ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is experiencing acute mania. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because ensuring the patient is in a safe environment and monitoring for physical harm is the top priority during acute mania. This intervention focuses on preventing any harm to the patient or others, which is crucial in managing acute mania. It prioritizes safety and can help prevent any potential dangerous situations. Encouraging group activities (choice B) may not be effective during acute mania as the patient may not be able to participate safely. Administering a sedative (choice C) without ensuring safety first can lead to potential risks. Offering medication (choice D) should be done after ensuring the patient's safety.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who was admitted for suicidal ideation. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as a continuation of suicidal ideation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement "I'm going to give my sister my pottery collection when I get home" indicates future planning, suggesting the client may not see themselves owning the collection in the future due to suicidal ideation. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to suicidal ideation as they focus on positive activities or future plans that do not indicate self-harm intentions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following signs should the nurse monitor for in this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severe weight loss and restriction of food intake. In anorexia nervosa, patients typically exhibit extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restriction of food intake resulting in significant weight loss. Monitoring for this sign is crucial to assess the severity of the disorder and plan appropriate interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Extreme weight gain and bloating - This is not indicative of anorexia nervosa as patients with this disorder typically experience significant weight loss. B: Excessive exercise and compulsive eating - While excessive exercise can be a symptom of anorexia nervosa, compulsive eating is more commonly associated with binge eating disorder. D: Binge eating followed by purging behaviors - This pattern of behavior is characteristic of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting negative symptoms such as lack of motivation and limited speech. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing structure and clear instructions helps manage negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Structure can help the patient overcome lack of motivation and limited speech by providing a framework for engagement. Clear instructions offer guidance and reduce confusion. Encouraging social activities (A) may overwhelm the patient. Frequent reassurance (C) may not address the core issue. Telling the patient to try harder (D) can increase stress and worsen symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is C: Risk for suicide. This is the priority because the patient is experiencing suicidal ideation, indicating an immediate threat to their safety. Addressing this risk is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect as weight gain is not the priority when compared to suicidal ideation. Option B is incorrect as low self-esteem, while important, is not as urgent as the risk of suicide. Option D, hopelessness, is also important but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence.