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
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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 is not a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Weight loss is not a common side effect associated with SSRIs; instead, weight gain is more frequently observed. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

3. A client has experienced the death of a close family member and at the same time becomes unemployed. This situation has resulted in a 6-month score of 110 on the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. How should the nurse evaluate this client data?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire is an expanded version of the Schedule of Recent Experiences and the Rahe-Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale. A 6-month score of 300 or more, or a year-score total of 500 or more, indicates high stress in a client's life. However, susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be accurately estimated without considering the individual's coping resources and available support systems. Positive coping mechanisms and strong social support can mitigate the risk of stress-related illnesses even in the face of significant life changes and losses. Choice A is incorrect because it makes a definitive statement about the client's state without considering individual coping mechanisms and support. Choice B is incorrect because a score of 110 does not necessarily mean no threat of stress-related illness, as individual factors play a crucial role. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes a positive outlook without acknowledging the potential impact of the experienced losses on stress levels.

4. A nursing instructor is discussing diseases of adaptation with students and when they are likely to occur. Which student response indicates that learning has occurred?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. During the stage of exhaustion in the general adaptation syndrome, an individual's physiological and psychological resources become depleted, leading to a reduced capacity to adapt effectively. This depletion of resources is when diseases of adaptation, such as stress-related disorders, are more likely to occur. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an accurate understanding of diseases of adaptation. Limited experience managing stress, inheriting adaptive genes, and facing pre-existing conditions that worsen stress do not directly relate to the concept of physiological and psychological resource depletion leading to diseases of adaptation.

5. Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to stress?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Reliance on social isolation as a coping mechanism is maladaptive and can hinder the development of appropriate coping skills and access to support systems. It may indicate a lack of healthy coping strategies and social connections, which are important for managing stress effectively. Choice B is a positive coping strategy that promotes self-reflection and emotional expression. Choice C reflects a proactive approach to managing stress through physical activity. Choice D shows a willingness to seek professional help, which is a healthy coping mechanism.

Similar Questions

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When assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode, which of the following findings should the nurse not expect?
A patient being treated for insomnia is prescribed ramelteon (Rozerem). Which comorbid mental health condition would make this medication the hypnotic of choice for this particular patient?
A healthcare provider is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings shouldn't the healthcare provider expect?
A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with factitious disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the healthcare provider expect?

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