ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older adult patient takes multiple medications daily. Over 2 days, the patient developed confusion, slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and fluctuating levels of orientation. These findings are most characteristic of
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: delirium. Delirium is an acute and reversible condition characterized by sudden onset confusion, altered consciousness, inattention, and disorganized thinking. In this case, the patient's symptoms developed rapidly over a short period, suggesting an acute process. Delirium is commonly triggered by medication interactions or underlying medical conditions in older adults. The fluctuating levels of orientation, slurred speech, and unsteady gait are all indicative of delirium. Summary: B: Dementia is a chronic progressive condition with gradual cognitive decline, not sudden onset confusion. C: Amnestic syndrome is characterized by memory impairment, not the range of symptoms seen in delirium. D: Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia and does not typically present with sudden onset confusion and fluctuating levels of orientation.
Question 2 of 5
Which behavior best demonstrates aggression?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the behavior of stomping away, going to grab a tray aggressively demonstrates physical aggression. This behavior involves a direct and forceful action that could potentially harm someone or indicate a threat. The other choices do not demonstrate the same level of physical aggression. Choice B shows emotional distress but not physical aggression. Choice C involves verbal expression of anger but does not involve physical actions. Choice D shows refusal to take medication but does not involve physical aggression. Therefore, choice A is the best demonstration of aggression in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A patient is pacing the hall near the nurses' station, swearing loudly. An appropriate initial intervention for the nurse would be to address the patient by name and say:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and a desire to understand the patient's feelings. By addressing the patient by name and expressing a willingness to talk about their emotions, the nurse shows respect and attempts to de-escalate the situation. Choice A is too generic and may come off as confrontational. Choice B is authoritarian and dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is coercive and does not address the underlying issues causing the behavior. Overall, choice C promotes therapeutic communication and patient-centered care.
Question 4 of 5
A patient who was widowed 18 months ago says, 'I can remember good times we had without getting upset. Sometimes I even think about the disappointments. I am still trying to become accustomed to sleeping in the bed all alone.' The work of mourning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's ability to recall positive memories without distress, acknowledge disappointments, and express ongoing adjustment to being alone indicates that the work of mourning is at or near completion. This suggests that the patient has processed their grief, accepted the loss, and is gradually adapting to the new reality. Other choices are incorrect because the patient's responses do not indicate that mourning has just started (A), not yet started (B), or progressing abnormally (D).
Question 5 of 5
Family members ask the nurse, 'What can we say when our loved one says, 'Death is coming soon?' To promote communication, which response could the nurse suggest for family members?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the loved one's feelings and opens up a conversation about their fears and concerns. It shows empathy and understanding, which can help strengthen the emotional connection between the family members and the loved one. Choice B focuses on hope for recovery, which may not be realistic in this situation. Choice C provides false reassurance and denies the reality of the situation. Choice D shifts the focus away from the loved one's emotional expression and memories may not be what the loved one wants to talk about at that moment.