a male patient calls to tell the nurse that his monthly lithium level is 17 meql which nursing intervention will the nurse implement initially
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. A male patient calls to tell the nurse that his monthly lithium level is 1.7 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement initially?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lithium level of 1.7 mEq/L is above the therapeutic range, indicating a potential risk of toxicity. The initial nursing intervention should be to instruct the patient to hold the next dose of medication and promptly contact the prescriber for further guidance and management. This action aims to prevent adverse effects and ensure the patient's safety by addressing the elevated lithium level appropriately.

2. When educating the family of a client diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of dissociative identity disorder, it is beneficial for the client to establish a daily routine. This structure can enhance symptom management and provide a sense of stability, which is particularly important for individuals with this condition. Encouraging the client to avoid stressful situations (Choice A) may not always be possible and does not address the need for structure. While encouraging the client to participate in daily activities (Choice B) is important, having a routine is more crucial for managing dissociative identity disorder. Expressing feelings (Choice C) is valuable but establishing a routine takes precedence in this situation.

3. A client is being treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which intervention should be included in the care plan?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the client to perform rituals in the early stages of treatment is a common therapeutic approach for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Allowing the client to engage in rituals can help reduce anxiety by providing temporary relief. It is a part of exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to anxiety-provoking situations. As treatment progresses, the focus shifts to gradually reducing the frequency and intensity of rituals through interventions like exposure and response prevention therapy. Discouraging the client from performing rituals (Choice A) is not recommended as it may increase anxiety and resistance to treatment. Encouraging the client to focus on their compulsions (Choice C) may reinforce the behavior rather than helping to decrease it. Isolating the client (Choice D) is not therapeutic and can lead to feelings of abandonment and worsen symptoms.

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

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is essential during alcohol withdrawal as it can help them cope with the emotional and psychological stress associated with the process. This intervention promotes open communication, allows the client to verbalize their emotions, and may prevent escalating anxiety or agitation, ultimately reducing the risk of complications. Providing a well-lit environment (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing complications of alcohol withdrawal. Administering antipsychotic medication (Choice B) is not the standard treatment for alcohol withdrawal; medications such as benzodiazepines are more commonly used. While monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important, encouraging the client to express their feelings (Choice D) directly addresses emotional well-being, which is crucial during this vulnerable time.

5. During an acute panic attack, which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an acute panic attack, the priority intervention is to create a calm and safe environment. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises is crucial as it promotes relaxation and reduces hyperventilation, helping to manage the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the client to discuss their feelings may exacerbate the panic by increasing emotional distress. Providing a busy environment can escalate stress levels rather than alleviate them. Leaving the client alone may lead to feelings of abandonment or worsen the panic attack. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to teach deep breathing exercises to help the client regain control and manage the panic attack.

Similar Questions

A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) states, 'I just can't stop worrying about everything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this client?
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.
A client prescribed diazepam for anxiety is receiving education from a healthcare professional. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Maggie, a child in protective custody, is found to have an imaginary friend, Holly. Her foster family shares this information with the nurse. The nurse teaches the family members about children who have suffered trauma and knows her teaching was effective when the foster mother states:
Which therapeutic communication statement might a psychiatric-mental health registered nurse use when a patient's nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses