A patient is brought to the emergency department by her brother, who reports that the patient became very agitated and 'started hallucinating.' Further assessment reveals tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea. The brother states that the patient is taking paroxetine for depression. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?

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ATI Final Mental Health Questions

Question 1 of 5

A patient is brought to the emergency department by her brother, who reports that the patient became very agitated and 'started hallucinating.' Further assessment reveals tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea. The brother states that the patient is taking paroxetine for depression. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Serotonin syndrome. The patient's symptoms of agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, incoordination, vomiting, and diarrhea are consistent with serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, which can lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic medications. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (choice A) presents with muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status. Acute dystonic reaction (choice B) is characterized by sudden muscle contractions. Hypothyroidism (choice D) does not typically present with symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, and tachycardia.

Question 2 of 5

A 25-year-old legal secretary is seeking counseling because she recently lost her job unexpectedly. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in assessing the patient's response to losing her job?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it focuses on the patient's past behavior in response to stress, providing insight into her coping strategies. By understanding how she has dealt with stress before, the nurse can anticipate her current response. Choice A is too focused on the cause of job loss, not the patient's emotional response. Choice B is too narrow, not addressing broader coping mechanisms. Choice C is future-oriented, not addressing the patient's current emotional state.

Question 3 of 5

After teaching a group of students about the epidemiology of schizoaffective disorder, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students state which of the following?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It is more likely to occur in women. Schizoaffective disorder is more prevalent in women than in men, with a slightly higher risk in females. This is due to various factors such as hormonal influences and genetic predispositions. Other choices are incorrect: A is incorrect because schizoaffective disorder typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood, not in children; C is incorrect as the disorder affects individuals of all racial backgrounds; D is incorrect as there is evidence of familial clustering indicating a genetic component to the disorder.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is working with the family of a client who has been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to focus on when teaching the family about this disorder?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Boundary setting. When working with a client diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, it is crucial for the nurse to focus on teaching the family about setting boundaries. This is important because individuals with this disorder often have difficulty respecting others' boundaries and may engage in manipulative or harmful behaviors. By establishing clear boundaries, the family can protect themselves and the client from potential harm or exploitation. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Anger management - While anger management may be important in some cases, it is not the primary focus when dealing with antisocial personality disorder. The core issue lies in the individual's lack of empathy, disregard for rules, and manipulative behavior. C: Medication therapy - Medication may be used to manage certain symptoms associated with antisocial personality disorder, but it is not the primary intervention. The focus should be on behavioral and therapeutic approaches. D: Self-responsibility - While self-responsibility is important, individuals with antis

Question 5 of 5

A client with insomnia is prescribed zolpidem. When describing the action of this medication to the client, the nurse would incorporate information related to the medication's effect on which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Zolpidem enhances the action of GABA neurotransmitter. 2. GABA inhibits brain activity, promoting relaxation and sleep. 3. Therefore, correct answer is A: GABA. Summary: B: Serotonin - Not directly affected by zolpidem. C: Dopamine - Not the primary neurotransmitter involved in sleep regulation. D: Norepinephrine - Not directly targeted by zolpidem for sleep promotion.

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