ATI RN Mental Health Asn Related

Review ATI RN Mental Health Asn related questions and content

A nurse is performing an admission assessment for a client who is receiving treatment following a situational crisis. Which of the following assessments by the nurse is the highest priority?

  • A. Determining if the client has psychotic thinking
  • B. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis
  • C. Identifying the client's coping skills
  • D. Identifying the client's support systems
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Determining if the client has psychotic thinking. This is the highest priority because it directly addresses the client's immediate safety and well-being. Psychotic thinking can pose a significant risk to the client and others, requiring prompt intervention. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis (B), identifying coping skills (C), and support systems (D) are important but secondary to ensuring the client's safety. It is crucial to address any potential psychotic thinking first before delving into other aspects of the assessment.