which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a severe anxiety episode, it's crucial to stay with the patient and create a quiet environment. This approach helps reduce anxiety by providing a sense of safety and support. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may not be effective during an acute episode of severe anxiety. Using a firm, authoritative approach can escalate the situation and worsen the anxiety. Suggesting distractions like watching TV may not address the root cause of the anxiety or provide the necessary support.

2. A patient is being educated about the difference between mental health and mental illness. Which statement by the patient reflects an accurate understanding of mental health?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Mental health is defined as the successful adaptation to stressors in the internal and external environment. This includes having thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are age-appropriate and congruent with cultural and societal norms. Mental health is not solely the absence of stressors or incongruence between thoughts, feelings, and behavior, nor is it a specific diagnostic category in the DSM-5. Choice A is incorrect because mental health is not just the absence of stressors but the ability to adapt to them. Choice C is wrong as mental health involves congruence, not incongruence, between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Choice D is inaccurate as mental health is a broader concept than a specific diagnostic category in the DSM-5.

3. A client has been diagnosed with dependent personality disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Individuals with dependent personality disorder typically struggle with making decisions independently and rely heavily on others for guidance and reassurance. This can manifest as difficulty in initiating or making choices without the input of others. Clients with this disorder often display clingy, submissive behaviors and fear being alone, which aligns with the characteristic of difficulty making decisions seen in option A. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with dependent personality disorder. Preoccupation with orderliness may be seen in obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, attention-seeking behavior in histrionic personality disorder, and aggression in other disorders such as antisocial personality disorder.

4. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, 'You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the maintenance therapy stage for bipolar I disorder, it is common to lower the dosage of lithium to prevent side effects while still maintaining stability. Lowering the dosage helps to find the lowest effective dose that can still manage symptoms effectively with minimal side effects.

5. Which of the following are common symptoms of major depressive disorder? Select one that doesn't apply.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, and appetite changes. While individuals with major depressive disorder often experience fatigue and low energy levels, increased energy is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, 'Increased energy' is the correct choice that doesn't apply to major depressive disorder. Choices A, B, and D are all commonly seen in individuals with major depressive disorder, making them incorrect answers.

Similar Questions

When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?
The client recently survived a plane crash and is assessed by the nurse. Which client statement would cause the nurse to suspect that the client may be experiencing PTSD?
A client with depression is experiencing anhedonia. Which statement by the client reflects this symptom?
When caring for a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal, which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications?
During an assessment, a nurse observes a client showing signs of moderate anxiety. Which symptom is not typically associated with moderate anxiety?

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