a nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing severe anxiety which symptom should the nurse expect to observe
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019

1. When assessing a client experiencing severe anxiety, which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, a rapid heart rate is a common physiological response. This increased heart rate is due to the body's fight-or-flight response, where adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial in assessing and managing their anxiety. Restlessness (choice A) can also be present in anxiety but is more of a behavioral manifestation rather than a physiological symptom. Sweating (choice C) can occur in anxiety, but it is not as specific or consistent as a rapid heart rate. Dry mouth (choice D) is associated with anxiety but is not as immediate or directly linked to the body's physiological response to stress as a rapid heart rate.

2. A healthcare provider is providing education to the family of a client who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Make sure the client takes prescribed medications regularly.' Consistent medication adherence is crucial in managing the symptoms and stabilizing mood in individuals with bipolar disorder. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding all stressful situations is often not feasible and not the primary treatment approach for bipolar disorder. Choice B, while important, is not as critical as ensuring medication compliance. Choice D is helpful but not as essential as medication adherence for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability. Increased energy is not typically associated with GAD; clients often experience fatigue instead. This heightened energy level is more commonly seen in conditions like mania or hypomania, rather than in GAD. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Increased energy.' Choices A, B, and D are all symptoms commonly observed in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.

5. Which of the following is not a common symptom of major depressive disorder?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes. Increased energy is not typically associated with major depressive disorder; instead, fatigue is more commonly observed. This symptom differentiation helps in diagnosing major depressive disorder accurately.

Similar Questions

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When explaining suicide precautions to a client, what would be the best explanation?
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