ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young adult male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a recent suicide attempt. His wife filed for divorce 6 months ago, he lost his job 3 months ago, and his best friend moved to another city 2 weeks ago. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment. This intervention empowers the client, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy, which can help improve his mental health. By engaging in activities that provide a sense of control, the client may feel more motivated and hopeful. Incorrect choices: B: Providing constant supervision may be necessary in acute situations but does not address the underlying issues of lack of control and self-esteem. C: Limiting interactions with other clients may lead to social isolation, which is not beneficial for the client's recovery and may exacerbate feelings of loneliness. D: Administering sedative medications may address symptoms temporarily but does not address the root causes of the client's distress. It does not promote empowerment or coping skills development.
Question 2 of 5
A client who is being treated with lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider of the symptoms prior to the next administration of the drug because these symptoms could indicate lithium toxicity. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client's condition and determine if the dosage needs to be adjusted or if other interventions are necessary. A: Administering an antidote without consulting the healthcare provider could be dangerous and inappropriate without proper evaluation. C: Diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness are not normal side effects of lithium and may indicate a problem that requires intervention. D: Holding the medication without consulting the healthcare provider could lead to abrupt withdrawal and potential rebound symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This is the most important action because it prioritizes safety by involving more staff to manage the potentially dangerous situation. It ensures a team approach to address the aggressive behavior, reduces the risk of harm to others, and increases the likelihood of a successful de-escalation. Administering sedative medication (B) should only be considered as a last resort to ensure safety. Confronting the client (C) may escalate the situation further. Moving other clients to a safe area (D) is important but not as immediate or effective as obtaining staff assistance.
Question 4 of 5
A middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and amotivation. Which intervention is likely to be most effective in returning this client to a normal level of functioning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the client to develop a plan of structured activities. Structured activities can help combat psychomotor retardation and amotivation by providing a sense of purpose and routine. This intervention promotes engagement and can help the client regain motivation and energy. Group therapy (B) may be beneficial but might not address the immediate need for structured activities. Administering PRN stimulant medications (C) can have risks and may not address the underlying issues. Providing constant supervision and support (D) may create dependency rather than fostering independence and self-management skills.
Question 5 of 5
A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the nurse. What is the best approach for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct approach is to stay quietly with the client (Option A) because it demonstrates active listening and shows support. It allows the client to express her emotions while feeling understood. Telling her she is out of control (Option B) may escalate the situation. Distracting her with finger foods (Option C) may invalidate her feelings. Ignoring the behavior (Option D) disregards her needs and potentially worsens the situation.