ATI LPN
ATI Mental Health Practice A
1. What is an important aspect of patient education regarding buspirone when prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Buspirone is an as-needed medication for anxiety.
- B. Buspirone has a high risk of addiction and dependence.
- C. Buspirone may not become effective until 2-4 weeks after starting the medication.
- D. Buspirone should be taken with food to increase absorption.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When educating a patient about buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to highlight that buspirone may take 2-4 weeks to become effective. Patients need to be aware of this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue the medication as prescribed. This information helps patients understand that they may not experience immediate relief and should not discontinue the medication prematurely. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not as-needed, it has a lower risk of addiction compared to other anxiety medications, and it does not need to be taken with food for increased absorption.
2. A patient is receiving education about taking clozapine. Which statement indicates the patient understands the side effects?
- A. I should report any signs of infection to my healthcare provider immediately.
- B. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
- C. I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. I should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients taking clozapine should report signs of infection immediately due to the risk of agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening side effect of clozapine characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cell count, which can leave the patient vulnerable to infections. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial to prevent serious complications.
3. Which patient behavior is consistent with therapeutic communication?
- A. Offering your opinion when asked to provide support.
- B. Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words.
- C. Avoiding interrupting periods of silence to allow the patient space to think.
- D. Providing positive reinforcement when the patient expresses themselves.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Summarizing the essence of the patient’s comments in your own words is a key component of therapeutic communication. This behavior demonstrates active listening, ensures understanding of the patient's message, and encourages further discussion. By summarizing, you show the patient that you are engaged and interested, which helps them feel heard and valued. Offering your opinion (choice A) may bias the patient's thoughts and feelings, interrupting periods of silence (choice C) may prevent the patient from processing their thoughts, and providing positive reinforcement (choice D) may not always be appropriate or necessary in therapeutic communication.
4. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment.
- C. Administer prescribed medication immediately.
- D. Teach the patient relaxation techniques.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During a panic attack, it is crucial to provide a quiet and non-stimulating environment to help the patient feel safe and reduce sensory overload. This approach can help the patient focus on calming down and regaining control. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings may exacerbate the panic attack by increasing stress and arousal levels. Administering medication should be done following healthcare provider's orders, as it may not be appropriate to give medication immediately without proper assessment. Teaching relaxation techniques might not be effective during the acute phase of a panic attack when the individual is overwhelmed by intense anxiety.
5. A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing nightmares. Which intervention should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Encouraging the patient to journal before bedtime
- B. Teaching relaxation techniques
- C. Avoiding discussing the nightmares directly
- D. Developing a safety plan
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Teaching relaxation techniques is an appropriate intervention for a patient with PTSD experiencing nightmares. Relaxation techniques can help the patient manage anxiety and improve sleep quality, potentially decreasing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. By teaching relaxation techniques, the nurse empowers the patient to actively cope with and reduce the distressing symptoms of PTSD, contributing to overall therapeutic outcomes.
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