ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
Therapeutic Milieu: Pt had a recent suicide attempt after his wife offered divorce, lost his job, and his best friend moved away. What is the best nursing intervention to support therapeutic Milieu?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because encouraging activities that allow the patient to take control over his environment promotes empowerment and autonomy, which are essential for therapeutic milieu. This intervention helps the patient regain a sense of control and self-worth, fostering positive coping mechanisms. B: Providing constant supervision may make the patient feel restricted and monitored, impeding trust and therapeutic relationship. C: Limiting interactions with other clients may lead to feelings of isolation and lack of social support, which are crucial in therapeutic milieu. D: Administering sedative medications may address symptoms temporarily but does not address the underlying issues or promote active participation in the therapeutic process.
Question 3 of 5
A teenage male client is admitted to the postoperative unit following open reduction of a fractured femur which occurred when he fell down the stairs at a party. The nurse notices needle marks on the client's arms and plans to observe for narcotic withdrawal. Early signs of narcotic withdrawal include which assessment findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Agitation, sweating, and abdominal cramps. These are early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Agitation is due to the brain's craving for the drug, sweating is a common withdrawal symptom, and abdominal cramps can result from the GI tract reacting to the absence of narcotics. Choice B is incorrect because lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension are more indicative of opioid overdose rather than withdrawal. Choice C is incorrect as euphoria, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity are symptoms of narcotic use rather than withdrawal. Choice D is incorrect because confusion, fever, and tremors are not typical early signs of narcotic withdrawal. Therefore, the correct answer is A as it aligns with the expected early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal in this scenario.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
An individual with a known history of alcohol abuse is admitted for emergency surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The nurse includes in the plan of care to observe for signs of delirium tremens. Which early signs indicate that the client is beginning to have delirium tremens?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restlessness and confusion. Delirium tremens (DT) is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals with a history of alcohol abuse. Early signs of DT include restlessness and confusion. This is due to the sudden cessation of alcohol intake, leading to overactivity of the central nervous system. Lethargy and bradycardia (choice B) are not typical signs of DT, as DT is characterized by hyperactivity of the CNS. Euphoria and hyperactivity (choice C) are also not indicative of DT, as DT is associated with agitation and confusion. Fever and seizures (choice D) can occur in severe cases of DT, but they are not typically early signs. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as restlessness and confusion are early signs of delirium tremens.