ATI RN
ATI RN Mental Health Asn Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in the emergency department is implementing a plan of care for an older adult client who is experiencing delirium tremens. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer diazepam. This is the first action the nurse should take because delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can lead to life-threatening complications such as seizures and hallucinations. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that helps to control the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by calming the central nervous system. Administering diazepam promptly can prevent the client from experiencing severe symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Raising the side rails of the bed (
B) may be important for safety but is not the first priority in managing delirium tremens. Obtaining a medical history (
C) is important for overall assessment but is not the immediate action needed in this critical situation. Starting intravenous fluids (
D) may be necessary to maintain hydration but does not address the urgent need to manage the symptoms of delirium tremens.
Question 2 of 5
Which medication is commonly prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Step-by-step rationale for why Paroxetine (
A) is the correct answer:
1. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat OCD.
2. SSRIs help increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate OCD symptoms.
3. Clinical studies have shown the effectiveness of Paroxetine in reducing obsessions and compulsions in OCD patients.
4. Lithium (
B), Donepezil (
C), Valproate (
D), and Carbamazepine (E) are not typically prescribed for OCD.
Summary:
Paroxetine is the correct choice due to its specific mechanism of action targeting serotonin levels, supported by clinical evidence. Other options lack efficacy or are not commonly used for OCD treatment.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who attacked one of her friends and is admitted to the psychiatric unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Setting behavioral limits helps establish expectations for the client’s conduct in the unit.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has bipolar disorder and will be discharged with a prescription for lithium. The nurse should teach the client that which of the following factors puts her at risk for lithium toxicity?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and dehydration from excessive sweating during running can lead to decreased kidney function.
2. Running 4 miles outdoors every afternoon increases the risk of dehydration, which can decrease lithium clearance and increase its concentration in the blood.
3. Higher lithium levels due to dehydration can lead to lithium toxicity, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, confusion, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Summary:
-
Choice B (drinking 2 liters of liquids daily) is actually beneficial as adequate hydration is essential for kidney function and lithium excretion.
-
Choice C (eating 2-3 grams of sodium-containing foods daily) is not directly related to lithium toxicity.
-
Choice D (eating foods high in tyramine) is unrelated to lithium toxicity and is more relevant in the context of MAOIs.
- The correct answer is A, as excessive sweating during running can lead to dehydration, impairing
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Echolalia, or repeating words/phrases, is a common communication pattern in autism spectrum disorder.