a nurse is assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder gad which symptom would the nurse most likely observe
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ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023 Quizlet

1. When assessing a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which symptom would a nurse most likely observe?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excessive worry is a primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives, often anticipating disaster or catastrophic outcomes. This worry is difficult to control and can be accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Flashbacks are more commonly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hallucinations are more typical of psychotic disorders, and compulsive behaviors are characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Therefore, when assessing a patient with GAD, a nurse would most likely observe excessive worry.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During a depressive episode in bipolar disorder, clients typically exhibit low energy levels, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia or hypersomnia, and decreased appetite. High energy levels are more commonly seen in manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

3. When assessing a client with suspected bipolar disorder, which of the following findings should the nurse not expect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bipolar disorder, common findings include periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and flight of ideas. Anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure, is more indicative of conditions like major depressive disorder. Therefore, the nurse should not expect to find anhedonia in a client with suspected bipolar disorder.

4. During cognitive-behavioral therapy, a 12-year-old patient reports to the nurse practitioner:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cognitive-behavioral therapy, recognizing and challenging negative thoughts is crucial for progress. Choice B demonstrates the patient's ability to identify and correct distorted thoughts, indicating positive advancement in therapy. This cognitive restructuring is a key component of cognitive-behavioral therapy, helping individuals develop healthier thinking patterns and coping strategies.

5. A patient with schizophrenia is experiencing hallucinations. Which intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging the patient in a reality-based activity is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with schizophrenia experiencing hallucinations. This intervention can help distract the patient from the hallucinations and reorient them to the present, promoting a connection with reality and potentially reducing distress associated with the hallucinations. Choice A, encouraging the patient to ignore the voices, may not be effective as it can be challenging for the patient to dismiss the hallucinations. Choice C, providing a quiet environment, is helpful but may not directly address the hallucinations. Choice D, asking the patient to describe the hallucinations in detail, may increase the patient's focus on the hallucinations, potentially worsening distress.

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