ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient sat in silence for 20 minutes after a therapy appointment, appearing tense and vigilant. The patient abruptly stood, paced back and forth, clenched and unclenched fists, and then stopped and stared in the face of a staff member. The patient is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's behavior of being tense, vigilant, pacing, clenching fists, and staring can be indicative of potential aggression. This behavior shows signs of escalating agitation and aggression, which should be addressed promptly for safety. A: Withdrawal typically involves avoiding social interactions and showing disinterest, which does not align with the patient's behavior. B: Working through angry feelings would involve more introspective or expressive behaviors, not outward signs of potential aggression. C: Relaxation strategies would involve more calming and self-soothing behaviors, which are not exhibited by the patient in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a psychiatric patient who is receiving an antacid that contains aluminum salts. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Administer the antacid 1 hour after the antipsychotic medication. Aluminum salts can reduce the absorption of certain medications, including antipsychotics. Giving the antacid 1 hour after the antipsychotic medication allows for adequate absorption of the antipsychotic while still providing relief from gastric symptoms. Option A would not be ideal as it may interfere with the absorption of the antipsychotic. Option B could potentially decrease the effectiveness of the antipsychotic by reducing its absorption. Option D is not recommended as aluminum salts can cause reflux when lying down, potentially worsening the patient's symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
While caring for a family who lost a 10-year-old son in a car accident, the nurse should instruct the parents to tell the 4-year-old sister which of the following about her brother?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it is important for children to be given clear and honest information about death to help them process their grief effectively. This choice provides the 4-year-old sister with a direct and simple explanation of her brother's death, which can help her understand the permanence of the situation. Choices B, C, and D use euphemisms or abstract concepts that may confuse or mislead the child, potentially causing more distress or misunderstanding. It is crucial to be honest and straightforward with children about death to support their emotional well-being.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has no history of violence but is agitated and appears ready to strike out at a staff member. The nurse would assess the patient for which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Sensory losses. In this scenario, the older adult patient's agitation and readiness to strike out may be due to sensory losses such as hearing or vision impairment, leading to frustration and miscommunication. Assessing for sensory losses is crucial to understand the root cause of the patient's behavior and provide appropriate interventions. A: Panic disorder - This choice is incorrect as panic disorder typically presents with sudden and intense episodes of fear or anxiety, not necessarily leading to physical aggression. B: Epilepsy - This choice is incorrect as epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures, not typically associated with sudden aggression. C: Bipolar disorder - This choice is incorrect as bipolar disorder involves distinct episodes of mania and depression, which may not directly cause the patient's behavior in this situation.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind when establishing the nurse-patient relationship with a client with schizophrenia to promote recovery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because short, time-limited interactions are best for clients experiencing psychosis due to their limited attention span and potential for increased anxiety. Lengthy interactions may overwhelm the client and hinder the development of trust and rapport. A: The relationship typically develops over a short period of time - Incorrect. Building a therapeutic relationship with a client with schizophrenia takes time due to trust issues and symptom severity. B: Decisions about care are the responsibility of interdisciplinary team - Incorrect. While involving the interdisciplinary team is important, the nurse-patient relationship is crucial in promoting recovery. D: Typically, clients with schizophrenia readily engage in a therapeutic relationship - Incorrect. Clients with schizophrenia may have difficulties in engaging due to symptoms such as paranoia and disorganized thinking.