substance abuse is often present in people diagnosed with bipolar disorder laura a 28 year old with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder drinks alcohol ins
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. Substance abuse is often present in individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Laura, a 28-year-old with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, chooses to drink alcohol instead of taking her prescribed medications. The nurse caring for this patient recognizes that:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Individuals with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication to cope with their symptoms. This behavior is often seen as an attempt to manage mood swings and alleviate distress. It is important for healthcare providers to address and manage substance abuse issues in patients with bipolar disorder to ensure proper treatment and overall well-being.

2. A nurse is providing education to the family of a client who has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the family to encourage the client to avoid isolation. Social support and interaction are crucial for individuals with major depressive disorder as it can help in improving mood, reducing feelings of loneliness, and providing a sense of belonging and support. Choices A, B, and C are not the most appropriate instructions for a client with major depressive disorder. While avoiding caffeine can be beneficial for some individuals with anxiety or sleep issues, it is not a primary intervention for major depressive disorder. Encouraging physical activity and expressing feelings are important aspects of managing depression, but avoiding isolation is more critical to address first.

3. A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prescribed venlafaxine. The nurse should educate the patient about which potential side effect?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertension. Venlafaxine, an SNRI, can lead to hypertension as a side effect. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, particularly at higher doses. Educating the patient about this potential adverse effect is crucial to enhance awareness and monitoring for any signs or symptoms of elevated blood pressure. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because venlafaxine is more likely to cause hypertension rather than hypotension, bradycardia, or hyperglycemia.

4. Tomas is a 21-year-old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia. Tomas's nurse recognizes that self-medicating with excessive alcohol is common in this disease and can co-occur along with:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with schizophrenia often turn to excessive alcohol consumption as a way to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. This maladaptive coping mechanism can exacerbate the challenges associated with schizophrenia and may hinder effective treatment outcomes. Recognizing the presence of anxiety and depression alongside alcohol abuse is crucial for providing holistic care and support to individuals with schizophrenia.

5. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.

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