ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A RN is teaching a client about initiation of a prescribed abstinence therapy using Disulfiram (Antabuse). What information should the client acknowledge understanding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Remain alcohol-free for 12 hours prior to the first dose. This is essential because taking Disulfiram along with alcohol can lead to a severe reaction, including nausea, vomiting, flushing, and potentially fatal complications. It is crucial for the client to understand the importance of abstaining from alcohol to avoid these adverse effects. Choice A is incorrect because the client does not need to admit to others that he is a substance abuser; it is a personal decision. Choice C is incorrect because attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings is not directly related to the initiation of Disulfiram therapy. Choice D is incorrect because Disulfiram is specifically for alcohol abstinence, not for heroin or cocaine.
Question 2 of 5
What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Supporting physiological stability. After ECT, priority is to monitor vital signs, airway, and consciousness level to ensure the patient's physical well-being. This includes assessing for any adverse effects such as hypotension or arrhythmias. Nutrition and hydration (A) are important but secondary to physiological stability. Reducing disorientation and confusion (C) may be addressed after ensuring physiological stability. Assisting the patient with negative thoughts (D) is important but is not the immediate focus post-ECT.
Question 3 of 5
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, 'I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep.' The nurse will advise the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale for this is as follows: 1. Restarting the antidepressant will help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms the patient is experiencing. 2. Coming to the clinic to see the healthcare provider is important to assess the patient's condition. 3. Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. 4. Going to the emergency department (choice A) is not necessary unless the symptoms worsen or become severe. 5. Taking aspirin and fluids (choice B) will not address the underlying issue of antidepressant withdrawal. 6. Resuming the antidepressant for 2 more weeks (choice D) is not recommended as it does not address the immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses solid foods. In order to meet nutritional needs, which beverage will the nurse offer to this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Milk. Milk is a nutrient-dense beverage that can provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins D and B12, which are important for overall health and well-being. It can help meet the patient's nutritional needs despite refusing solid foods. Tomato juice (A) and orange juice (B) may not provide sufficient protein and other essential nutrients. Hot tea (C) is a non-nutrient beverage and does not offer the necessary nutrients for meeting the patient's nutritional requirements.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is experiencing psychomotor agitation associated with major depressive disorder. Which observation would the nurse associate with this symptom? The patient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because psychomotor agitation in major depressive disorder typically manifests as excessive physical activity, such as pacing aimlessly around the room. This behavior is driven by inner restlessness and an inability to sit still. Choice B is incorrect because asking the nurse to repeat instructions is more indicative of cognitive impairment or difficulty with concentration rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice C is incorrect as complaints of prickly skin sensations are more likely related to anxiety or sensory issues rather than psychomotor agitation. Choice D is incorrect because slowed verbal responses are associated with psychomotor retardation, the opposite of psychomotor agitation seen in major depressive disorder.