ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older male client with schizophrenia is found smearing feces on the bathroom walls of the chronic mental health unit where he resides. What action should the RN implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assist the client to clean the walls. This action promotes therapeutic communication, maintains dignity, and encourages self-care. It allows the client to take responsibility for their actions and fosters a sense of autonomy. Choices A and B may be condescending and fail to address the behavior directly. Choice C may escalate the situation and jeopardize the therapeutic relationship.
Question 2 of 5
A client on the mental health unit is becoming more agitated, shouting at the staff, and pacing in the hallway. When a PRN medication is offered, the client refuses the medication and defiantly sits on the floor in the middle of the unit hallway. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take other clients in the area to the client lounge. This intervention prioritizes the safety and well-being of both the agitated client and other clients in the unit. By removing other clients from the potentially escalating situation, the nurse can prevent further agitation or harm. This intervention also allows the client some space and privacy to calm down without an audience, potentially reducing their agitation. Incorrect choices: A: Transport the client to the seclusion room - This is a restrictive measure and should only be used as a last resort for safety reasons. B: Quietly approach the client with additional staff members - Approaching an agitated client may escalate the situation, especially if the client is refusing medication. D: Administer medication to chemically restrain the client - Chemical restraint should only be used as a last resort and must follow specific protocols and guidelines. It should not be the first intervention attempted.
Question 3 of 5
Client treated with lithium for bipolar disorder develops diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and drowsiness are potential signs of lithium toxicity. Step 2: Nurse should prioritize safety and inform the healthcare provider (HCP) immediately to adjust the treatment plan. Step 3: Delaying the next dose could prevent further toxicity and potential harm to the client. Step 4: Administering an antiemetic or encouraging fluids may not address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. Step 5: Documenting the symptoms as expected side effects without taking immediate action could lead to serious consequences.
Question 4 of 5
Mechanism of action of Risperidone.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic that primarily works by blocking dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other psychotic symptoms. This mechanism of action does not directly relate to improving thinking clarity, reducing anxiety, stabilizing mood, or improving sleep, making options B, C, and D incorrect.
Question 5 of 5
What is the most important goal for a client with major depression who has been receiving an antidepressant medication for two weeks?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the most crucial goal for a client with major depression on antidepressants is to ensure their safety and prevent self-harm. Monitoring for suicidal ideation and behavior is a top priority. Ventilating feelings of sadness (A) is important but not as critical as ensuring safety. Eating three meals a day (B) and participating in group meetings (C) are important for overall well-being but do not directly address the immediate safety concern of potential suicide attempts.