ATI RN
Multiple Choice Questions on Psychiatric Emergencies Questions
Question 1 of 5
While sitting in the dayroom of the mental health unit, a male adolescent avoids eye contact, looks at the floor, and talks softly when interacting verbally with the RN. The two trade places, and the RN demonstrates the client's behaviors. What is the main goal of this therapeutic technique?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Allow the client to identify the way he interacts. By demonstrating the client's behaviors, the RN is providing a mirror for the client to see how he interacts with others. This technique helps the client gain insight into his own behaviors and communication style. It can facilitate self-awareness and promote reflection on the impact of his actions on others. Options A, B, and D do not focus on the client's self-awareness and identification of his behaviors, making them incorrect choices. Option A focuses on initiating conversation, option B on dialogue about ineffectiveness, and option D on discussing feelings, but they do not directly address the goal of allowing the client to identify his interactions.
Question 2 of 5
Major depressive disorder resulted after a patient's employment was terminated. The patient now says to the nurse, 'I'm not worth the time you spend with me. I am the most useless person in the world.' Which nursing diagnosis applies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is C: Situational low self-esteem. This is because the patient's negative self-perception and feelings of worthlessness are directly related to the situational trigger of losing their job. This diagnosis captures the temporary nature of the self-esteem issue. A: Powerlessness does not fully capture the patient's self-esteem issues. B: Defensive coping is not the most appropriate diagnosis as the patient is not exhibiting defensive behaviors. D: Disturbed personal identity is not the best fit as the patient's issue is more focused on self-worth rather than identity confusion or alteration.
Question 3 of 5
A patient was diagnosed with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). During which month would this patient's symptoms be most acute?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (January). Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, typically in the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Symptoms are most acute during the darkest and coldest months, such as January. April (B), June (C), and September (D) are less likely to be the peak months for SAD symptoms as they correspond to spring, summer, and early fall when there is more daylight and warmer temperatures, which typically alleviate symptoms of SAD.
Question 4 of 5
A disheveled patient in the acute phase of major depressive disorder is withdrawn, has psychomotor retardation, and has not showered for several days. The nurse will
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is in the acute phase of major depressive disorder, showing withdrawal and psychomotor retardation. Approach with empathy and understanding is crucial. Bringing up the issue at a community meeting (A) may embarrass the patient. Telling the patient to bathe daily (B) may come off as insensitive. Making observations (C) may not lead to action. Assisting the patient with showering in a firm and neutral manner (D) is the most appropriate as it shows empathy, respect, and provides practical support.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse instructs a patient taking a medication that inhibits the action of monoamine oxidase (MAO) to avoid certain foods and drugs because of the risk of
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: hypertensive crisis. MAO inhibitors can cause a buildup of tyramine in the body, leading to a sudden increase in blood pressure, potentially resulting in a hypertensive crisis. This is due to the interaction of tyramine with the medication inhibiting MAO. Other choices are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the interaction between MAO inhibitors and tyramine. The risk of hypotensive shock (choice A) is not associated with MAO inhibitors. Cardiac dysrhythmia (choice C) and cardiogenic shock (choice D) are not typically caused by the interaction of MAO inhibitors with certain foods and drugs.