ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse provided medication education for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who began a new prescription for phenelzine (Nardil). Which behavior indicates effective learning? The patient
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because conferring with a pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter medications is crucial when taking phenelzine. This is because phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that can interact with various over-the-counter medications, leading to potentially dangerous side effects such as serotonin syndrome. Monitoring sodium intake and weight (choice A) is important for other medications but not specifically for phenelzine. Wearing support stockings and elevating legs (choice B) is not directly related to phenelzine. Identifying foods with high selenium content (choice C) is not relevant as phenelzine does not interact with selenium.
Question 2 of 5
During a psychiatric assessment, the nurse observes a patient's facial expression is without emotion. The patient says, 'Life feels so hopeless to me. I've been feeling sad for several months.' How will the nurse document the patient's affect and mood?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Affect flat; mood depressed. The patient's facial expression lacking emotion indicates a flat affect, while the verbal expression of feeling sad for several months indicates a depressed mood. Affect refers to the outward expression of emotion, while mood is the internal emotional state. In this scenario, the patient's flat affect and depressed mood align. Choice A is incorrect as the mood is not flat but depressed. Choice C is incorrect as the affect is not labile (fluctuating) but flat. Choice D is incorrect as the affect and mood are congruent in this case.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder received six ECT sessions and aggressive doses of antidepressant medication. The patient owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. Select the correct rationale for this counseling.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) can cause temporary memory impairments and confusion. The patient needs time to recover and readjust after undergoing ECT sessions, which may affect their ability to make sound decisions. This counseling is given to ensure the patient's safety and well-being during the recovery period. Choice A is incorrect because antidepressant medications primarily affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, not catecholamines. Choice B is incorrect as limitations on tyramine in the diet are related to certain antidepressants like MAOIs, not ECT. Choice D is incorrect since the patient's need to avoid major decisions is more related to the cognitive effects of ECT rather than readjusting to a work schedule.
Question 4 of 5
Which goal for treatment of alcohol use disorder should the nurse address first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Achieve physiological stability. This is the most crucial goal to address first because individuals with alcohol use disorder often experience physical health complications due to alcohol consumption. Achieving physiological stability involves addressing withdrawal symptoms, managing any medical issues related to alcohol use, and ensuring the individual's physical health is stable before moving on to other treatment goals. Learning about addiction and recovery (A), developing coping strategies (B), and establishing a peer support system (C) are important aspects of treatment but should come after ensuring the individual's physiological stability to prevent any medical emergencies or complications.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for many years. When the patient tries to reduce smoking, anxiety, craving, poor concentration, and headache occur. This scenario describes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: substance addiction. This scenario describes a patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce smoking, which is a key characteristic of substance addiction. Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms are common when the substance is not consumed. Cross-tolerance (A) refers to the development of tolerance to one substance due to exposure to another, which is not applicable here. Substance abuse (B) refers to harmful use of a substance without dependence, which does not explain the withdrawal symptoms in the scenario. Substance intoxication (D) refers to the physiological effects of a substance when taken in excess, which is also not relevant to the patient's situation.