ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. Which intervention is most appropriate for a patient with a phobia of flying?
- A. Exposure therapy
- B. Cognitive restructuring
- C. Medication management
- D. Psychoeducation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Exposure therapy is considered the most appropriate intervention for a patient with a phobia of flying. This therapeutic approach involves gradually exposing the individual to the feared stimulus, in this case, flying, in a controlled and supportive environment. By facing the fear in a structured manner, the patient can learn to manage their anxiety response and eventually reduce their phobia-related symptoms. While cognitive restructuring may help change negative thought patterns and medication management can alleviate symptoms, exposure therapy is specifically designed to address phobias through systematic desensitization, making it the most suitable intervention in this scenario. Psychoeducation aims to provide information and support but may not directly target the phobia itself.
2. A client is under a great deal of stress. Which nursing recommendation would be least helpful in assisting the client in coping with stress? Select one that doesn't apply.
- A. Enjoy a pet.
- B. Spend time with a loved one.
- C. Listen to music.
- D. Focus on the stressors.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Focusing on the stressors can exacerbate stress levels in the client's life rather than helping to cope with it. Engaging in activities such as enjoying a pet, spending time with loved ones, and listening to music are known to be stress-relieving and can aid in coping with stress. It is essential to encourage strategies that promote relaxation and positive emotions, rather than fixating on the stressors that may worsen the client's condition. Therefore, 'Focus on the stressors' is the least helpful recommendation as it does not contribute to stress management.
3. A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is being discharged. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Practice relaxation techniques daily
- B. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- C. Engage in regular physical activity
- D. Use benzodiazepines as the first line of treatment
Correct answer: D
Rationale: When discharging a client with GAD, it is important to provide instructions that promote holistic well-being and support without exacerbating the condition. Practicing relaxation techniques daily, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and engaging in regular physical activity can help manage anxiety symptoms effectively. These strategies focus on self-care and healthy lifestyle choices. Seeking support from friends and family also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental health. However, using benzodiazepines as the first line of treatment is not recommended due to their potential for dependence and other associated risks. Non-pharmacological interventions and therapy are usually preferred as initial approaches in managing GAD. Therefore, the option 'D: Use benzodiazepines as the first line of treatment' is incorrect and should not be included in the discharge teaching for a client with GAD.
4. A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage the client to talk about the event during the day.
- B. Encourage the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- C. Administer a prescribed sedative at bedtime.
- D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with the client's therapist.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.
5. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Encourage participation in activities
- B. Promote adequate nutrition and hydration
- C. Monitor for suicidal ideation
- D. Discourage verbalization of feelings
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Interventions for a client with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode include encouraging participation in activities, promoting adequate nutrition and hydration, monitoring for suicidal ideation, and providing a structured daily schedule. Discussing feelings is an essential part of therapy for clients with bipolar disorder, thus discouraging verbalization of feelings is not therapeutic and should not be implemented. Choice D is incorrect because it goes against the principles of therapeutic communication and emotional expression, which are crucial in managing bipolar disorder.
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