ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A male with bipolar disorder has not slept or eaten in four days. He paces and becomes increasingly agitated and loud while the nurse talks to his spouse. What intervention is best for the nurse to implement at this time?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Move to a quiet area and provide peanut butter with crackers. This intervention aims to address the client's basic needs for sleep and food, as lack of sleep and nutrition can exacerbate symptoms of bipolar disorder. Moving to a quiet area helps reduce stimulation, while providing a snack can help stabilize blood sugar levels and potentially calm the client. Administering sedative medication (B) should be a last resort due to potential side effects and dependency. Encouraging the client to rest and sleep (C) may not be effective without addressing the immediate agitation and hunger. Confronting the client (D) may escalate the situation instead of de-escalating it.
Question 3 of 5
What is the focus of priority nursing interventions for the period immediately after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Supporting physiological stability. After ECT, priority is to monitor vital signs, airway, and consciousness level to ensure the patient's physical well-being. This includes assessing for any adverse effects such as hypotension or arrhythmias. Nutrition and hydration (A) are important but secondary to physiological stability. Reducing disorientation and confusion (C) may be addressed after ensuring physiological stability. Assisting the patient with negative thoughts (D) is important but is not the immediate focus post-ECT.
Question 4 of 5
A patient being treated for depression has taken sertraline daily for a year. The patient calls the clinic nurse and says, 'I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago. Now I am having nausea, nervous feelings, and I can't sleep.' The nurse will advise the patient to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The rationale for this is as follows: 1. Restarting the antidepressant will help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms the patient is experiencing. 2. Coming to the clinic to see the healthcare provider is important to assess the patient's condition. 3. Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. 4. Going to the emergency department (choice A) is not necessary unless the symptoms worsen or become severe. 5. Taking aspirin and fluids (choice B) will not address the underlying issue of antidepressant withdrawal. 6. Resuming the antidepressant for 2 more weeks (choice D) is not recommended as it does not address the immediate withdrawal symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder refuses solid foods. In order to meet nutritional needs, which beverage will the nurse offer to this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Milk. Milk is a nutrient-dense beverage that can provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins D and B12, which are important for overall health and well-being. It can help meet the patient's nutritional needs despite refusing solid foods. Tomato juice (A) and orange juice (B) may not provide sufficient protein and other essential nutrients. Hot tea (C) is a non-nutrient beverage and does not offer the necessary nutrients for meeting the patient's nutritional requirements.