ATI Mental Health Practice B

ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

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.

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A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tells the nurse, 'I know my behavior is unreasonable, but I can't help it.' What response should the nurse provide?

  • A. Your behavior is part of your illness, and it is important to work on changing it.
  • B. It is important to understand why you feel the need to perform these behaviors.
  • C. Let's figure out a way for you to control these behaviors.
  • D. It sounds like you are feeling powerless to change your behavior.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should acknowledge the client's awareness of the irrationality of their behavior and the feeling of powerlessness to change it. By reflecting the client's feelings, the nurse validates them and opens a discussion on strategies to manage the behavior effectively. Empathy and understanding are key in supporting clients with OCD. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses more on changing the behavior rather than acknowledging the client's feelings. Choice B is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's sense of powerlessness. Choice C is incorrect as it doesn't validate the client's feelings of being unable to control the behaviors.

A client is being taught relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Which of the following techniques should be included in the teaching? Select one that does not apply.

  • A. Deep breathing exercises
  • B. Progressive muscle relaxation
  • C. Mindfulness meditation
  • D. Cognitive restructuring
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Relaxation techniques commonly used to manage anxiety include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness meditation, and guided imagery. Cognitive restructuring, on the other hand, is a cognitive-behavioral technique used to challenge and change negative thought patterns, not specifically a relaxation technique. Therefore, choice D, cognitive restructuring, does not apply to relaxation techniques for managing anxiety.

Which is a correct evaluation of the new psychiatric nurse's statement regarding a client's use of defense mechanisms?

  • A. Defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and need not be eliminated.
  • B. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt by the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated.
  • C. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged but not eliminated.
  • D. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct evaluation is that defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and do not necessarily need to be eliminated. These mechanisms serve the purpose of reducing anxiety during times of stress. While some defense mechanisms may be maladaptive, they can also help individuals cope with challenging situations. It is essential for the nurse to recognize that addressing defense mechanisms should be done sensitively, as they may be crucial for the client's emotional regulation. Encouraging the development of healthy coping skills while acknowledging the role of defense mechanisms in managing stress is a balanced approach in psychiatric care. Choice B is incorrect because completely eliminating defense mechanisms is not always feasible or beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the relationship between defense mechanisms and ego integrity. Choice D is incorrect as it misrepresents the role of defense mechanisms in ego functions.

What intervention should the nurse implement for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performing ritualistic handwashing?

  • A. Allow the client to continue the ritualistic behavior initially
  • B. Immediately stop the client from performing the ritual
  • C. Encourage the client to perform the ritual more quickly
  • D. Provide a distraction to interrupt the ritual
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: For a client with OCD performing ritualistic handwashing, the nurse should initially allow the client to continue the behavior. Abruptly stopping the behavior or providing a distraction can heighten the client's anxiety. Encouraging the client to perform the ritual more quickly does not address the underlying issue of OCD and may exacerbate their anxiety. Providing a distraction to interrupt the ritual may not be effective in the long term and could lead to increased distress. Gradual limits should be established over time to help the client manage and reduce the ritualistic behavior effectively.

A patient presents in the Emergency Department immediately following a shooting incident in a school where she has been teaching. There is no evidence of physical injury, but she appears very hyperactive and talkative. Which of these symptoms manifested by the patient is an uncommon initial biological response to stress?

  • A. Constricted pupils
  • B. Watery eyes
  • C. Palpitations
  • D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Increased lacrimal secretions, palpitations, and increased heart rate are common initial biological responses to stress. Constricted pupils are not typical in the initial response to stress and are more associated with the opposite response, the Rest and Digest system. Watery eyes, palpitations, and increased heart rate are indicative of the body's fight or flight response to stress. Unusual food cravings are not a typical biological response to stress.

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