ATI RN
PICO Question Psychiatric Emergency Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The staff development coordinator plans to teach physical management techniques... Which topic to emphasize?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A) Practice and teamwork. In psychiatric emergency nursing, physical management techniques are crucial for ensuring the safety of both the patient and the healthcare team. Emphasizing practice allows the staff to become proficient in these techniques, increasing their effectiveness and reducing the risk of harm. Additionally, teamwork is essential as it promotes collaboration, communication, and coordination among team members during potentially high-stress situations. Option B) Spontaneity and surprise is incorrect because relying on these factors in a psychiatric emergency can lead to chaotic and unpredictable outcomes, putting the safety of everyone involved at risk. Option C) Caution and superior size is incorrect as it focuses solely on physical attributes rather than skills and strategies that are essential in effectively managing psychiatric emergencies. Option D) Diversion and physical outlets is incorrect because while diversion techniques can be useful in certain situations, they are not the primary focus when it comes to physical management techniques in psychiatric emergencies. In an educational context, emphasizing practice and teamwork in teaching physical management techniques ensures that healthcare providers are well-prepared and equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies effectively and safely. By honing their skills through practice and fostering teamwork, healthcare professionals can provide optimal care in high-pressure situations, ultimately improving patient outcomes and overall safety.
Question 2 of 5
A patient loudly scolded nursing staff... Which intervention would best address this problem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Talk with the health care provider about patient-controlled analgesia. In a psychiatric emergency nursing situation where a patient is loudly scolding nursing staff, the priority is to address the underlying cause of the behavior. Patient-controlled analgesia can help manage the patient's pain effectively, which might be the root cause of their agitation and outburst. By discussing this option with the healthcare provider, the nurse can ensure appropriate pain management, potentially leading to a decrease in the patient's disruptive behavior. Option A (Teaching coping strategies) may not be effective in the immediate situation of a patient displaying disruptive behavior due to uncontrolled pain. While coping strategies are valuable in managing emotions, they may not address the primary issue of pain in this case. Option C (Telling the patient verbal assaults won't shorten the wait) focuses on addressing the behavior directly without considering the underlying cause. This response may escalate the situation further rather than resolving the root issue. Option D (Talking about risks of dependency with analgesics) is not the most appropriate intervention in an acute psychiatric emergency scenario. While discussing risks is important, it may not be the immediate priority when managing a patient in distress. In an educational context, understanding the importance of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of behaviors in psychiatric emergencies is crucial for effective nursing care. Nurses must prioritize interventions that directly target the root issue to ensure the safety and well-being of both the patient and the healthcare team.
Question 3 of 5
An emergency department nurse realizes the spouse... is becoming irritable... Which intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention is option C) Periodically provide an update and progress report on the patient. This is the most appropriate action because it addresses the spouse's increasing irritability by keeping them informed about the patient's condition and treatment progress. Option A) Offering a cup of coffee may provide temporary comfort but does not address the underlying issue of the spouse's anxiety and need for information. Option B) Explaining the patient's condition is not life-threatening is important but does not actively engage the spouse in the care process. Option D) Suggesting the spouse return home may further escalate the situation by isolating them from their loved one during a stressful time. From an educational perspective, it is crucial for nurses to recognize and address the emotional needs of family members in psychiatric emergencies. Providing updates and involving them in the care process can help alleviate anxiety, build trust, and support overall patient outcomes. Effective communication and empathy are key skills in psychiatric nursing that can enhance the quality of care provided to both patients and their families.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a history of command hallucinations... Which nursing actions are most likely...?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Stating the expectation that the patient will stay in control. In a psychiatric emergency, patients experiencing command hallucinations may be at risk of losing control and engaging in harmful behaviors. By clearly stating the expectation that the patient will remain in control, the nurse is setting a clear boundary and promoting safety. Option B) Asking the patient, "Do you want to go into seclusion?" may not be the most appropriate action as it does not address the immediate need for the patient to stay in control of their behavior. Option C) Telling the patient, "You are behaving inappropriately," can be counterproductive as it may escalate the situation and trigger further distress in the patient. Option D) Offering to provide the patient with medication to help is not the most appropriate initial action in this situation as it does not directly address the need for the patient to remain in control and ensure safety. In the context of psychiatric emergency nursing, it is crucial for nurses to prioritize safety and de-escalation techniques when caring for patients experiencing command hallucinations. Setting clear expectations, maintaining a therapeutic relationship, and ensuring a safe environment are key components of nursing care in such situations.
Question 5 of 5
Which comment by the nurse would best support relationship building with a survivor...?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A, "You are feeling violated because you thought you could trust your partner." This response demonstrates empathy, validation, and understanding towards the survivor's feelings and experiences. It acknowledges the survivor's emotions and the impact of betrayal and violation on trust, showing support and building a therapeutic relationship. Option B, "I’m here for you. I want you to tell me about the bad things..." while well-intentioned, may come across as insensitive or too direct, potentially overwhelming the survivor with a request to recount traumatic events without addressing their emotional state. Option C, "I was very worried about you... in a potentially violent situation," shifts the focus to the nurse's feelings and experiences rather than validating the survivor's emotions, missing the opportunity for connection and support. Option D, "Abusers often target people who are passive... assertiveness class," introduces a teaching moment that may be helpful in a different context but is not appropriate in a psychiatric emergency situation where the immediate focus should be on building rapport and providing support to the survivor. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses in psychiatric emergency settings to prioritize building therapeutic relationships with survivors of trauma. Empathetic and validating responses like the one in option A are essential in creating a safe and supportive environment for survivors to feel heard, understood, and supported in their healing journey. Understanding the impact of language and communication in such sensitive situations is key to providing effective and compassionate care.