ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. When assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits disorganized speech and behavior, these symptoms are classified as:
- A. Positive symptoms
- B. Negative symptoms
- C. Cognitive symptoms
- D. Mood symptoms
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Positive symptoms in schizophrenia refer to excesses or distortions in normal behavior and include symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech and behavior. Disorganized speech and behavior are considered positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Negative symptoms involve deficits in normal behavior, cognitive symptoms affect thinking processes, and mood symptoms relate to emotional experiences. Therefore, in this scenario, the disorganized speech and behavior exhibited by the patient are classified as positive symptoms.
2. Which of the following interventions is inappropriate for a client experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Provide a well-lit environment.
- B. Encourage deep breathing.
- C. Move the client to a quiet environment.
- D. Administer prescribed antianxiety medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: During a panic attack, a well-lit environment might exacerbate the client's symptoms due to sensory overload. Therefore, it is inappropriate to provide a well-lit environment during a panic attack. Encouraging deep breathing, moving the client to a quiet environment, and administering prescribed antianxiety medication are appropriate interventions for managing a panic attack. These actions help create a calming atmosphere and address the physiological symptoms associated with panic attacks.
3. A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select the one that does not apply.
- A. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- C. Discontinue the medication abruptly
- D. You may experience an increase in energy before your mood improves
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant should include several key instructions. Firstly, it's important to inform the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, so they should be patient. Secondly, they should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking the medication as it can interact negatively with antidepressants. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided. Lastly, clients may experience an increase in energy before their mood improves, which is a common effect of some antidepressants. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants, but adherence to the prescribed regimen and reporting any concerning side effects to the healthcare provider are crucial.
4. A patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine. Which potential side effect requires regular monitoring?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Hypertension
- C. Agranulocytosis
- D. Hyperthyroidism
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When a patient with schizophrenia is prescribed clozapine, regular monitoring for agranulocytosis is essential. Agranulocytosis is a severe reduction in white blood cells that can be life-threatening. Monitoring white blood cell counts is crucial to detect this side effect early and prevent serious complications. Weight loss (Choice A) is not a common side effect of clozapine. Hypertension (Choice B) and hyperthyroidism (Choice D) are also not typically associated with clozapine use, making them incorrect choices for regular monitoring.
5. A female patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has been prescribed a first-generation antipsychotic medication. What information should the nurse provide to the patient regarding her signs and symptoms?
- A. Her memory problems will likely decrease.
- B. Depressive episodes should be less severe.
- C. She will probably enjoy social interactions more.
- D. She should experience a reduction in hallucinations.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: First-generation antipsychotic medications are effective in reducing hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia. These medications primarily target positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. Therefore, the nurse should inform the patient that she should experience a reduction in hallucinations with the prescribed first-generation antipsychotic medication.
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