which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency
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Nursing Elites

NCLEX-RN

Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX RN Questions

1. Which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A major depressive episode with psychotic features is considered a psychiatric emergency because it poses a significant risk to the individual's safety. Psychotic features in depression can include hallucinations, delusions, or other severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression with melancholic features are serious conditions, they do not inherently represent an acute emergency that necessitates immediate hospitalization. Bipolar depression, although severe, does not inherently involve psychotic symptoms that would classify it as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. It's crucial to recognize the urgency and severity of major depressive episodes with psychotic features to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

2. Which nurse statement defines boundaries in the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship when talking to a depressed client who has just been admitted to the psychiatric unit?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the orientation phase of the nurse-client relationship, setting boundaries involves establishing the nurse's role and responsibilities while maintaining a professional distance. Option B demonstrates a clear boundary by introducing the nurse and offering assistance with settling in, which is appropriate for the initial phase of building rapport with the client. Choices A, C, and D delve into personal or therapeutic topics that are more suitable for the working phase of the relationship when the client's goals and problems are being addressed. Asking about the client's family relationships (Choice A), therapy focus (Choice C), or delving into the client's depression (Choice D) would be more relevant in later stages of the therapeutic process, once trust and rapport have been established during the orientation phase.

3. After receiving written and verbal instructions from a clinic nurse about a newly prescribed medication, a client asks the nurse what to do if questions arise about the medication after getting home. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To ensure safe medication use, the nurse should encourage the client to call the clinic nurse or healthcare provider if any questions arise. This direct communication allows for personalized assistance and clarification tailored to the client's specific concerns. Providing Internet sites (Choice A) may lead to unreliable information, and a drug reference book (Choice B) may not address individualized questions. While the written instructions may contain information (Choice C), they may not cover all potential queries the client might have, making direct contact with the healthcare provider the most appropriate option.

4. Which behavior indicates that the client has learned the most effective method to cope with anger?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Talks about the anger.' This response indicates that the client has learned a positive coping method, as discussing angry feelings is a healthier way of dealing with anger. Talking about anger allows for expression and communication, leading to a better understanding of the emotions involved. Going for a long jog or screaming outside may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root cause or help in processing the emotions effectively. Focusing solely on the cause of anger without expressing feelings may lead to increased frustration and escalation of anger, rather than promoting constructive coping mechanisms.

5. The health care provider has changed a client's prescription from the PO to the IV route of administration. The nurse should anticipate which change in the pharmacokinetic properties of the medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When changing the route of administration from PO to IV, the absorption process is bypassed, leading to a more rapid onset of action of the medication and consequently a quicker effect. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased drug tolerance and higher doses are not typical outcomes of changing the route of administration. Protein binding does not increase with a change to IV administration; rather, it is the bioavailability and onset of action that are affected. Moreover, an increased therapeutic index reduces the risk of drug toxicity, contrary to what is stated in choice D.

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