ATI RN
Psychotropic Medication Side Effects Questions
Question 1 of 5
When considering stress, what is the primary goal of making daily entries into a personal journal?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Expressing emotions to manage stress. By making daily entries in a personal journal, individuals can effectively express their emotions, thoughts, and feelings related to stress. This process helps in acknowledging and processing these emotions, leading to better stress management. Writing in a journal can serve as a cathartic outlet, allowing individuals to release pent-up emotions and gain clarity on their stressors. This practice promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and a sense of control over stressors. Incorrect Choices: A: Providing a distraction from the daily stress - Journaling is more about facing and processing stress rather than avoiding it. C: Identifying stress triggers - While journaling may help in identifying stress triggers, the primary goal is to express emotions rather than solely focusing on triggers. D: Focusing on one's stress - Journaling aims to manage stress by expressing emotions, not by fixating solely on stress itself.
Question 2 of 5
During a routine health screening, a grieving widow whose husband died 15 months ago reports emptiness, a loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger at her dead husband. The nurse suggests bereavement counseling. The widow is most likely suffering from:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Major depression. This is because the widow is experiencing symptoms such as emptiness, loss of self, difficulty thinking of the future, and anger, which are characteristic of major depression. These symptoms have persisted for an extended period (15 months) and are impacting her daily functioning. Summary of other choices: B: Normal grieving typically involves feelings of sadness, loss, and emotional pain, but usually does not last for as long as 15 months and does not usually cause significant impairment in daily life. C: Adjustment disorder involves an excessive response to a stressful event, but the widow's symptoms are more indicative of major depression due to their severity and duration. D: Posttraumatic stress disorder typically involves flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance related to a traumatic event, but these symptoms are not present in the widow's case.
Question 3 of 5
A registered nurse is caring for an older male who reports depressive symptoms since his wife of 54 years died suddenly. He cries, maintains closed body posture, and avoids eye contact. Which nursing action describes attending behavior?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because sitting with the patient and taking cues for when to talk or remain silent demonstrates attending behavior. This approach allows the nurse to provide emotional support by being present and actively listening to the patient's needs without imposing advice or solutions. This nonverbal communication can help the patient feel understood and cared for during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect because it minimizes the patient's feelings and suggests a quick fix rather than acknowledging and addressing the underlying emotions. Choice B is also incorrect as using a soft tone of voice is important but does not fully encompass attending behavior. Choice D is incorrect as offering medication and bereavement services is premature without first connecting with the patient on an emotional level.
Question 4 of 5
Which statement by the nurse demonstrates ethnocentrism toward the Hispanic patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it assumes a paternalistic attitude by implying that the nurse knows best how to make the patient's symptoms more manageable without considering the patient's own beliefs or preferences. This statement reflects ethnocentrism as it overlooks the patient's cultural background and individual experiences. Choice A is patient-centered, as it involves the patient in decision-making. Choice B encourages the patient to share their perspective, promoting cultural humility. Choice D addresses the impact of symptoms on the patient's daily life, showing consideration for the patient's experiences.
Question 5 of 5
How can a newly hired nurse best attain information concerning the state's mental health laws and statutes?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Discuss the issue with the facility's compliance officer. This is the best option because compliance officers are responsible for ensuring that the facility adheres to all relevant laws and regulations, including mental health laws. They have specific knowledge and resources to provide accurate information. Option B is not the best choice because information found through an internet search may not be reliable or up-to-date. Option C is not directly related to state mental health laws and statutes. Option D may offer some information, but the compliance officer is the most appropriate source for specific details on state laws.