ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
When under stress, a client routinely uses alcohol to excess. When the client's husband finds her drunk, the husband yells at the client about her chronic alcohol abuse. Which action alerts the nurse to the client's use of the defense mechanism of denial?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client's statement "I don't drink too much!" directly reflects denial, a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to accept reality to protect themselves from uncomfortable truths. This response shows the client's refusal to acknowledge their excessive alcohol use despite clear evidence. A is incorrect because hiding liquor bottles indicates deception, not denial. B is incorrect as yelling at her son for slouching is displacement, not denial. C is incorrect as burning dinner on purpose demonstrates passive-aggressive behavior, not denial. In summary, only answer D directly showcases denial as a defense mechanism in response to the husband's confrontation about alcohol abuse.
Question 2 of 5
Four individuals have given information about their suicide plans. Which plan evidences the highest suicide risk?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse uses the SAD PERSONS scale to interview a patient. This tool provides data relevant to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 4 of 5
Select the most critical question for the nurse to ask an adolescent who has threatened to take an overdose of pills.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse interacts with an outpatient who has a history of multiple suicide attempts. Select the most helpful response for a nurse to make when the patient states, 'I am considering committing suicide.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.