tomas is a 21 year old male with a recent diagnosis of schizophrenia tomass nurse recognizes that self medicating with excessive alcohol is common in
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023

1. 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.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging deep, slow breathing is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack. This technique can help the patient regulate their breathing, reduce hyperventilation, and promote relaxation, which are essential in managing the symptoms of a panic attack. Choice B, encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, may not be effective during an acute panic attack as the focus should be on calming the patient down. Choice C, leaving the patient alone, can lead to increased feelings of fear and isolation during a panic attack. Choice D, engaging the patient in physical activity, may exacerbate symptoms as it can increase the feeling of being out of control.

3. A client has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and expresses worrying about their job, family, and health, feeling a loss of control. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The initial step for the nurse is to teach the client deep breathing techniques to aid in managing anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing exercises can help the client relax, reduce anxiety levels, and regain a sense of control. This intervention is non-invasive, empowering the client to develop a coping strategy for immediate use when feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. Administering medication (Choice A) should not be the first action unless the client is in severe distress. Encouraging attendance at a support group (Choice B) and identifying triggers of anxiety (Choice C) are important but teaching coping strategies like deep breathing comes first to help the client feel more in control of managing their anxiety.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who appears to be experiencing moderate anxiety during questioning. Which symptom shouldn't the healthcare professional expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Palpitations are not typically associated with moderate anxiety. Fidgeting, laughing inappropriately, and nail biting are common behavioral symptoms of heightened stress levels. Palpitations may be more indicative of physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, which can occur in severe anxiety or panic attacks. Other signs of severe anxiety include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

5. A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to participate in group therapy is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client with bipolar disorder experiencing a depressive episode. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where the client can share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support from peers and mental health professionals. It can help reduce feelings of isolation, improve social skills, and enhance overall well-being. Group therapy also promotes a sense of belonging and understanding, which are essential for individuals dealing with bipolar disorder and depressive symptoms. Choices A, B, and D are not the most appropriate interventions for a client experiencing a depressive episode in bipolar disorder. Encouraging the client to avoid physical activity may worsen their symptoms, promoting social activities may not address the underlying issues effectively, and setting goals may be overwhelming during a depressive episode.

Similar Questions

When assessing a patient with schizophrenia who exhibits disorganized speech and behavior, these symptoms are classified as:
A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address?
A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is experiencing a depressive episode. Which medication is commonly prescribed for this phase of the disorder?
Which of the following is a hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
Which is an example of the ego defense mechanism of regression?

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