ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prescribed prazosin. The nurse understands that this medication is used to treat which symptom of PTSD?
- A. Flashbacks
- B. Nightmares
- C. Hypervigilance
- D. Depression
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Prazosin is a medication often prescribed to manage nightmares in patients with PTSD. It works by blocking the action of adrenaline on specific receptors, which helps in reducing the intensity and frequency of nightmares. While flashbacks, hypervigilance, and depression are also common symptoms of PTSD, prazosin is specifically indicated for nightmares associated with the disorder. Flashbacks are typically addressed through therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypervigilance may be managed through counseling and coping strategies, and depression may necessitate antidepressant medications or therapy tailored for depression.
2. Which mood stabilizer is commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder?
- A. Sertraline
- B. Lithium
- C. Clozapine
- D. Haloperidol
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Lithium is a well-established mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps to control manic episodes, stabilize mood swings, and reduce the risk of relapse in individuals with this condition. Sertraline is an antidepressant commonly used for treating depression, while Clozapine and Haloperidol are antipsychotic medications used for different psychiatric conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is B because it is specifically indicated and effective for bipolar disorder.
3. Which of the following is a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Sexual dysfunction
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Tachycardia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is a commonly reported side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs can affect sexual function by causing issues such as decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or anorgasmia. Patients should be educated about these potential side effects when starting SSRIs to facilitate informed decision-making and appropriate management strategies. Incorrect Choices: A) Hypotension is not a common side effect of SSRIs. C) Increased appetite is not a common side effect of SSRIs. D) Tachycardia is not a common side effect of SSRIs.
4. Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Use a firm, authoritative approach.
- C. Stay with the patient and provide a quiet environment.
- D. Suggest the patient watch TV to distract themselves.
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.
5. In treating a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), what is the most appropriate goal of this therapy?
- A. To explore the patient's childhood experiences.
- B. To reduce the patient's symptoms through medication.
- C. To change the patient's negative thought patterns.
- D. To improve the patient's social skills.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate goal of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is to change the patient's negative thought patterns. This therapy focuses on identifying and modifying distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. Exploring childhood experiences (Choice A) may be part of therapy, but the primary focus is on present thoughts and behaviors. While medication (Choice B) can help manage symptoms, CBT aims to address the root cause through cognitive restructuring. Improving social skills (Choice D) is not the primary goal of CBT for GAD, although it may be a secondary benefit as confidence improves with reduced anxiety.
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