ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
Patient who is administered Lithium. Which laboratory test should be checked?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct laboratory test to check for a patient administered with Lithium is serum creatinine. This is crucial because Lithium can affect kidney function, leading to potential kidney damage. Monitoring serum creatinine levels helps in early detection of kidney impairment. The other choices (B: Liver function tests, C: Complete blood count, D: Thyroid function tests) are not directly affected by Lithium administration and are not necessary for routine monitoring in patients taking Lithium.
Question 2 of 5
A male client with bipolar disorder who began taking lithium carbonate five days ago is complaining of excessive thirst, and the RN finds him attempting to drink water from the bathroom sink faucet. Which intervention should the RN implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Excessive thirst in a client on lithium carbonate may indicate lithium toxicity. Step 2: Reporting the serum lithium level to the healthcare provider is crucial for monitoring and adjusting the dosage. Step 3: This intervention ensures timely intervention to prevent lithium toxicity complications. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect: - B: Sucking on hard candy won't address the underlying issue of lithium toxicity. - C: Polydipsia is not a common side effect of lithium; it indicates possible toxicity. - D: Prohibiting faucet drinking doesn't address the immediate need to assess and manage lithium levels.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.