ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The physician has ordered atropine 5 mg intramuscularly (IM) for a patient to be administered 30 minutes prior to ECT. The rationale for use of this medication is that it reduces secretions and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rationale for using atropine 5 mg IM prior to ECT is to protect against vagal bradycardia, not to improve the scope of convulsive activity, reduce the need for recovery room staff, or prevent incontinence of bladder and bowel. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to an increase in heart rate and protection against bradycardia that can occur during ECT.
Question 2 of 5
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry and states, “It’s not fair! How could he do this to me?” This remark is assessed as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The woman's statement, "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" expresses a sense of anger and injustice over her husband's accidental death. She is questioning why this has happened to her, which suggests feelings of anger and frustration. This expression is not necessarily a plea for help or a manifestation of fear of making decisions alone, but it is a clear display of anger and a sense of unfairness in the situation.
Question 3 of 5
A patient returned from attending the service memorializing his wife, who died after a sudden illness. Although those around him were visibly saddened, he smiled and remained in control. He refused support from friends, stating, “I can handle anything that comes my way.” The patient’s behavior is an example of grief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's behavior of smiling and remaining in control while refusing support from friends, despite attending a service memorializing his wife's death, is indicative of distorted grief. In distorted grief, individuals may show seemingly inappropriate reactions or behaviors that do not align with the typical grieving process. The patient's avoidance of accepting support and expression of excessive self-reliance in the face of a significant loss suggest a distorted way of coping with grief. In normal grief, individuals may experience a range of emotions and accept support from others as they navigate through the grieving process.
Question 4 of 5
The community health nurse is visiting a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving since the death of his wife and child over a year ago. Which actions should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the risk of self-directed violence is the priority when dealing with a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may be at an increased risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation. By assessing the risk of self-directed violence first, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Once the risk is assessed and managed, the nurse can then proceed with other interventions such as promoting interaction with others and facilitating the expression of feelings related to the loss.
Question 5 of 5
Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The person with the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief is an adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over their lifetime. Losing multiple family members can create a cumulative effect, leading to unresolved grief and complicated bereavement reactions. These repeated losses can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of developing dysfunctional grief patterns. The ongoing experience of loss and grief can make it challenging for the individual to process their emotions effectively and adjust to their new reality, potentially leading to prolonged and complicated mourning.