ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is preparing medications for a client with bipolar disorder and notices that the antipsychotic medication was discontinued several days ago. 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 antipsychotic is discontinued, there is no longer a need for benztropine. A, Lithium, is used to treat bipolar disorder itself and should not be discontinued without medical supervision. C, Alprazolam, is an anxiolytic and is not directly related to antipsychotic medications. D, Magnesium, is a laxative and is not typically associated with bipolar disorder or antipsychotic medications.
Question 2 of 5
A 27-year-old female client is admitted to the psychiatric hospital with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, manic phase. She is demanding and active. Which intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a structured environment with little stimuli. In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, clients often exhibit increased energy, agitation, and impulsivity. A structured environment with minimal stimuli helps reduce overstimulation and provides a sense of predictability, promoting a sense of safety and stability. This intervention can help prevent escalation of manic symptoms and promote self-regulation. Summary: B: Encouraging group activities may overstimulate the client and exacerbate manic symptoms. C: Allowing the client to set her own schedule may lead to erratic behavior and lack of boundaries. D: Administering sedative medications should be a last resort and not the initial intervention for managing manic symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
Patient with alcoholic withdrawal symptoms who says she has snakes all over her body. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer PRN Lorazepam (Ativan). This is because the patient is experiencing hallucinations, a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can help reduce anxiety and manage hallucinations effectively in this situation. Providing a quiet environment (B) may be helpful, but addressing the hallucinations is the priority. Offering fluids and snacks (C) and reassuring the client (D) do not directly address the underlying issue of hallucinations and may not provide adequate relief for the patient's distress.
Question 4 of 5
A client with depression is not attentive to personal hygiene, uses television watching as a means of escape from responsibilities, and describes an inability to enjoy the things that once gave them pleasure. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Small amount of effort to solve the problem. This strategy is appropriate because it focuses on breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which can help the client with depression feel less overwhelmed and more motivated to address personal hygiene and responsibilities. By taking small steps, the client can experience a sense of accomplishment and gradually increase their engagement in self-care activities. Option B: Encouraging the client to set daily goals may be overwhelming for someone with depression and may not address the underlying issues causing the lack of motivation. Option C: Providing opportunities for social interaction is important for overall well-being, but it may not directly address the client's specific coping needs related to personal hygiene and lack of enjoyment in activities. Option D: Teaching relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing stress and anxiety, but it may not directly address the client's lack of motivation and engagement in self-care activities.
Question 5 of 5
A male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for recurrent negative symptoms of chronic schizophrenia and medication adjustment of Risperidone. When the client walks to the nurse station in a laterally contracted position, he states that something has made his body contort into a monster. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer the prescribed anticholinergic Benztropine (Cogentin) for dystonia. In this scenario, the client's presentation of walking in a laterally contracted position and attributing it to something external causing his body to contort into a monster is indicative of acute dystonia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications like Risperidone. Administering Benztropine, an anticholinergic medication, helps alleviate dystonic symptoms by blocking the effects of excess acetylcholine in the brain. It is important to address dystonic symptoms promptly to prevent further distress and potential complications. Incorrect choices: B: Reassuring the client that the sensation is temporary does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and may lead to increased distress. C: Encouraging the client to relax and breathe deeply may not effectively manage the acute dystonic symptoms and could delay proper treatment. D: While documenting the client's symptoms and notifying