ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The family of a 17-year-old client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa is encouraged to attend family therapy sessions. The parents state, 'We don't have the eating disorder. Why should we attend?' What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer D: 1. Family therapy helps parents understand how family dynamics may contribute to the client's illness. 2. It fosters open communication and support within the family. 3. Understanding triggers and maintaining a supportive environment aids in the client's recovery. 4. Empowering parents with knowledge improves the overall treatment outcomes. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Guilt-tripping the parents is not therapeutic and may create resistance. B: While true, this answer lacks specific information on the benefits of family therapy. C: While supportive, it does not address the rationale behind family therapy's effectiveness.
Question 2 of 5
A psychiatric nurse intern states, “This client's use of defense mechanisms should be eliminated.†Which is a correct evaluation of this nurse's statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because defense mechanisms can be adaptive responses to stress, helping individuals cope and manage anxiety. It is important to understand that defense mechanisms serve a purpose in protecting the individual's psychological well-being. Eliminating them completely can be harmful as they may be necessary for emotional regulation. Choice B is incorrect as defense mechanisms can sometimes be adaptive. Choice C is incorrect as defense mechanisms are utilized by everyone, not just those with weak ego integrity. Choice D is incorrect as fostering defense mechanisms excessively can lead to maladaptive coping strategies.
Question 3 of 5
Which nursing statement regarding the concept of psychosis is most accurate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals experiencing psychoses often have distorted perceptions of reality, leading to significant distress. They may have hallucinations or delusions, causing fear, confusion, and emotional turmoil. Choice A is incorrect as individuals with psychosis may not realize their behaviors are maladaptive due to their altered perception. Choice C is incorrect because individuals with psychosis may lack insight into their psychological problems. Choice D is incorrect as psychosis involves a disconnect from reality, leading to irrational thoughts and beliefs.
Question 4 of 5
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 because Maslow's hierarchy of needs prioritizes safety and security needs. Aggressive behavior jeopardizes the safety of others, requiring immediate intervention to prevent harm. Choices A, C, and D relate more to social and esteem needs, which are of lower priority according to Maslow's theory. Addressing them would be important but not as urgent as ensuring physical safety in the case of aggressive behavior.
Question 5 of 5
A 28-year-old paramedic presents for an independent medical examination. He has been on long-term disability for 2 years following an emergency response to a motor vehicle collision that involved fatalities. There is no previous psychiatric or substance use history. He states that he is improving. His wife agrees but notes that he has 'a very quick temper and breaks stuff when he is frustrated.' He reports feeling anxious about returning to work and feeling that 'people are out to get me.' He admits that he sometimes hears 'voices and people screaming.' What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.