a nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019

1. A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During alcohol withdrawal, increased blood pressure is a critical symptom that requires immediate attention. Elevated blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular events or stroke. Monitoring and managing blood pressure in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Tremors, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as increased blood pressure. Therefore, addressing increased blood pressure takes precedence in the management of a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

2. Which of the following are cultural aspects of mental illness? Select one that doesn't apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The fewer ties that a group has with mainstream society, the greater the likelihood of a negative response by society to mental illness. Coercive treatments and involuntary hospitalizations are more common in this population.

3. A client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, 'You are the only one who understands me. The other nurses don't care about me.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the client's feelings and provide support while also emphasizing that all staff members care about the client's well-being. Choice A does not acknowledge the client's emotions and may come across as dismissive. Choice C invalidates the client's feelings and may make the client feel misunderstood. Choice D minimizes the client's emotions, which can lead to a breakdown in therapeutic communication. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate response as it validates the client's feelings while reinforcing the idea that the entire healthcare team is supportive.

4. In the treatment of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which specific type of CBT is most effective?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a specific type of CBT that is considered the most effective treatment for OCD. ERP involves exposing the individual to anxiety-provoking stimuli and preventing the usual compulsive responses, leading to a decreased anxiety response over time. This type of therapy helps individuals learn to tolerate the anxiety triggered by obsessions without engaging in compulsions, ultimately reducing OCD symptoms. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Dialectical behavior therapy (Choice A) is more commonly used for treating conditions like borderline personality disorder, not OCD. Interpersonal therapy (Choice C) focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills, which is not the primary approach for OCD. Supportive therapy (Choice D) provides emotional support and guidance but is not as effective as ERP in treating OCD.

5. 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.

Similar Questions

A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select one that does not apply.
A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which is an appropriate short-term goal for the client?
Which of the following symptoms shouldn't a healthcare professional expect to assess in a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A client with bipolar disorder is in the manic phase. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement to ensure the client's safety?
During a mental health assessment on an adult client, which client action would demonstrate the highest achievement in terms of mental health according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

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