ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
The parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tells the nurse that the child does not follow directions well. What strategy would be best for the nurse to recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Try having the child repeat the instructions before starting the task. This strategy, known as "active listening," can help children with ADHD improve their focus and understanding of directions. By repeating the instructions, the child reinforces the information in their memory and clarifies any confusion. This approach promotes better compliance with tasks. Incorrect choices: A: Developing a daily schedule plan may be helpful, but it doesn't specifically address improving the child's ability to follow directions. C: Teaching assertiveness is not directly related to addressing the difficulty in following directions. It may not necessarily improve the child's compliance with instructions. D: Placing the child in time out is a punitive measure and does not address the underlying issue of difficulty following directions. It may worsen the child's behavior and does not teach them how to improve their listening skills.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who has traumatic injuries following an assault. The client sits quietly and calmly in the examination room and states, 'I'm fine.' The nurse should recognize the client's behaviors as which of the following reactions?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. The client's calm demeanor and statement of being fine despite traumatic injuries indicate denial as a defense mechanism to cope with the distressing situation. Denial involves avoiding the reality of a stressful event or situation. In this case, the client is not acknowledging the severity of their injuries or the emotional impact of the assault. A: Displacement involves transferring emotions from one target to another. B: Projection involves attributing one's own thoughts or feelings to others. C: Undoing involves trying to reverse or negate thoughts, feelings, or actions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse notes that a client is extremely withdrawn, delusional, and emotionally exhausted. The nurse assesses the client's anxiety as which level?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Panic anxiety. This level of anxiety is characterized by extreme withdrawal, delusions, and emotional exhaustion, which align with the client's symptoms. Panic anxiety is the highest level of anxiety, causing overwhelming feelings of fear and loss of control. The client's severe symptoms indicate an intense level of anxiety beyond what is typically seen in mild, moderate, or severe anxiety levels. Mild anxiety (choice A) is characterized by slight discomfort, moderate anxiety (choice B) involves increased tension and focus on a specific concern, and severe anxiety (choice C) includes an inability to think clearly and physical symptoms like sweating and trembling. Panic anxiety is the most appropriate choice due to the severity of the client's symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A fourth-grade boy teases and makes jokes about a cute girl in his class. A nurse would recognize this behavior as indicative of which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reaction formation. This defense mechanism involves expressing the opposite of one's true feelings or impulses. In this scenario, the boy may actually have feelings of attraction towards the girl but is teasing her as a way to mask those feelings. Displacement (A) involves redirecting emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Projection (B) is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings onto others. Sublimation (D) is channeling unacceptable impulses into constructive activities. In this case, the boy's behavior aligns most closely with reaction formation as he is displaying the opposite of his true emotions.
Question 5 of 5
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which client action would demonstrate the highest achievement in terms of mental health?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-fulfillment and realizing full potential are at the top of the hierarchy, representing the highest level of mental health achievement. This is known as self-actualization. It signifies personal growth, creativity, and a sense of purpose beyond fulfilling basic needs. Choices A and D are important for mental health but fall below self-actualization in the hierarchy. Choice B, achieving self-confidence, is a step below self-actualization as it pertains to esteem needs. Therefore, choice C is the correct answer as it aligns with the pinnacle of Maslow's hierarchy, indicating the highest level of mental health achievement.