ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
The RN on the evening shift receives report that a client is scheduled for electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) in the morning. Which intervention should the RN implement the evening before the scheduled ECT?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the client NPO after midnight. This is to prevent aspiration during the procedure, as ECT is typically performed under general anesthesia. Holding all bedtime medications (choice A) is not necessary unless specified by the healthcare provider. Implementing elopement precautions (choice C) is not relevant to ECT. Giving the client an enema at bedtime (choice D) is unnecessary and not indicated before ECT. Keeping the client NPO after midnight is a standard pre-procedure preparation to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Question 2 of 5
During the initial nursing interview, a client tells the nurse, 'Sometimes my thoughts go so fast. Wonder if I can sell my fast car. Work is so boring. I wonder if I can get a transfer. Is it time to eat yet?' Which documentation should the nurse use to describe the client's statements?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Exhibits tangential thinking. In this scenario, the client's statements lack logical connection and go off on tangents, such as thoughts about selling a car, work, and eating. This is characteristic of tangential thinking, where the individual struggles to maintain focus and coherence in their thoughts. Thought-blocking (A) refers to sudden interruption in the train of thought, incoherent speech (B) involves disorganized and unintelligible language, and word salad (D) is a severe form of incoherence where words are jumbled and meaningless. These choices do not accurately describe the client's statements in this context.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse in the day shift receives report about a client with depression who was in bed most of the weekend. The nurse walks into the client's room in the morning and finds the client in bed. What intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Assist the client to get out of bed and involved in an activity. Rationale: 1. Depression often leads to social withdrawal and lack of motivation. 2. Encouraging activity helps combat physical and emotional stagnation. 3. Engaging in activity can boost mood and energy levels. 4. It promotes social interaction and prevents isolation. 5. Resting excessively may exacerbate depressive symptoms. In summary, Choice A is the best intervention as it addresses the client's need for activity, social interaction, and mood improvement, while the other choices do not actively address these aspects of care.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a depressed client. Which approach is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, allowing the client time to complete activities. This approach is therapeutic as it promotes autonomy and self-efficacy, which are crucial in managing depression. By giving the client the freedom to complete activities at their own pace, it fosters a sense of control and empowerment. Encouraging participation in group therapy (B) can also be beneficial, but it may not be as effective if the client is not ready or willing. Setting strict deadlines (C) can increase stress and worsen depressive symptoms. Providing constant supervision (D) may feel intrusive and undermine the client's independence. Ultimately, choice A aligns with the principles of client-centered care and empowerment, making it the most therapeutic approach in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
A teenager in a group is reading a handout but interrupts his peers and talks about pets. What action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because redirecting the teenager to read the handout helps maintain focus on the intended activity, promoting group participation and learning. This action teaches respectful behavior and reinforces the importance of staying on topic. Asking him to leave (B) is too harsh and may isolate him. Encouraging a pet discussion (C) rewards off-task behavior. Ignoring (D) may signal that distractions are acceptable.