ATI LPN
ATI LPN Mental Health Quiz Chapters Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client has recently started antidepressant drug therapy. He approaches the nurse complaining of a headache, palpitations, and stiffness in the neck. What is the nurse's priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aspirin is not appropriate for treating serotonin syndrome. Monitoring the client's symptoms is important, but this action does not address the potential seriousness of the symptoms described. This is the correct priority action. Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening if not promptly recognized and treated. The physician needs to be notified immediately so that appropriate actions can be taken to manage the client's symptoms and potentially adjust the medication regimen. Delaying notification could lead to worsening of symptoms and potential complications. Given the potential seriousness of serotonin syndrome, waiting until it's convenient is not appropriate. While headache, palpitations, and stiffness could potentially be side effects of antidepressant medication, the combination of these symptoms raises concern for serotonin syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention rather than reassurance alone.
Question 2 of 5
A hospitalized client is told that he has terminal cancer. The client adamantly believes that the physician is wrong despite biopsy results and MRI findings. This is an example of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anger typically involves feelings of frustration, resentment, or hostility towards others or the situation. While anger can be a reaction to receiving a terminal diagnosis, it is not reflective of refusing to accept the diagnosis itself. Anxiety involves feelings of worry, fear, or unease about future events or uncertainties. While anxiety can accompany a terminal diagnosis, it does not manifest as outright refusal or disbelief in the diagnosis itself. Withdrawal refers to a retreat or disengagement from social interactions or activities. It can be a coping mechanism in response to stress or difficult emotions. However, withdrawal does not specifically relate to refusing to accept a diagnosis like terminal cancer. Denial is a defense mechanism where individuals refuse to acknowledge or accept a painful or distressing reality. In this case, despite objective medical evidence (biopsy results and MRI findings), the client persists in believing that the diagnosis of terminal cancer is incorrect. This refusal to accept the reality of the situation is characteristic of denial.
Question 3 of 5
A female client with anorexia nervosa and a cardiac condition was prescribed an antidepressant before she regained weight during her treatment course. The nurse should be aware of the possibility of which condition in this client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anorexia nervosa can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low serum sodium level), due to inadequate intake of sodium and fluid restriction. Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also contribute to hyponatremia by causing the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), which leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. However, it is not as life-threatening as hypokalemia. This is a common and potentially life-threatening complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa who are undergoing treatment. It can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Anorexia nervosa typically does not lead to hyperkalemia (high serum potassium level), as potassium is usually lost through purging behaviors or inadequate intake. Antidepressants also do not commonly cause hyperkalemia as a side effect.
Question 4 of 5
Assessment of a client reveals severe and sudden mood swings from mania to depression. Which diagnosis should the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Major depressive disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It does not involve manic or hypomanic episodes, which are essential for diagnosing bipolar disorder. Dysthymic disorder involves chronic, low-grade depression that lasts for at least two years. It does not typically present with episodes of mania or hypomania. Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture. While some personality disorders can present with mood instability, the description of severe and sudden mood swings from mania to depression is not characteristic of personality disorders in general. Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania or hypomania (elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, increased energy, racing thoughts) alternating with episodes of depression (sadness, loss of interest, low energy). The mood swings can be severe, and the transition between mood states can occur suddenly.
Question 5 of 5
Hospitalization of a client with a dissociative disorder is required in which situation?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dissociative amnesia is characterized by significant memory loss that cannot be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. If a client experiences sudden travel and cannot remember how they arrived at a distant location, it could indicate dissociative amnesia. Hospitalization is not absolutely necessary. Dissociative disorders are primarily treated with psychotherapy rather than medication adjustments. However, if medication adjustments are necessary for co-occurring conditions or to manage symptoms like anxiety or depression, hospitalization is not necessary. Monitoring of identities is typically done on an outpatient basis, unless there are additional complications or risks identified by a healthcare professional. Dissociative disorders, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTS
D) and acute stress disorder, can involve the reliving of traumatic events through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories. Hospitalization may be required if the client experiences severe distress, is at risk of self-harm or harm to others during flashbacks.