions based on the individual's current phase to promote positive outcomes and support their overall well-being.
Question 3 of 5
The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, 'Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days.' At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. The nurse will document the outcome as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) never demonstrated. In this scenario, the patient did not meet the desired outcome of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days. The patient's average nightly sleep of 4 hours falls short of the goal, and taking a 2-hour afternoon nap further contributes to sleep fragmentation rather than achieving consolidated nighttime sleep. Option A) consistently demonstrated would be incorrect because the patient did not consistently achieve the desired outcome. Option B) often demonstrated would be inaccurate as the patient did not frequently meet the goal of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly. Option C) sometimes demonstrated would also be incorrect as the patient did not occasionally achieve the desired outcome. From an educational perspective, this question highlights the importance of setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals in nursing practice. It underscores the need for nurses to critically evaluate patient outcomes based on established criteria and adjust interventions accordingly to promote optimal patient care and outcomes in behavioral health nursing.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse wants to assess an adult patient's recent memory. Which question would best yield the desired information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In assessing recent memory, asking about what the patient had for breakfast this morning (Option B) is the best choice. This question requires the patient to recall a recent event, demonstrating intact short-term memory. Option A asks about long-term memory, which is not relevant for assessing recent memory. Option C tests general knowledge, not recent memory. Option D tests immediate recall, not recent memory. In an educational context, understanding the nuances of memory assessment is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health. By selecting appropriate questions, nurses can accurately gauge a patient's cognitive function and tailor interventions effectively. Asking about recent events like breakfast helps assess immediate recall and short-term memory, providing valuable insights into the patient's cognitive status.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I feel like a burden to my family. I don't want to be here anymore.' What is the priority nursing action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority nursing action is option A) Ask the patient about their suicidal thoughts and plan. The rationale behind this choice is rooted in the principle of safety and risk assessment. When a patient expresses thoughts of being a burden and not wanting to live, it raises significant concern for suicidal ideation. By directly addressing the issue of suicidal thoughts and plans, the nurse can assess the level of risk the patient poses to themselves and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety. Option B) Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings of hopelessness is important for therapeutic communication but is not the priority when there is a potential risk of harm to the patient. Option C) Reassuring the patient that their family loves them and will support them is a supportive statement but does not address the immediate safety concern of suicidal ideation. Option D) Encouraging the patient to engage in activities that improve mood is also valuable for managing depression, but safety assessment takes precedence when there are signs of suicidal ideation. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize safety in mental health assessments. Understanding the hierarchy of needs in psychiatric nursing helps nurses make swift and accurate decisions to protect the well-being of their patients. By addressing suicidal ideation promptly, nurses can initiate appropriate interventions and prevent potential self-harm or harm to others.