a client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to the hospital which assessment finding would indicate early alcohol withdrawal
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019

1. A client with a history of alcohol use disorder is admitted to the hospital. Which assessment finding would indicate early alcohol withdrawal?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client experiencing early alcohol withdrawal, one of the key assessment findings is diaphoresis (excessive sweating). This is due to autonomic hyperactivity commonly seen during this phase, along with other signs like tremors and tachycardia. Bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and hypothermia (low body temperature) are not typically associated with early alcohol withdrawal, making them incorrect choices.

2. When assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits flat affect and social withdrawal, these symptoms are classified as:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Flat affect and social withdrawal are characteristic of negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Negative symptoms involve disruptions to normal emotions and behaviors, such as reduced emotional expression (flat affect) and social withdrawal. These symptoms reflect a decrease or absence of normal functions. Positive symptoms, on the other hand, involve the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences, such as hallucinations and delusions, which are added to a person’s experiences. Cognitive symptoms relate to difficulties with thinking, memory, and processing information, impacting cognition. Mood symptoms involve disturbances in mood regulation, which is distinct from the flat affect seen in negative symptoms.

3. A healthcare provider is providing care for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who has been prescribed an SSRI. Which SSRI is commonly used for this condition?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sertraline. Sertraline, an SSRI, is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) due to its efficacy and tolerability. Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant used for ADHD and narcolepsy, not for GAD. Lithium is mainly used for bipolar disorder, not for GAD. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication, not typically used for GAD.

4. Which factors tend to increase the difficulty of diagnosing young children who demonstrate behaviors associated with mental illness? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diagnosing mental illness in young children can be complex due to their limited language skills, cognitive development, and emotional development. However, parental denial does not directly affect the child's inherent challenges, making it the factor that does not apply to the difficulty of diagnosis.

5. In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.

Similar Questions

Which of the following would be the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
In the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), what medication is frequently prescribed as a first-line treatment?
When planning care for a client with schizophrenia, which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.
A healthcare provider is evaluating the effectiveness of medication therapy for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Which outcome should indicate that the medication has been effective?

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