ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
Pt is mad at mom for turning him in and wants mom to bring belongings and does not want to talk to her. What action does the nurse need to take before the visit?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because discussing methods of clear communication is essential to address Pt's anger and facilitate a productive interaction with his mom. By helping Pt express his feelings effectively, misunderstandings can be minimized. Choice B is incorrect as simply allowing the client to express anger may not lead to resolution. Choice C is incorrect as forgiveness should be a personal decision, not forced. Choice D is incorrect as postponing the visit does not address the underlying communication issues.
Question 2 of 5
A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This is the most important action because it prioritizes safety by involving more staff to manage the potentially dangerous situation. It ensures a team approach to address the aggressive behavior, reduces the risk of harm to others, and increases the likelihood of a successful de-escalation. Administering sedative medication (B) should only be considered as a last resort to ensure safety. Confronting the client (C) may escalate the situation further. Moving other clients to a safe area (D) is important but not as immediate or effective as obtaining staff assistance.
Question 3 of 5
A middle-aged adult with major depressive disorder suffers from psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and amotivation. Which intervention is likely to be most effective in returning this client to a normal level of functioning?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Teach the client to develop a plan of structured activities. Structured activities can help combat psychomotor retardation and amotivation by providing a sense of purpose and routine. This intervention promotes engagement and can help the client regain motivation and energy. Group therapy (B) may be beneficial but might not address the immediate need for structured activities. Administering PRN stimulant medications (C) can have risks and may not address the underlying issues. Providing constant supervision and support (D) may create dependency rather than fostering independence and self-management skills.
Question 4 of 5
A female client admitted to the mental health unit starts to shout and scream at the nurse. What is the best approach for the nurse to take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct approach is to stay quietly with the client (Option A) because it demonstrates active listening and shows support. It allows the client to express her emotions while feeling understood. Telling her she is out of control (Option B) may escalate the situation. Distracting her with finger foods (Option C) may invalidate her feelings. Ignoring the behavior (Option D) disregards her needs and potentially worsens the situation.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the client discontinued antipsychotic medication for several days. Which medication should also be discontinued?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Benztropine (Cogentin). Benztropine is commonly used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotic medications. If the client has discontinued the antipsychotic medication, there is no longer a need for benztropine. A: Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder and should not be discontinued abruptly. C: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and should not be discontinued abruptly. D: Magnesium is not typically related to treatment for bipolar disorder or antipsychotic medication.