ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an assessment interview, a patient diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease accompanied by frequent episodes of diarrhea says, “I've been using probiotics in small doses for about a week.†When the nurse assesses mental status, expected findings would be
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: intact cognitive function. Probiotics do not typically affect mental status. The patient's ability to think clearly and logically should remain unaffected. Slow verbal responses (B) are not expected as probiotics are not known to cause cognitive impairment. Paranoid thinking (C) and slurred speech (D) are also not correlated with probiotic use. It is important to assess cognitive function during the interview to ensure the patient is mentally alert and oriented.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with anorexia nervosa is treated as an outpatient. Select the desired outcome related to the nursing diagnosis Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements. Within 1 week, the patient will:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. The desired outcome for a patient with anorexia nervosa is to gain weight to meet body requirements. 2. Gaining 1 to 2 pounds in a week is a realistic and achievable goal for improving nutrition status. 3. Monitoring weight gain is crucial in tracking progress and ensuring the patient's health is improving. 4. The other choices are incorrect as exercising excessively, taking laxatives, and focusing solely on weighing oneself do not directly address the nutritional needs of the patient.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric clinical nurse specialist uses cognitive therapy with a patient with anorexia nervosa. Which statement by the nurse supports this type of therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it reflects a core principle of cognitive therapy, which is challenging distorted beliefs. By pointing out that being thin hasn't solved the patient's problems, the nurse is helping the patient recognize the irrationality of their belief that thinness equals happiness. This approach aims to modify negative thought patterns and promote healthier perspectives. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address challenging distorted beliefs or irrational thoughts, which are central to cognitive therapy for eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
Question 4 of 5
John is on the Alcohol Treatment Unit. He walks into the dayroom where other clients are watching a program on TV. He picks up the remote and changes the channel and says, 'That's a stupid program! I want to watch something else!' In what stage of development is John fixed according to Sullivan's interpersonal theory?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Childhood. In Sullivan's interpersonal theory, John's behavior of changing the TV channel impulsively and expressing his dissatisfaction with the program indicates a lack of ability to delay gratification. This behavior is typical of children who have not yet developed the maturity to consider the feelings or needs of others before acting on their own desires. Choosing A is incorrect because John's behavior does not relate to forming peer relationships. Choosing C is incorrect because John's action is not specifically related to struggling with identity formation. Choosing D is incorrect because John's behavior does not reflect working to develop lasting relationships, but rather an inability to delay gratification.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse has just admitted Nancy to the psychiatric unit. The psychiatrist has diagnosed Nancy with major depressive disorder. The nurse says to Nancy, 'Please tell me what it was like when you were growing up.' Which nursing role described by Peplau is the nurse fulfilling in this instance?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Counselor. In this scenario, the nurse is fulfilling the role of a counselor by engaging Nancy in a therapeutic conversation to explore her past experiences and emotions related to her major depressive disorder diagnosis. This role focuses on providing emotional support, guidance, and facilitating self-exploration. A: Surrogate - This role involves temporarily standing in for another person. In this scenario, the nurse is not acting as a stand-in for anyone but is providing direct emotional support to Nancy. B: Resource person - This role involves providing information and guidance related to the patient's care. While the nurse may provide resources and information, the primary focus in this scenario is on emotional support and therapeutic communication. D: Technical Expert - This role involves providing specialized knowledge and skills related to patient care. While the nurse may use technical expertise in other aspects of care, in this scenario, the focus is on therapeutic communication and emotional support rather than technical knowledge.