A drowsy patient arrives after swallowing tablets of unknown type and has vomited. Which immediate nursing action is safest?
Correct answer: B. Maintain the airway and position the patient laterally
- A. Place the patient supine and offer water
- B. Maintain the airway and position the patient laterally
- C. Induce further vomiting with warm salt water
- D. Give activated charcoal without checking consciousness
Explanation
Airway protection is the immediate priority because drowsiness and vomiting increase aspiration risk. Lateral positioning helps drainage, while induced vomiting and unsupervised charcoal can cause aspiration.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? support@testustad.com
About Psychiatric Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies include suicidal behavior, homicide risk, severe agitation, panic, acute psychosis, delirium, overdose, and withdrawal states. Students examine rapid risk assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, environmental safety, emergency medication, observation levels, and the immediate priorities that differ from routine psychiatric nursing care.
Practise Psychiatric Emergencies
40 free Psychiatric Emergencies MCQs from Mental Health Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Mental Health Nursing questions like this
Mental Health Nursing is on 8 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Psychiatric Emergencies questions
A patient who swallowed an unknown number of tablets is awake but confused, has dry skin, dilated pupils, urinary retention, and a rapid pulse. Which assessment is the priority?
A patient is placed in seclusion because of immediate violent behavior. Which nursing action is essential during seclusion?
A patient started a higher dose of an antipsychotic two days ago and now paces constantly, shifts weight, and says, “I cannot sit still.” Which finding should the nurse suspect?
A patient in a seclusion room suddenly reports crushing chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
A patient with acute agitation has a temperature of 38.9°C, a heart rate of 132 per minute, and a blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg. Which nursing action is most appropriate?
A patient with severe depression refuses food and fluids, remains withdrawn, and says, “There is no reason to continue living.” Which intervention is most appropriate initially?