During an assessment, a client is demonstrating symptoms of moderate anxiety. Which of the following symptoms would be indicative of moderate anxiety?

Questions 75

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

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 9

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which situation on an inpatient psychiatric unit would require priority intervention by a nurse?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, safety needs are considered fundamental and must be addressed before higher-level needs. When a client exhibits aggressive behavior toward another client, it poses an immediate threat to safety and requires priority intervention by the nurse to ensure the well-being of all individuals involved. Clients who are rude in their complaints (Choice A), express feelings of failure (Choice D), or state that no one cares (Choice C) are addressing higher-level needs related to social interactions, esteem, and self-actualization, respectively, which can be addressed once safety needs are secured.

Question 3 of 9

When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the nurse to help the client assess their coping mechanisms and perspective on the situation. Questions A and B focus on exploring the client's coping resources and past experiences to guide them towards effective stress management. Asking who is to blame (choice C) is not conducive to evaluating coping abilities; instead, it might elicit a blame-focused response, which can impede progress. Choice D, inquiring about the reason for being fired, is a nontherapeutic approach that does not promote a constructive appraisal of the situation.

Question 4 of 9

Which of the following is identified as a psychoneurotic response to severe anxiety as it appears in the DSM-5?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by preoccupation with physical symptoms for which there is no demonstrable organic pathology. One of the diagnostic criteria is a high level of anxiety about health concerns or illness. In the DSM-5, somatic symptom disorders are classified under the category of somatic symptom and related disorders, which encompass conditions where psychological factors play a significant role in the development, exacerbation, or maintenance of physical symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Grief responses, psychosis, and bipolar disorder are not specifically categorized as psychoneurotic responses to severe anxiety in the DSM-5.

Question 5 of 9

A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed quetiapine. The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Weight gain is a common side effect of quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic. Quetiapine can lead to metabolic changes that may result in weight gain. Monitoring weight regularly is essential to address this potential side effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Quetiapine is not typically associated with hypertension, hair loss, or hyperthyroidism as common side effects.

Question 6 of 9

When developing a care plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which of the following interventions should not be included?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations is not a recommended intervention in caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as it can reinforce the client's anxiety. Exposing the client gradually to feared situations can help reduce anxiety in the long term through techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Teaching relaxation techniques helps the client manage stress and anxiety effectively. Encouraging the client to express their feelings promotes emotional processing and reduces internal tension. Providing a structured daily routine can offer predictability and stability, which are beneficial for individuals with GAD.

Question 7 of 9

An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In situations where a client is experiencing severe anxiety and struggles with independent problem-solving, it is essential for the nurse to work through the problem-solving process together with the client. By doing so, the nurse can provide support and guidance to help the client navigate through their challenges effectively. Choice A is not the most appropriate as just encouraging alternative coping mechanisms may not address the root of the problem. Choice B of completing the problem-solving process for the graduate does not promote independence or skill development. Choice D of encouraging the graduate to keep a journal may be helpful but does not directly address the need for assistance in problem-solving during heightened anxiety.

Question 8 of 9

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: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Question 9 of 9

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is receiving discharge teaching. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include? Select one that does not apply.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Discharge instructions for a client diagnosed with schizophrenia should focus on promoting medication adherence, monitoring and reporting any medication side effects, and establishing a structured daily routine to support stability and well-being. Encouraging the client to avoid all social interactions is not appropriate as social support can be beneficial for individuals with schizophrenia. Social interactions can help reduce feelings of isolation, improve overall well-being, and provide emotional support. Therefore, advising the client to avoid all social interactions would not be in the best interest of their recovery and management of the condition.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days