ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). Which information should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. When providing discharge instructions, nurses must prioritize patient safety and education on key interactions and risks. The most critical instruction here is to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as alcohol can significantly exacerbate the drug's side effects and reduce its therapeutic efficacy. Step 1: Understanding why avoiding alcohol is essential. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can interact dangerously with fluoxetine. This combination increases the risk of severe drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and judgment, potentially leading to accidents or falls. More concerningly, alcohol can worsen depressive symptoms, counteract the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine, and heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by confusion, rapid heart rate, fever, and muscle rigidity. It can also amplify gastrointestinal issues like nausea or vomiting. Clinical guidelines from sources like the FDA and American Psychiatric Association explicitly warn against alcohol use with SSRIs, making this a non-negotiable teaching point for safe discharge. By emphasizing this, the nurse empowers the client to prevent adverse outcomes and promotes adherence to therapy. Step 2: Why choice A is incorrect. Taking fluoxetine with food to avoid stomach upset is not a primary or required instruction. While fluoxetine may occasionally cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea in about 20-30% of users initially, it is generally well-tolerated and can be taken with or without food. The manufacturer's prescribing information does not mandate food intake; instead, it recommends consistency in dosing time. Advising this could unnecessarily complicate the regimen for clients without symptoms, potentially leading to non-adherence. This is more relevant for medications like NSAIDs or certain antibiotics, not SSRIs like fluoxetine. Step 3: Why choice C is incorrect. Reporting unusual side effects to the healthcare provider is sound general advice applicable to virtually all medications, not specific to fluoxetine. While clients should indeed monitor for issues like sexual dysfunction, weight changes, insomnia, or rare severe reactions (e.g., allergic responses or suicidal ideation in young adults), this is a universal safety net rather than a targeted discharge instruction for this drug. Nursing education focuses on proactive, drug-specific guidance over broad statements, as the latter might dilute the importance of unique risks like alcohol interaction. Step 4: Why choice D is incorrect. Informing the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect is accurate—fluoxetine typically requires 4-6 weeks for full therapeutic benefits due to its long half-life and gradual serotonin modulation—but this is anticipatory guidance about efficacy, not an immediate safety concern for discharge. While helpful for managing expectations and preventing premature discontinuation, it does not address acute risks like interactions that could harm the client right away. Discharge teaching prioritizes harm prevention over timeline education, especially when alcohol avoidance directly impacts safety from day one. In summary, selecting B ensures the nurse addresses the most actionable and hazardous interaction, fostering client safety and informed self-management. This targeted approach aligns with evidence-based nursing practice, reducing readmission risks from preventable complications. Clients educated on alcohol avoidance are better equipped to integrate fluoxetine into their lifestyle without compromising health.
Question 2 of 5
When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring the client's vital signs closely is crucial during alcohol withdrawal as it helps detect any physiological changes early, such as hypertension, tachycardia, or fever, which can indicate potential complications like delirium tremens. Early identification and prompt intervention can prevent severe outcomes in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
Question 3 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which outcome indicates that the therapy is effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy, identifying and challenging negative thoughts is a fundamental aspect of the treatment process. This cognitive restructuring helps individuals with major depressive disorder to develop healthier thinking patterns and cope more effectively with their emotions, which ultimately leads to improvement in their mental health. Therefore, when a client is able to identify and challenge negative thoughts, it indicates that they are actively engaging in the therapeutic process and making progress towards better mental well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and a nurse is providing care. Which intervention should the nurse implement to promote the client's safety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Implementing a no-harm contract is a crucial intervention for clients with borderline personality disorder as it helps establish an agreement between the client and the healthcare provider to abstain from self-harming behaviors. This contract aims to promote the client's safety by enhancing awareness and providing a structured approach in managing impulses and emotions.
Question 5 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which intervention should the nurse implement to ensure the client's safety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, individuals may exhibit increased energy levels, impulsivity, and reduced need for sleep, which can lead to risky behaviors and accidents. Providing a structured environment with minimal stimuli helps to reduce the risk of overstimulation and impulsive actions, thereby promoting the client's safety. This intervention aims to create a calm and controlled setting that can prevent potential harm to the client during this phase of the disorder.