ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, 'I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep.' The nurse will advise the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale for this is as follows: 1. Restarting the antidepressant will help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms the patient is experiencing. 2. Coming to the clinic to see the healthcare provider is important to assess the patient's condition. 3. Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. 4. Going to the emergency department (choice A) is not necessary unless the symptoms worsen or become severe. 5. Taking aspirin and fluids (choice B) will not address the underlying issue of antidepressant withdrawal. 6. Resuming the antidepressant for 2 more weeks (choice D) is not recommended as it does not address the immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because psychomotor agitation in major depressive disorder typically manifests as excessive physical activity, such as pacing aimlessly around the room. This behavior is driven by inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. Choice B is incorrect because asking the nurse to repeat instructions is more indicative of cognitive impairment or difficulty with concentration rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice C is incorrect as complaints of prickly skin sensations are more likely related to anxiety or sensory issues rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice D is incorrect because slowed verbal responses are associated with psychomotor retardation, the opposite of psychomotor agitation seen in major depressive disorder.
Question 3 of 5
Family members of an individual undergoing a residential alcohol rehabilitation program ask, 'How can we help?' Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because making the individual responsible for the consequences of their behavior promotes accountability and aids in their recovery. This approach empowers the individual to take ownership of their actions and understand the impact of their behavior. It also helps in setting boundaries and establishing clear expectations. Choice A is incorrect as it implies acceptance of relapses as inevitable, which can be discouraging for the individual and hinder their progress. Choice B suggests a confrontational approach that may create tension and resistance. Choice C focuses on visitation frequency rather than the effectiveness of support and guidance.
Question 4 of 5
Symptoms of withdrawal from opioids for which the nurse should assess include
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because symptoms of opioid withdrawal typically include nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis, anxiety, and hyperreflexia. Nausea and vomiting are common gastrointestinal symptoms, diaphoresis is excessive sweating, anxiety is a psychological symptom, and hyperreflexia is an increase in reflexes. These symptoms are classic manifestations of opioid withdrawal. Choices A, C, and D do not align with the typical symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A includes symptoms more consistent with opioid intoxication, C includes nonspecific symptoms, and D includes unrelated symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse wants to research epidemiology, assessment techniques, and best practices regarding persons with addictions. Which resource will provide the most comprehensive information?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the correct answer because it is a federal agency dedicated to improving behavioral health outcomes. Step 2: SAMHSA provides comprehensive information on epidemiology, assessment techniques, and best practices for persons with addictions. Step 3: SAMHSA's resources are evidence-based and cover a wide range of topics related to addiction. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect because the Institute of Medicine (IOM) focuses on broader health issues, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) focuses on nursing regulation, and the American Society of Addictions Medicine has a narrower focus compared to SAMHSA.