ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023

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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to encourage them to focus on deep breathing exercises. This intervention helps the patient manage the physiological symptoms of a panic attack by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperventilation, which are common during such episodes. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate breathing patterns and alleviate feelings of anxiety and panic.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Developing a safety plan with the patient is crucial when addressing self-harm behaviors in individuals with borderline personality disorder. This intervention helps outline steps to take during a crisis, identifies triggers, and provides strategies to prevent self-harm incidents. It involves collaboratively creating a plan between the patient and the healthcare team to ensure a structured and supportive approach to managing potentially dangerous situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in treating patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is to help them confront and process traumatic memories. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to facilitate the processing of distressing memories, leading to their desensitization and reprocessing, ultimately reducing PTSD symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the patient's weight daily is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with anorexia nervosa being treated in an inpatient facility. This approach helps healthcare providers track the patient's progress, assess nutritional status, and promptly identify any concerning changes or trends that may require intervention.