ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who was responding to auditory hallucinations earlier in the morning now approaches the nurse shaking a fist and shouts, 'Back off!' and then goes to the dayroom. While following the patient into the dayroom, the nurse should
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: make sure there is adequate physical space between the nurse and patient. This is the best course of action to ensure the safety of both the nurse and the patient. By maintaining physical distance, the nurse can prevent any potential harm or escalation of the situation. It allows the patient to have personal space and reduces the risk of physical confrontation. Moving closer (B) or maintaining an arm's length distance (C) may provoke the patient further. Initiating a conversation about appropriate behavior (D) can be ineffective or even escalate the situation without first ensuring physical safety.
Question 2 of 5
Which finding indicates successful completion of an individual's grief and mourning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it reflects a healthy progression through the grieving process. Remembering both the positive and negative aspects of the relationship indicates acceptance and a realistic view. Choice A suggests a lack of progress as the widow has not moved on from keeping belongings untouched. Choice C indicates unresolved grief with continued attachment. Choice D signals emotional suppression and denial of grief, which is not indicative of successful mourning. In summary, choice B demonstrates a balanced and adaptive response to grief, while the other options reflect various stages of unresolved or maladaptive grieving.
Question 3 of 5
A hospice patient tells the nurse, 'Life has been good. I am proud of being self-educated. I overcame adversity and always gave my best. I intend to die as I lived.' The nurse planning care for this patient would recognize the importance of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient expresses a sense of pride in their self-education, resilience, and determination to face challenges. By supporting the patient's use of their own resources to meet challenges, the nurse aligns with the patient's values and autonomy, promoting dignity and empowerment. Providing aggressive pain management (A) may not address the patient's psychological and emotional needs. Helping the patient reassess existing conflicts (B) may not be necessary if the patient is content with their life. While focusing on the meaning in life and death (C) is important, in this case, supporting the patient's self-reliance is more relevant.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells members of a therapy group, 'I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me.' Another patient replies, 'I once heard voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either.' Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Interpersonal learning. In this interchange, the second patient shares their own experience of hearing voices, helping the first patient gain insight that the voices may not be real. This demonstrates how interpersonal interactions in therapy can lead to learning and understanding about one's own experiences through the experiences of others. This process of gaining insight and learning from others is a key aspect of interpersonal learning in group therapy. A: Catharsis is the emotional release or relief experienced by a patient by expressing their feelings. This is not exemplified in the given interchange. B: Universality refers to recognizing shared experiences among group members. While there is a sense of shared experience in the interchange, the focus is more on personal insight gained from another's experience. C: Imitative behavior is when group members mimic behaviors of others in the group. This is not demonstrated in the interchange as the focus is on sharing and learning from experiences rather than imitation.
Question 5 of 5
During a group therapy session, a newly admitted patient suddenly says to the nurse, 'How old are you? You seem too young to be leading a group.' Select the nurse's most appropriate response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it reflects empathy and addresses the patient's underlying concern about the nurse's experience. By acknowledging the patient's question and addressing their potential worry about the nurse's capability, this response validates the patient's feelings and redirects the focus back to the therapy session. Choice A is open-ended and encourages further dialogue but does not directly address the patient's concern about the nurse's experience. Choice B is defensive and does not address the patient's underlying worry. Choice C dismisses the patient's question and may come off as dismissive or confrontational. In summary, answer D is the best choice as it shows empathy, addresses the patient's concern, and redirects the focus back to the therapy session.