ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which clinical scenario predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior toward others?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C (Paranoid delusions of being followed by alien monsters) predicts the highest risk for directing violent behavior as paranoid delusions can lead to extreme fear and aggression towards perceived threats. Delusions of being followed by alien monsters can trigger a sense of imminent danger, leading to potentially violent actions. In contrast, choices A, B, and D are less likely to directly result in violent behavior towards others. Major depressive disorder with delusions of worthlessness (A) may lead to self-harm but not necessarily violence towards others. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (B) is characterized by repetitive behaviors and thoughts, not typically violent tendencies. Completed alcohol withdrawal and beginning a rehabilitation program (D) indicate a positive step towards recovery, reducing the risk of violent behavior.
Question 2 of 5
A bystander was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the widow's emotions, validates her feelings, and expresses empathy. It shows understanding and support without making assumptions or judgments about her condition. A: This response jumps to conclusions about hallucinations, which may not be relevant to the widow's situation. B: This response invalidates the widow's grief and may increase her feelings of guilt or shame. C: This response stigmatizes the widow's mental illness and suggests a drastic intervention without assessing her current needs.
Question 3 of 5
Which finding indicates successful completion of an individual's grief and mourning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it reflects a healthy progression through the grieving process. Remembering both the positive and negative aspects of the relationship indicates acceptance and a realistic view. Choice A suggests a lack of progress as the widow has not moved on from keeping belongings untouched. Choice C indicates unresolved grief with continued attachment. Choice D signals emotional suppression and denial of grief, which is not indicative of successful mourning. In summary, choice B demonstrates a balanced and adaptive response to grief, while the other options reflect various stages of unresolved or maladaptive grieving.
Question 4 of 5
A hospice patient tells the nurse, 'Life has been good. I am proud of being self-educated. I overcame adversity and always gave my best. I intend to die as I lived.' The nurse planning care for this patient would recognize the importance of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient expresses a sense of pride in their self-education, resilience, and determination to face challenges. By supporting the patient's use of their own resources to meet challenges, the nurse aligns with the patient's values and autonomy, promoting dignity and empowerment. Providing aggressive pain management (A) may not address the patient's psychological and emotional needs. Helping the patient reassess existing conflicts (B) may not be necessary if the patient is content with their life. While focusing on the meaning in life and death (C) is important, in this case, supporting the patient's self-reliance is more relevant.
Question 5 of 5
A patient tells members of a therapy group, 'I hear voices saying my doctor is poisoning me.' Another patient replies, 'I once heard voices too. They sounded real, but I found out later they were not. The voices you hear are not real either.' Which therapeutic factor is exemplified in this interchange?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Interpersonal learning. In this interchange, the second patient shares their own experience of hearing voices, helping the first patient gain insight that the voices may not be real. This demonstrates how interpersonal interactions in therapy can lead to learning and understanding about one's own experiences through the experiences of others. This process of gaining insight and learning from others is a key aspect of interpersonal learning in group therapy. A: Catharsis is the emotional release or relief experienced by a patient by expressing their feelings. This is not exemplified in the given interchange. B: Universality refers to recognizing shared experiences among group members. While there is a sense of shared experience in the interchange, the focus is more on personal insight gained from another's experience. C: Imitative behavior is when group members mimic behaviors of others in the group. This is not demonstrated in the interchange as the focus is on sharing and learning from experiences rather than imitation.