ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older homeless client visits the psychiatric clinic to obtain a prescription renewal for alprazolam (Xanax). During the health assessment, the client complains of chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action is to check the blood pressure first. Chest pain is a serious symptom that could indicate a cardiovascular issue. Checking the blood pressure will help determine if the chest pain is related to hypertension or a cardiac event. This step is crucial for immediate assessment and intervention. Administering nitroglycerin (Choice B) should only be done after assessing blood pressure to ensure it is safe to administer. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) can be done after assessing the blood pressure to provide them with information for further guidance. Providing a quiet environment (Choice D) is not the priority when a client presents with chest pain.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. The nurse should provide information to the patient and family about
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: SSRIs can initially increase suicidal thoughts in some patients due to changes in neurotransmitter levels. Step 2: Monitoring for increased suicidal thoughts is crucial to prevent harm. Step 3: Reporting increased suicidal thoughts allows for timely intervention and adjustment of treatment. Step 4: Choices A, B, and D are irrelevant to SSRI therapy for depressive disorder.