ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. When a patient with major depressive disorder is prescribed escitalopram, what potential side effect should the healthcare provider educate the patient about?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Insomnia
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Hypertension
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insomnia. Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), commonly causes insomnia as a side effect. Patients should be informed about the possibility of experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep when starting this medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, diarrhea, and hypertension are not typically associated with escitalopram use.
2. During a panic attack, what is the nurse's priority intervention for a patient with panic disorder?
- A. Encourage the patient to verbalize their feelings.
- B. Provide reassurance and stay with the patient.
- C. Leave the patient alone to calm down.
- D. Distract the patient with a task.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, the priority intervention for the nurse is to provide reassurance and stay with the patient. This action helps reduce fear and provides a sense of safety, which can aid in calming the patient and preventing further escalation of the panic attack. Encouraging the patient to verbalize their feelings (Choice A) may be beneficial after the acute phase of the panic attack. Leaving the patient alone (Choice C) may increase feelings of abandonment and escalate the panic attack. Distracting the patient with a task (Choice D) is not recommended during a panic attack as it may divert attention but not address the underlying anxiety and fear.
3. A patient with major depressive disorder is being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The nurse should monitor the patient for which common side effect?
- A. Memory loss
- B. Hypertension
- C. Weight gain
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Memory loss, especially short-term memory loss, is a common side effect associated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). During ECT treatment, the electrical currents passed through the brain can disrupt short-term memory formation. This side effect is usually temporary, but patients should be closely monitored for any changes in memory function during and after the treatment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not commonly associated with ECT. Hypertension, weight gain, and hyperglycemia are not typically observed as side effects of ECT.
4. During a manic episode, which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Encourage group activities to increase socialization.
- B. Provide a structured environment with limited stimuli.
- C. Allow the patient to engage in physical activities freely.
- D. Give the patient detailed and complex tasks to complete.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a manic episode, individuals may experience heightened energy levels and reduced impulse control. Providing a structured environment with limited stimuli is the most appropriate nursing intervention. This approach helps reduce excessive stimulation and potential triggers for further escalation of manic behavior. It promotes a calming and controlled setting, assisting in managing symptoms and promoting the patient's well-being. Encouraging group activities (Choice A) may lead to overstimulation, allowing the patient to engage in physical activities freely (Choice C) could be risky due to impulsivity, and giving detailed tasks (Choice D) might overwhelm the individual.
5. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which dietary advice should the nurse include?
- A. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
- B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
- C. Increase protein intake.
- D. Avoid foods high in fat.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed lithium should maintain a consistent salt intake. Fluctuations in salt intake can impact lithium levels, potentially leading to toxicity or reduced effectiveness of the medication. It is crucial for patients to adhere to a stable salt intake while taking lithium to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding foods high in tyramine is more relevant for patients on MAOIs, not lithium. Increasing protein intake or avoiding foods high in fat are not specific dietary recommendations for patients taking lithium.
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