LPN LPN
ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023
1. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient with major depressive disorder. Which finding is most concerning?
- A. Decreased interest in activities
- B. Feelings of worthlessness
- C. Difficulty sleeping
- D. Changes in appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Among the symptoms listed, difficulty sleeping is particularly concerning in patients with major depressive disorder. Insomnia or other sleep disturbances can exacerbate depressive symptoms and increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Healthcare professionals should address sleep issues promptly to provide appropriate interventions and prevent further complications.
2. A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours washing their hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encouraging the patient to stop washing their hands
- B. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
- C. Ignoring the patient's behavior
- D. Setting strict limits on the time allowed for hand washing
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In managing a patient with OCD who spends excessive time washing hands, allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This approach helps establish a structured routine for hand washing, which can assist in managing OCD symptoms without reinforcing the behavior. Encouraging the patient to stop washing hands may lead to increased anxiety and resistance. Ignoring the behavior can perpetuate the cycle of OCD, and setting strict limits on hand washing time may cause distress and may not effectively address the underlying issues associated with OCD.
3. Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat panic disorder?
- A. Lithium
- B. Diazepam
- C. Haloperidol
- D. Clozapine
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Diazepam, a benzodiazepine, is commonly used to treat panic disorder due to its anxiolytic effects. It helps reduce feelings of anxiety and panic by acting on the central nervous system. Lithium is primarily used for bipolar disorder, while Haloperidol and Clozapine are antipsychotic medications used for conditions like schizophrenia. Therefore, the correct choice for treating panic disorder among the options provided is Diazepam.
4. When assessing a patient with major depressive disorder, which of the following is a common cognitive symptom?
- A. Hallucinations
- B. Delusions
- C. Lack of appetite
- D. Negative self-talk
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Negative self-talk is a common cognitive symptom of major depressive disorder. It involves a pattern of negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself, which can significantly impact a patient's self-esteem and overall outlook on life. Hallucinations and delusions are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, while lack of appetite is typically considered a physical symptom of depression rather than a cognitive one.
5. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing nightmares. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Encouraging the patient to journal before bedtime
- B. Teaching relaxation techniques
- C. Avoiding discussing the nightmares directly
- D. Developing a safety plan
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Teaching relaxation techniques is an appropriate intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing nightmares. Relaxation techniques can help the patient manage anxiety and improve sleep quality, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. By teaching relaxation techniques, the nurse empowers the patient to actively cope with and reduce the distressing symptoms of PTSD, contributing to overall therapeutic outcomes.
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