substance abuse is often present in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder laura a 28 year old with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder drinks alcohol ins
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. Substance abuse is often present in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Laura, a 28-year-old with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, chooses to drink alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nurse caring for this patient recognizes that:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms. This behavior is often seen as an attempt to manage mood swings and alleviate distress. It is important for healthcare providers to address and manage substance abuse issues in patients with bipolar disorder to ensure proper treatment and overall well-being.

2. Which of the following symptoms shouldn't a healthcare professional expect to assess in a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), common symptoms include excessive worry, muscle tension, restlessness, and irritability. Increased energy is not typically associated with GAD; instead, clients often experience fatigue due to the persistent anxiety and worry that characterize the disorder.

3. In treating social anxiety disorder, which medication is commonly prescribed to patients with this condition?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder. SSRIs are a first-line pharmacological treatment for social anxiety disorder due to their effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and emotions. Methylphenidate is a stimulant primarily used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but not in social anxiety disorder. Lithium is typically used in bipolar disorder, while haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication more commonly used in conditions like schizophrenia. Therefore, the correct choice for treating social anxiety disorder is Sertraline (B).

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with suspected bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Findings in a client with bipolar disorder typically include periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and flight of ideas. Anhedonia, characterized by the inability to experience pleasure, is more commonly associated with major depressive disorder. Therefore, the healthcare provider should not expect anhedonia in a client with suspected bipolar disorder. The other choices are characteristic features of bipolar disorder, such as mania or hypomania.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the professional expect? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In major depressive disorder, common findings include anhedonia (loss of interest or pleasure), hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. Flight of ideas, characterized by racing thoughts and rapid speech, is more commonly associated with bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. Therefore, 'Flight of ideas' does not apply to the expected findings in major depressive disorder.

Similar Questions

Which of the following are therapeutic communication techniques that a healthcare professional can use when interacting with clients? Select one that doesn't apply.
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to treat which of the following conditions?

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