ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which documentation for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder indicates the treatment plan was effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it indicates positive outcomes in the patient's mood and behavior. Sleeping 6 hours uninterrupted suggests improved sleep patterns, singing with an activity group shows engagement and enjoyment, and looking forward to seeing the grandchild demonstrates positive anticipation and social connection. This documentation aligns with the goals of treating major depressive disorder, which include improving sleep, increasing social interaction, and enhancing mood. Choice B is incorrect because the patient's statement about the project being a failure reflects negative self-perception, which is not indicative of treatment effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect because the patient's weight loss and need for assistance with personal hygiene suggest potential ongoing challenges and lack of improvement in self-care. Choice D is incorrect because the patient feeling tired all the time and being preoccupied with inadequacies indicate persistent symptoms of depression and lack of progress in treatment.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder received six ECT sessions and aggressive doses of antidepressant medication. The patient owns a small business and was counseled not to make major decisions for a month. Select the correct rationale for this counseling.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) can cause temporary memory impairments and confusion. The patient needs time to recover and readjust after undergoing ECT sessions, which may affect their ability to make sound decisions. This counseling is given to ensure the patient's safety and well-being during the recovery period. Choice A is incorrect because antidepressant medications primarily affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, not catecholamines. Choice B is incorrect as limitations on tyramine in the diet are related to certain antidepressants like MAOIs, not ECT. Choice D is incorrect since the patient's need to avoid major decisions is more related to the cognitive effects of ECT rather than readjusting to a work schedule.
Question 3 of 5
Which goal for treatment of alcohol use disorder should the nurse address first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Achieve physiological stability. This is the most crucial goal to address first because individuals with alcohol use disorder often experience physical health complications due to alcohol consumption. Achieving physiological stability involves addressing withdrawal symptoms, managing any medical issues related to alcohol use, and ensuring the individual's physical health is stable before moving on to other treatment goals. Learning about addiction and recovery (A), developing coping strategies (B), and establishing a peer support system (C) are important aspects of treatment but should come after ensuring the individual's physiological stability to prevent any medical emergencies or complications.
Question 4 of 5
A patient has smoked two packs of cigarettes daily for many years. When the patient tries to reduce smoking, anxiety, craving, poor concentration, and headache occur. This scenario describes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: substance addiction. This scenario describes a patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to reduce smoking, which is a key characteristic of substance addiction. Addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences, and withdrawal symptoms are common when the substance is not consumed. Cross-tolerance (A) refers to the development of tolerance to one substance due to exposure to another, which is not applicable here. Substance abuse (B) refers to harmful use of a substance without dependence, which does not explain the withdrawal symptoms in the scenario. Substance intoxication (D) refers to the physiological effects of a substance when taken in excess, which is also not relevant to the patient's situation.
Question 5 of 5
A patient is thin, tense, jittery, and has dilated pupils. The patient says, 'My heart is pounding in my chest. I need help.' The patient allows vital signs to be taken but then becomes suspicious and says, 'You could be trying to kill me.' The patient refuses further examination. Abuse of which substance is most likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Amphetamines. The patient's symptoms of agitation, dilated pupils, paranoia, and refusal of further examination are consistent with amphetamine intoxication. Amphetamines can cause increased heart rate, jitteriness, and paranoia. PCP (A) can also cause paranoia and hallucinations but typically presents with more dissociative symptoms. Heroin (B) typically causes sedation and respiratory depression, not agitation. Barbiturates (C) would likely cause sedation and impaired consciousness, not the symptoms described.