ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse monitors a patient with anorexia nervosa for complications of refeeding. Which assessment is most important?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports of serum electrolytes. This is crucial as patients with anorexia nervosa are at risk of refeeding syndrome, characterized by electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum electrolytes helps detect potential complications such as hypophosphatemia, which can lead to cardiac and respiratory failure. A: Pupillary reaction to light is important but not as critical as monitoring electrolytes in this context. B: Temperature measurements are important for general assessment, but electrolyte monitoring takes precedence in refeeding complications. D: Complaints of sleep disturbances are relevant but do not directly assess the risk of refeeding syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
Danny has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. On the unit he appears very anxious, paces back and forth, and darts his head from side to side in a continuous scanning of the area. He has refused to eat, making some barely audible comment related to 'being poisoned.' In planning care for Danny, which of the following would be the primary focus for nursing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: To decrease anxiety and develop trust. This is the primary focus for nursing care for Danny because his symptoms of anxiety, paranoia, and refusal to eat are indicative of his distress and lack of trust in his environment. By decreasing his anxiety and building trust, the nurse can establish a therapeutic relationship with Danny, which is essential for effective treatment and care. Setting limits on his behavior (B) may escalate his anxiety and worsen his symptoms. Ensuring group therapy attendance (C) may not be effective if Danny is not in a mental state to participate. Attending to hygiene needs (D) is important but secondary to addressing his underlying anxiety and trust issues.
Question 3 of 5
What is beneficence?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Answer A is correct as beneficence refers to the duty to act for the benefit and well-being of others. This principle emphasizes promoting the good of individuals and ensuring their welfare. It aligns with the ethical responsibility to actively do good and provide positive outcomes. Answer B (duty to avoid harm) is related to nonmaleficence, not beneficence. Answer C (duty to respect autonomy) pertains to autonomy, not beneficence. Answer D (duty to distribute resources equally) is related to distributive justice, not beneficence.
Question 4 of 5
What do atypical antipsychotics treat?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Atypical antipsychotics primarily target negative symptoms such as social withdrawal, lack of motivation, and flattened affect. They are less effective on positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. This is due to their mechanism of action, which involves targeting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain. Choices A and C are incorrect because atypical antipsychotics are not as effective in treating positive symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because atypical antipsychotics are not commonly used to treat anxiety disorders.
Question 5 of 5
What is a maturational/internal crisis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a maturational/internal crisis is typically triggered by the individual's transition to a new developmental stage, such as adolescence or midlife. This type of crisis arises from internal changes and challenges related to personal growth and self-awareness. In contrast, option B refers to external events like natural disasters, not internal processes. Option C pertains to crises resulting from external factors like loss, not internal developmental changes. Option D focuses on internal conflicts, but a maturational crisis is distinct as it directly relates to developmental stages.