ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Care Plans Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which finding would prompt the nurse to carefully assess an 8-year-old child for development of a psychiatric disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, option B, "Moving to three new homes over a 2-year period," would prompt the nurse to carefully assess the 8-year-old child for the development of a psychiatric disorder. This option indicates a significant life stressor that can impact a child's mental health. Frequent relocations can disrupt a child's sense of stability, leading to feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and difficulty in forming secure attachments. Option A, "Being raised by a parent with chronic major depressive disorder," is a risk factor for the child to develop psychiatric issues, but it does not necessarily indicate immediate need for assessment in the child. Option C, "Not being promoted to the next grade," is a common stressor for children but is not directly linked to the development of a psychiatric disorder. Option D, "Having an imaginary friend," is a normal part of child development and does not inherently suggest a psychiatric disorder. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the impact of environmental stressors on children's mental health. By recognizing significant life events like multiple relocations, nurses can intervene early to support the child's emotional well-being and prevent the escalation of mental health issues. Understanding the nuances of childhood development and the influence of environmental factors is essential for providing holistic and effective behavioral health nursing care.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with major depressive disorder is receiving fluoxetine (Prozac). The nurse notices that the patient has started to exhibit restlessness, tremors, and confusion. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Withhold the fluoxetine and notify the healthcare provider. This is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression. The symptoms of restlessness, tremors, and confusion exhibited by the patient indicate a potential for serotonin syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels in the body. Withholding the fluoxetine and notifying the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent further escalation of symptoms and ensure the patient's safety. Option A) Increasing the patient's fluoxetine dosage would be contraindicated in this situation as it could exacerbate the symptoms of serotonin syndrome. Option C) Providing an anti-anxiety medication is not the first-line intervention for the symptoms described. Addressing the underlying cause, in this case, the potential serotonin syndrome, should take precedence. Option D) Monitoring the patient for more symptoms of serotonin syndrome is important, but the immediate action should be to withhold the fluoxetine and seek guidance from the healthcare provider. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of recognizing and managing potential adverse effects of psychotropic medications. Nurses caring for patients with mental health conditions need to be vigilant in monitoring for medication side effects and knowing the appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety and well-being. Early recognition and prompt action in response to adverse drug reactions are essential components of safe and effective nursing care in behavioral health settings.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder, providing the patient with relaxation techniques to manage anxiety (Option C) is the most appropriate intervention. This is because relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, can help the patient calm their mind and body, reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety, and promote a sense of control over their symptoms. Encouraging the patient to confront their fears in a gradual manner (Option A) may not be suitable initially as it can exacerbate their anxiety. Administering anti-anxiety medication (Option B) is important in some cases but should not be the first-line intervention, as non-pharmacological approaches like relaxation techniques are preferred. Reassuring the patient that their anxiety is normal and will pass (Option D) may invalidate their feelings and does not provide them with concrete coping strategies. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the importance of evidence-based interventions in managing mental health conditions like generalized anxiety disorder. By selecting appropriate interventions, nurses can support patients in effectively managing their symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is speaking with the caregiver of a client who has Alzheimer's disease. The caregiver asks the nurse what type of essential oils should be used when the client receives massage therapy to decrease anxiety. Which of the following oils should the nurse recommend?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Rosemary. Rosemary essential oil is known for its calming and stress-reducing properties, making it an ideal choice to help decrease anxiety in individuals with Alzheimer's disease during massage therapy. Eucalyptus (option A) is more commonly used for respiratory issues and may not have the same calming effects as rosemary. Frankincense (option C) is often used for relaxation and spiritual purposes, but it may not be as effective in reducing anxiety as rosemary. Cypress (option D) is known for its astringent properties and is not typically used for anxiety relief. From an educational standpoint, it is important for nurses to have a good understanding of essential oils and their therapeutic properties to provide safe and effective care to clients with Alzheimer's disease. Recommending the appropriate essential oil can enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of massage therapy and improve the client's well-being. Nurses should also consider individual preferences, allergies, and sensitivities when recommending essential oils for therapeutic use.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder and is considering prolonged exposure therapy. The client asks, 'How does this therapy work?' Which of the following responses by the nurse accurately describes this type of therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) A therapist helps you safely and gradually face memories or situations related to your trauma that evoke fear. Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy works by gradually exposing the individual to their traumatic memories or situations in a safe and controlled environment. By facing these experiences repeatedly over time, the individual can learn to process and reduce the fear associated with the trauma, ultimately leading to a decrease in PTSD symptoms. Option A is incorrect because it describes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which involves focusing on eye movements while recalling traumatic experiences, but it does not involve exposure to the trauma itself. Option C describes talk therapy or psychotherapy focused on self-awareness and behavior change, which is not specific to the exposure-based approach of prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD. Option D describes cognitive therapy, which focuses on understanding and changing thought patterns and behaviors but does not involve exposure to traumatic memories as in prolonged exposure therapy. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand different types of therapy for mental health conditions like PTSD to provide accurate information to clients. Understanding the rationale behind each therapy helps nurses support clients in making informed decisions about their treatment options.