ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young adult female client is admitted to a psychiatric facility with a medical diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess and report the client's electrolyte status to the healthcare provider. This is the highest priority because electrolyte imbalances are common in clients with bulimia nervosa due to purging behaviors. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. A: Scheduling group therapy may be beneficial, but addressing the physical health concern is the priority. B: Assigning care based on age is not essential in this situation. C: Monitoring for binging activities is important but not as critical as assessing electrolyte status. In summary, ensuring the client's physical health and safety by monitoring electrolyte status is the top priority in managing a client with bulimia nervosa.
Question 2 of 5
A 35-year-old male client who has been hospitalized for two weeks for chronic paranoia continues to state that someone is trying to steal his clothing. Which action should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because encouraging the client to actively participate in assigned activities can help distract him from his paranoid thoughts and promote engagement in therapeutic interventions. This can also help establish a routine and promote socialization. B: Confronting the client may escalate his paranoia and lead to increased distress. C: Limiting interactions may further isolate the client and exacerbate his paranoia. D: Administering PRN medication should be considered if the client becomes agitated or poses a risk to himself or others, but it does not address the underlying issue of paranoia.
Question 3 of 5
Patient who is administered Lithium. Which laboratory test should be checked?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct laboratory test to check for a patient administered with Lithium is serum creatinine. This is crucial because Lithium can affect kidney function, leading to potential kidney damage. Monitoring serum creatinine levels helps in early detection of kidney impairment. The other choices (B: Liver function tests, C: Complete blood count, D: Thyroid function tests) are not directly affected by Lithium administration and are not necessary for routine monitoring in patients taking Lithium.
Question 4 of 5
Antidepressants side effects.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation are common side effects of many antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. These side effects are due to the medications' effects on neurotransmitters in the body. Weight gain, insomnia, and agitation (Option B) are more commonly associated with other classes of antidepressants like SSRIs. Nausea, dizziness, and headaches (Option C) are also common side effects but are not as specific to antidepressants. Fatigue, increased appetite, and sweating (Option D) are not typical side effects of most antidepressants.
Question 5 of 5
A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Excessive thirst in a client on lithium carbonate may indicate lithium toxicity. Step 2: Reporting the serum lithium level to the healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring and adjusting the dosage. Step 3: This intervention ensures timely intervention to prevent lithium toxicity complications. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect: - B: Sucking on hard candy won't address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. - C: Polydipsia is not a common side effect of lithium; it indicates possible toxicity. - D: Prohibiting faucet drinking doesn't address the immediate need to assess and manage lithium levels.