ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman, who is 4 days postpartum, presented with tearfulness, mood swings, and occasional insomnia. What is the likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Postpartum blues. This condition typically occurs within the first few days after childbirth and is characterized by symptoms such as tearfulness, mood swings, and mild insomnia. Postpartum blues are considered a normal and transient condition affecting up to 80% of new mothers. Option A) Postpartum depression is a more severe and longer-lasting form of mood disorder that can occur within the first year after childbirth. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Option C) Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and severe mood disturbances. It requires immediate medical attention as it poses a risk to both the mother and the infant. Option D) Postpartum anxiety is characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and irritability. While anxiety can coexist with postpartum blues, it is not the primary diagnosis in this case. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between these postpartum mood disorders as they have different implications for the mother's well-being and require different management strategies. Understanding the nuances of these conditions can help healthcare professionals provide appropriate support and interventions to mothers experiencing postpartum emotional challenges.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a formal thought disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of psychiatric emergencies, understanding formal thought disorders is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention. The correct answer is B) Derailment. Derailment, also known as loosening of associations, is a formal thought disorder characterized by a disruption in the logical progression of thought. Individuals may jump from one topic to another unrelated topic without any apparent connection, making their speech difficult to follow. Option A) Obsession is incorrect because it is a symptom commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, not a formal thought disorder. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause distress and lead to repetitive behaviors. Option C) Delusion is also incorrect as it is a fixed false belief that is not based in reality. Delusions are more related to disturbances in content of thought rather than the form of thought seen in formal thought disorders. Option D) Thought insertion is incorrect as it is a symptom seen in schizophrenia where individuals believe that their thoughts are not their own but are being inserted into their minds by an external force. Educationally, understanding formal thought disorders is essential for healthcare professionals, especially in emergency settings where quick and accurate assessment is needed. Recognizing derailment can help in appropriately triaging and providing care for individuals experiencing psychiatric emergencies. This knowledge ensures proper interventions and referrals to psychiatric services, improving patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A client with depression remains in bed most of the day and declines activities. Which nursing problem has the greatest priority for this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because addressing the client's refusal to address nutritional needs is the top priority. This is crucial for physical health and recovery from depression. Neglecting nutrition can lead to further physical and mental health deterioration. Loss of interest in diversional activity (A) and low self-esteem (D) are important but addressing basic needs like nutrition takes precedence. Social isolation (B) is also significant, but ensuring proper nutrition is more urgent for immediate well-being.
Question 4 of 5
The RN is planning client teaching for a 35-year-old client with alcoholic cirrhosis. Which self-care measure should the RN emphasize for the client's recovery?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Alcohol abstinence. For a client with alcoholic cirrhosis, the most crucial self-care measure is to completely stop alcohol consumption to prevent further liver damage and promote recovery. Alcohol is the primary cause of cirrhosis, so abstaining from it is essential. Support group meetings (A) can be beneficial but not as critical as stopping alcohol intake. Vitamin supplements (B) may help with nutritional deficiencies but do not address the root cause. A diet with adequate calories and protein (C) is important for overall health but cannot reverse the effects of alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Question 5 of 5
A male client in the mental health unit is guarded and vaguely answers the nurse's questions. He isolates in his room and sometimes opens the door to peek into the hall. Which problem can the RN anticipate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Delusions of persecution. The client's behavior of being guarded, isolating, and peeking into the hall suggests paranoia and fear of being persecuted. This aligns with delusions of persecution, a common symptom seen in clients with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Visual hallucinations (A) and auditory hallucinations (B) typically involve seeing or hearing things that are not there, which are not evident in the scenario. Excessive motor activity (C) does not fit the client's observed behavior of isolating in the room. Delusions of grandeur are not mentioned in the scenario, making option D the most suitable choice.