ATI RN
Psychiatric Emergency Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement by a depressed patient will alert the nurse to the patient's need for immediate, active intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement indicates a lack of social support, which is a significant risk factor for worsening depression and potential self-harm. This indicates an immediate need for intervention to address the patient's feelings of isolation and hopelessness. A: This statement shows recognition of needing help, which is a positive sign and may not require immediate intervention. C: This statement refers to a potential additional stressor but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. D: This statement suggests a history of self-harm but does not indicate a current immediate risk.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is pacing the hall near the nurses' station, swearing loudly. An appropriate initial intervention for the nurse would be to address the patient by name and say:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and a desire to understand the patient's feelings. By addressing the patient by name and expressing a willingness to talk about their emotions, the nurse shows respect and attempts to de-escalate the situation. Choice A is too generic and may come off as confrontational. Choice B is authoritarian and dismissive of the patient's emotions. Choice D is coercive and does not address the underlying issues causing the behavior. Overall, choice C promotes therapeutic communication and patient-centered care.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who was widowed 18 months ago says, 'I can remember good times we had without getting upset. Sometimes I even think about the disappointments. I am still trying to become accustomed to sleeping in the bed all alone.' The work of mourning
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's ability to recall positive memories without distress, acknowledge disappointments, and express ongoing adjustment to being alone indicates that the work of mourning is at or near completion. This suggests that the patient has processed their grief, accepted the loss, and is gradually adapting to the new reality. Other choices are incorrect because the patient's responses do not indicate that mourning has just started (A), not yet started (B), or progressing abnormally (D).
Question 4 of 5
Family members ask the nurse, 'What can we say when our loved one says, 'Death is coming soon?' To promote communication, which response could the nurse suggest for family members?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the loved one's feelings and opens up a conversation about their fears and concerns. It shows empathy and understanding, which can help strengthen the emotional connection between the family members and the loved one. Choice B focuses on hope for recovery, which may not be realistic in this situation. Choice C provides false reassurance and denies the reality of the situation. Choice D shifts the focus away from the loved one's emotional expression and memories may not be what the loved one wants to talk about at that moment.
Question 5 of 5
A terminally ill patient says, 'I know I will never get well, but,' and the patient's voice trails off. Select the most therapeutic response by the nurse.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, showing empathy and support. It validates the patient's emotions and allows them to explore their hopes and concerns. Choice B focuses on information rather than emotional support. Choice C is dismissive and lacks empathy, potentially causing distress. Choice D deflects the patient's expression of emotions and directs them elsewhere, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.