ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A teenage male client is admitted to the postoperative unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps. These are early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Agitation is due to the brain's craving for the drug, sweating is a common withdrawal symptom, and abdominal cramps can result from the GI tract reacting to the absence of narcotics. Choice B is incorrect because lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension are more indicative of opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect as euphoria, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity are symptoms of narcotic use rather than withdrawal. Choice D is incorrect because confusion, fever, and tremors are not typical early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the expected early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
An individual with a known history of alcohol abuse is admitted for emergency surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse includes in the plan of care to observe for signs of delirium tremens. Which early signs indicate that the client is beginning to have delirium tremens?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness and confusion. Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals with a history of alcohol abuse. Early signs of DT include restlessness and confusion. This is due to the sudden cessation of alcohol intake, leading to overactivity of the central nervous system. Lethargy and bradycardia (choice B) are not typical signs of DT, as DT is characterized by hyperactivity of the CNS. Euphoria and hyperactivity (choice C) are also not indicative of DT, as DT is associated with agitation and confusion. Fever and seizures (choice D) can occur in severe cases of DT, but they are not typically early signs. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as restlessness and confusion are early signs of delirium tremens.
Question 3 of 5
Patient taking Carbamazepine. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action of obtaining a fingerstick glucose for a patient taking Carbamazepine is to monitor for hypoglycemia, a common side effect of the medication. This is crucial as Carbamazepine can lower blood sugar levels. Monitoring liver function tests (B) is not directly related to Carbamazepine use. Checking serum sodium levels (C) is not a priority unless the patient shows symptoms of hyponatremia. Assessing for signs of infection (D) is important but not specifically related to Carbamazepine use. Overall, obtaining a fingerstick glucose is the most appropriate action to monitor for potential side effects of Carbamazepine.
Question 4 of 5
A male client approaches the nurse with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, 'My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out!' The nurse recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own anger and selfishness onto his roommate. By attributing these negative traits to someone else, the client avoids acknowledging and dealing with his own feelings. This defense mechanism helps protect his self-image and cope with uncomfortable emotions. Denial (A) involves refusing to accept reality, rationalization (C) involves justifying behavior with logical excuses, and splitting (D) involves seeing people as all good or all bad, which are not demonstrated in the scenario.
Question 5 of 5
While sitting in the dayroom of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids eye contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the RN. The two trade places, and the RN demonstrates the client's behaviors. What is the main goal of this therapeutic technique?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Allow the client to identify the way he interacts. By demonstrating the client's behaviors, the RN is providing a mirror for the client to see how he interacts with others. This technique helps the client gain insight into his own behaviors and communication style. It can facilitate self-awareness and promote reflection on the impact of his actions on others. Options A, B, and D do not focus on the client's self-awareness and identification of his behaviors, making them incorrect choices. Option A focuses on initiating conversation, option B on dialogue about ineffectiveness, and option D on discussing feelings, but they do not directly address the goal of allowing the client to identify his interactions.