a 33 year old female diagnosed with bipolar i disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months at her most recent checkup the psychiatric n
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar I disorder, it is common to lower the dosage of lithium to prevent side effects while still maintaining stability. Lowering the dosage helps to find the lowest effective dose that can still manage symptoms effectively with minimal side effects.

2. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would the nurse most likely observe?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a characteristic feature of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, such as work, health, or family, even when there is little or no reason for concern. This chronic worrying can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical in conditions like schizophrenia, while compulsive behaviors are seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, in the context of GAD, excessive worry is the symptom that the nurse is most likely to observe.

3. When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client's vital signs closely is crucial during alcohol withdrawal as it helps detect any physiological changes early, such as hypertension, tachycardia, or fever, which can indicate potential complications like delirium tremens. Early identification and prompt intervention can prevent severe outcomes in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety. Which of the following symptoms should the healthcare professional expect to observe?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rapid heart rate is a characteristic symptom of severe anxiety due to the body's fight-or-flight response being activated. This physiological response leads to an increased heart rate to prepare the body to deal with perceived threats. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in monitoring and managing this symptom in clients experiencing severe anxiety.

5. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the nurse should present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the client's delusions. This approach helps the client maintain a connection to reality while feeling supported. Agreeing with the delusions may perpetuate false beliefs, while directly challenging them can lead to increased distress for the client. Encouraging the client to discuss their delusions in detail may further exacerbate their symptoms or reinforce their false beliefs. Therefore, the most therapeutic intervention is to gently present reality and provide reassurance to the client.

Similar Questions

Which of the following symptoms should a healthcare provider expect to assess in a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? Select one that doesn't apply.
A client prescribed lithium for bipolar disorder is receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, 'I work hard to provide for my family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax.' The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?
Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
After 1 week of continuous mental confusion, an elderly African American client is admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder due to dementia. Which statement would cause the nurse to question this diagnosis?

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