A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

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ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Questions

Question 1 of 9

A patient with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient facility. Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitoring the patient's weight weekly. This intervention is essential in the care plan for a patient with anorexia nervosa as it helps track their progress, assess nutritional status, and identify any concerning weight fluctuations. Regular weight monitoring allows healthcare providers to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: Allowing the patient to eat alone to reduce stress - This choice is incorrect as isolation during meals can exacerbate the patient's eating disorder behaviors and hinder their recovery. C: Encouraging the patient to exercise daily - Exercise may not be appropriate for a patient with anorexia nervosa due to the risk of excessive physical activity exacerbating their condition. D: Providing the patient with a high-calorie diet - While increasing calorie intake may be necessary for weight restoration, it should be done under close supervision by healthcare providers and tailored to the individual's needs, making this choice incorrect.

Question 2 of 9

A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which finding is most concerning?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Electrolyte imbalances. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias and even sudden death. This is the most concerning finding as it directly impacts the patient's health and can be life-threatening. Bradycardia (choice A) is common in anorexia but usually reversible with treatment. Slight hypotension (choice C) may occur due to dehydration but can be managed. Lanugo (choice D) is a reversible side effect of malnutrition and not as concerning as electrolyte imbalances.

Question 3 of 9

Which therapeutic communication technique is being used when the nurse says, 'Tell me more about what you are feeling right now'?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Exploration. This therapeutic communication technique encourages the patient to expand on their feelings, promoting exploration of thoughts and emotions. By asking the patient to elaborate on their feelings, the nurse facilitates deeper understanding. Restating (A) involves repeating the patient's words back to them. Clarification (B) is seeking to understand the patient's meaning. Reflection (C) involves mirroring the patient's emotions. In this scenario, the nurse is prompting the patient to delve further into their emotions, making exploration the most appropriate technique.

Question 4 of 9

A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Consistency in medication timing helps maintain a steady blood level for effectiveness. 2. Following a regular schedule improves adherence and reduces the risk of missing doses. 3. Ensures optimal therapeutic effects and minimizes potential side effects. 4. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as stopping abruptly, mixing with alcohol, or taking as needed can lead to relapse, reduced efficacy, or increased risk of side effects.

Question 5 of 9

When a patient is diagnosed with major depressive disorder, which nursing diagnosis should be the priority?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Risk for suicide. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because individuals with major depressive disorder have an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing and addressing this risk is crucial for patient safety. Choice A is not the priority as nutritional imbalances may not pose immediate harm compared to suicide risk. Choice C, disturbed sleep pattern, and choice D, ineffective coping, are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of suicide in a patient with major depressive disorder.

Question 6 of 9

When discharging a patient with schizophrenia on risperidone, what is an important point to include in the discharge teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Getting blood levels checked regularly is necessary. This is important because risperidone is a medication that requires monitoring of blood levels to ensure it is within the therapeutic range for effectiveness and to prevent side effects. Regular monitoring helps to adjust the dosage if needed. Choice A is incorrect because foods high in tyramine are a concern when taking MAOIs, not risperidone. Choice C is incorrect because drowsiness is a common side effect initially, but it may improve over time and caution while driving should be based on individual response. Choice D is incorrect because risperidone is not meant to be taken on an as-needed basis; it should be taken consistently to maintain stability in treating schizophrenia.

Question 7 of 9

A patient with panic disorder is prescribed alprazolam. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid driving until you know how the medication affects you. This is crucial because alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function. It is important to prioritize safety and prevent accidents. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam does not necessarily need to be taken with food. Choice C is incorrect as alprazolam is typically taken during the day due to its sedative effects. Choice D is incorrect as increasing the dose without medical guidance can lead to overdose and adverse effects.

Question 8 of 9

Which medication is commonly used to treat both major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Duloxetine. Duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat both major depressive disorder and neuropathic pain by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Gabapentin (A) is primarily used for neuropathic pain, Amitriptyline (C) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and neuropathic pain, and Tramadol (D) is an opioid analgesic used for pain management but not typically for major depressive disorder.

Question 9 of 9

A patient with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because encouraging the patient to express their feelings and concerns is crucial in addressing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. This intervention can help the patient process their emotions, improve self-awareness, and facilitate therapeutic communication. It also promotes a supportive environment for the patient to receive appropriate care. Incorrect choices: A: While physical activities can be beneficial, they may not address the underlying emotional issues during a depressive episode. B: Providing a stimulating environment might overwhelm the patient and worsen their symptoms. C: Allowing the patient to isolate may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, and hinder recovery.

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