ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse prepares for an initial interaction with a patient with a long history of methamphetamine abuse. Which is the nurse's best first action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because self-assessing personal attitudes and beliefs about the health problem is crucial in providing effective care without judgment. This step helps the nurse to approach the patient with empathy and understanding, building trust and rapport. Performing a thorough assessment (choice A) may be premature without establishing a therapeutic relationship first. Verifying security services (choice B) is unnecessary and may escalate the situation. Obtaining a face shield (choice D) is not relevant as it does not address the immediate need for establishing a therapeutic relationship.
Question 2 of 5
Which individual in the emergency department should be considered at highest risk for completing suicide?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 79-year-old single, white male diagnosed with terminal cancer of the prostate is at the highest risk for completing suicide. This individual is facing a terminal illness, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, increasing the risk of suicide. The other choices do not present such high-risk factors for suicide. A: While the adolescent Asian American girl may face pressures from high achievements and asthma, these factors do not inherently place her at the highest risk for suicide. B: The 38-year-old single, African American female church member with fibrocystic breast disease may face challenges, but they do not indicate a high risk for suicide. C: The 60-year-old married Hispanic man with 12 grandchildren who has type 2 diabetes has family support and does not have as severe risk factors as the individual in choice D.
Question 3 of 5
A confused older adult patient in a skilled nursing facility was asleep when unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) entered the room quietly and touched the bed to see if it was wet. The patient awakened and hit the UAP in the face. Which statement best explains the patient's action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's action of hitting the UAP is likely due to a misinterpretation of the situation as potentially harmful. The patient was asleep and abruptly awakened by a touch, leading to a defensive response. This is a common reaction in situations where individuals feel threatened or startled. The other choices are incorrect because A is a generalization without specific relevance to this scenario, B is not supported by evidence in the question stem, and C assumes the patient learned violent behavior from others, which is not indicated in the scenario.
Question 4 of 5
After an assault by a patient, a nurse has difficulty sleeping, startles easily, and is preoccupied with the incident. The nurse said, 'That patient should not be allowed to get away with that behavior.' Which response poses the greatest barrier to the nurse's ability to provide therapeutic care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because harboring a wish for revenge can significantly impede a nurse's ability to provide therapeutic care. This response indicates unresolved anger and potential desire for retaliation, which can lead to compromised objectivity, empathy, and professionalism in patient care. It can also hinder the development of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Startle reactions (A), difficulty sleeping (B), and preoccupation with the incident (D) are common responses to trauma but do not pose as significant a barrier as a wish for revenge.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse talks with a woman whose husband died while jogging. Select the appropriate statement for the nurse.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the woman's emotions and shows empathy towards her loss. It validates her feelings and offers support, recognizing the pain she must be going through. Option A may come off as dismissive of her grief. Option B could be seen as minimizing the loss. Option D assumes a quick recovery, which may not be realistic for someone grieving. In summary, answer C is correct as it shows empathy and understanding towards the woman's situation, while the other options may be perceived as insensitive or unrealistic.