a nurse is teaching a patient about relaxation techniques to manage anxiety which technique is the nurse most likely to recommend
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. A healthcare professional is teaching a patient about relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Which technique is the healthcare professional most likely to recommend?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Deep breathing exercises are a widely recommended technique for managing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By focusing on deep, slow breaths, individuals can activate the body's relaxation response, leading to decreased anxiety levels and an overall sense of calm. This technique is easy to learn, can be practiced anywhere, and is often suggested by healthcare professionals as a first-line approach for anxiety management. Physical exercise, mindfulness meditation, and journaling are also beneficial for mental well-being but may not be the first choice when specifically targeting acute anxiety management.

2. 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?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization is the highest level. Possessing a feeling of self-fulfillment and realizing full potential reflects self-actualization. This level represents achieving personal growth, self-improvement, and reaching one's full potential, indicating optimal mental health. Choices A, B, and D represent lower levels of needs according to Maslow's hierarchy. Maintaining a long-term relationship indicates belongingness and love needs, achieving self-confidence pertains to esteem needs, and developing a sense of purpose relates to self-esteem and self-actualization needs, but they are not at the pinnacle of self-actualization as in choice C.

3. During a manic episode, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals may experience heightened energy levels and reduced impulse control. Providing a structured environment with limited stimuli is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This approach helps reduce excessive stimulation and potential triggers for further escalation of manic behavior. It promotes a calming and controlled setting, assisting in managing symptoms and promoting the patient's well-being. Encouraging group activities (Choice A) may lead to overstimulation, allowing the patient to engage in physical activities freely (Choice C) could be risky due to impulsivity, and giving detailed tasks (Choice D) might overwhelm the individual.

4. A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may be easily overstimulated. Placing the client in a private room to decrease environmental stimuli is the priority intervention. This action can help reduce the risk of exacerbating manic symptoms and promote a calmer environment for the client. Choice A is not the priority as group therapy may be overwhelming during a manic episode. Choice C could potentially increase stimulation rather than decrease it. Choice D should not be the first action as sedatives are generally not the initial intervention for managing manic episodes.

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

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