ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an assessment, a client is demonstrating symptoms of moderate anxiety. Which of the following symptoms would be indicative of moderate anxiety?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Palpitations are a common physical symptom seen in clients experiencing moderate anxiety. Fidgeting, laughing inappropriately, and nail biting can also indicate heightened stress levels. It's important for healthcare providers to recognize these signs and provide appropriate support. While anxiety can manifest in various ways, other indicators of moderate anxiety may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbance. It's crucial for healthcare providers to assess these symptoms to provide effective care and interventions. Laughing inappropriately and nail biting are more commonly associated with nervousness or social discomfort, while fidgeting may signal mild anxiety.
Question 2 of 5
During a mental status examination, which of the following components should be included in the assessment? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a mental status examination, key components to be assessed include the client's appearance and behavior, thought processes, mood and affect, and cognitive function. These components help in evaluating the client's mental health status. The statement about cultural distance and illness treatment is not a part of a mental status examination and is not relevant to the assessment of mental health. Choices A, B, and C are essential components of a mental status examination and contribute to a comprehensive evaluation of an individual's mental well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to the hospital for detoxification. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to observe during withdrawal? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During alcohol withdrawal, symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, diaphoresis, and seizures are commonly observed. Bradycardia is not typically associated with alcohol withdrawal; instead, tachycardia, an increased heart rate, is more commonly seen. Therefore, bradycardia is the correct answer as it is not an expected symptom during alcohol withdrawal. Tremors, hallucinations, and diaphoresis are all common manifestations of alcohol withdrawal, while bradycardia is not typically seen in this context.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare professional is assessing a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Findings in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa include amenorrhea, lanugo, hypotension, and bradycardia. Hyperkalemia is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa. In anorexia nervosa, electrolyte imbalances often lead to hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels, due to malnutrition and potential purging behaviors. Hyperkalemia, high potassium levels, is not a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa.
Question 5 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, and its therapeutic use requires careful monitoring and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity. **Choice D ("I can stop taking my medication once my mood stabilizes")** is the statement indicating a need for further teaching because lithium is a maintenance medication that must be taken continuously, even during periods of mood stability, to prevent relapse. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to a recurrence of manic or depressive episodes and may increase the risk of treatment resistance. Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition requiring long-term management, and stopping medication without medical supervision is dangerous. **Choice A ("I should maintain a consistent salt intake")** is correct and does not require further teaching. Lithium levels are sensitive to sodium balance; fluctuations in salt intake can alter lithium excretion, leading to toxicity (if sodium is too low) or reduced effectiveness (if sodium is too high). Maintaining consistent salt intake helps stabilize lithium levels within the therapeutic range. **Choice B ("I should drink 6-8 glasses of water daily")** is also appropriate. Proper hydration is critical because lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and dehydration can lead to elevated lithium levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. However, excessive fluid intake should be avoided as it can cause lithium levels to drop too low. **Choice C ("I need to have my lithium levels checked regularly")** is accurate and reflects good understanding. Regular blood tests are necessary to ensure lithium remains within the therapeutic range (typically 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Subtherapeutic levels may render the medication ineffective, while supratherapeutic levels can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms such as tremors, confusion, seizures, or renal damage. The incorrect choices (A, B, and C) demonstrate proper knowledge of lithium management, while D reflects a dangerous misconception about discontinuing medication without professional guidance, necessitating further education on the chronic nature of bipolar disorder and the importance of adherence.