ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which treatment should a nurse identify as most appropriate for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Buspirone (BuSpar) is a medication commonly used for the long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It is a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic that does not cause sedation or potential for abuse like benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium). Buspirone is known to have a good safety profile and is not associated with the development of tolerance or dependence. It works by affecting serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps reduce anxiety symptoms over time.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder who has an elaborate routine for toileting activities would be for the client to refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours. This outcome allows the client to gradually reduce and eventually break the pattern of compulsive behavior associated with toileting activities. It is important to start with small, achievable goals to build the client's confidence and provide a sense of progress in managing the obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Waking early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast (option B) or participating in unit activities by day (option C) may not address the specific issue of refraining from ritualistic behaviors related to toileting activities, which is the primary concern in this scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A client presents in the emergency department with complaints of overwhelming anxiety. Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client presents with overwhelming anxiety, assessing the risk for suicide is a top priority for the nurse. Severe anxiety can lead to a heightened risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. It is crucial to assess the client's current mental state, thoughts of self-harm, and any past history of suicide attempts to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented promptly. Assessing for suicide risk allows for the implementation of safety measures and the initiation of further mental health evaluation and support as needed. While assessing cardiac status, current stressors, and substance use history are important aspects of care, in this situation, the immediate concern is to assess and address the client's risk for suicide to ensure their safety and well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety states, I know the best thing for me to do now is to just forget my worries. How should the nurse evaluate this statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should evaluate this statement as the client having a distorted perception of problem resolution. Generalized anxiety involves excessive worry and difficulty controlling that worry. Merely trying to forget worries is not an effective coping strategy or a realistic approach to managing anxiety. It is important for the nurse to address this perception with the client and work together to develop more effective coping mechanisms that address the root of the worries rather than just attempting to forget them.
Question 5 of 5
A client who has been diagnosed with a phobic disorder asks the nurse if there are any medications that would be beneficial in treating phobic disorders. Which of the following would be accurate responses by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.