which of the following is a priority intervention for a patient with severe anxiety

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ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2023 Quizlet

1. What is a priority intervention for a patient with severe anxiety?

A. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail.
B. Providing a calm and quiet environment.
C. Encouraging the patient to participate in group activities.
D. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dealing with a patient experiencing severe anxiety, providing a calm and quiet environment is a priority intervention. This approach helps reduce stimuli and anxiety levels, creating a more soothing atmosphere for the individual. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail or participate in group activities may be beneficial in certain situations, but establishing a peaceful setting takes precedence when managing severe anxiety. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan, although important, may not be the immediate priority when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety and needs a calming environment first.

2. A 33-year-old female diagnosed with bipolar I disorder has been functioning well on lithium for 11 months. At her most recent checkup, the psychiatric nurse practitioner states, â€˜You are ready to enter the maintenance therapy stage, so at this time I am going to adjust your dosage by prescribing:'

A. A higher dosage
B. Once-a-week dosing
C. A lower dosage
D. A different drug

Correct answer: C

Rationale: As the patient transitions to maintenance therapy, the typical approach involves decreasing the dosage to a lower level. This adjustment is made to find the minimum effective dose needed for symptom control while reducing the potential side effects associated with long-term use. Choosing a higher dosage (A) would not align with the goal of maintenance therapy, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. Once-a-week dosing (B) is not a common adjustment for lithium, which is usually prescribed daily for bipolar disorder. Switching to a different drug (D) is typically considered if the current medication is ineffective or intolerable, not as a routine step in transitioning to maintenance therapy.

3. A nurse is planning care for several clients attending community-based mental health programs. Which of the following clients should the nurse visit first?

A. A client who received a burn on the arm while using a hot iron at home
B. A client who requests a change of antipsychotic medication due to new adverse effects
C. A client who reports hearing a voice saying that life is not worth living anymore
D. A client who tells the nurse about experiencing manifestations of severe anxiety before and during a job interview

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should visit the client who reports hearing a voice saying that life is not worth living anymore first. This statement indicates potential suicidal ideation, which requires immediate intervention to ensure the client's safety. Choices A, B, and D do not present an immediate threat to the client's life. While burns, adverse effects of medication, and severe anxiety are important concerns, they do not pose an immediate risk of self-harm or suicide.

4. When working with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which therapeutic approach is most appropriate?

A. Encouraging the patient to avoid discussing the traumatic event.
B. Using exposure therapy to help the patient confront their fears.
C. Advising the patient to focus on positive thoughts.
D. Suggesting that the patient keep busy to distract from traumatic memories.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Exposure therapy is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD that involves gradually exposing the patient to their traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This approach helps individuals confront and process their fears, reducing the impact of the traumatic event over time. Avoiding discussing the trauma (choice A) may lead to avoidance behaviors and hinder recovery. Focusing on positive thoughts (choice C) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying trauma. Keeping busy to distract from memories (choice D) is a form of avoidance that does not help in processing the traumatic experiences. Therefore, using exposure therapy (choice B) is the most appropriate approach to effectively treat PTSD.

5. A patient with a diagnosis of panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for when the patient starts this medication?

A. Increased heart rate
B. Increased appetite
C. Gastrointestinal disturbances
D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient with panic disorder is prescribed an SSRI, the nurse should monitor for gastrointestinal disturbances as a common side effect. SSRIs can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort, especially at the beginning of treatment. Increased heart rate (Choice A) is not a common side effect of SSRIs; it is more commonly associated with medications like stimulants. Increased appetite (Choice B) is not a typical side effect of SSRIs, as they are more likely to cause weight loss or appetite suppression. Dry mouth (Choice D) is a side effect seen more commonly with medications that have anticholinergic properties, not typically with SSRIs.