PTC Observation and Patient Monitoring 3

Question 1

A patient with a history of falls is ambulating on the unit. Which observation would MOST indicate an immediate fall risk?

Accepted Answer

Patient appears unsteady, grabs the wall, and shuffles feet

Answer

Patient is wearing non-slip socks and walking slowly

Answer

Patient walks to the nurses' station to ask a question

Answer

Patient uses a cane that belongs to another patient

Question 2

A psychiatric technician is assigned to monitor a patient for neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Which set of findings should trigger an emergency response?

Accepted Answer

High fever, severe muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability

Answer

Mild sedation, dry mouth, and constipation

Answer

Weight gain, increased appetite, and metabolic changes

Answer

Orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing

Question 3

A psychiatric technician on the night shift observes a patient attempting to tie sheets together near the window. The technician's IMMEDIATE priority is:

Accepted Answer

Remove the sheets and immediately notify the nurse

Answer

Document the behavior and inform the day shift at 7 AM

Answer

Ask the patient why they are doing that before taking any action

Answer

Activate the code team without speaking to the patient

Question 4

When documenting patient observations, which entry BEST reflects objective, legally defensible documentation?

Accepted Answer

'Patient stated 'I want to die,' paced for 20 minutes, and refused medications at 1400.'

Answer

'Patient was manipulative and attention-seeking during group.'

Answer

'Patient appears to be lying about hearing voices.'

Answer

'Patient seemed more stable and less aggressive today.'

Question 5

A patient on a 72-hour hold asks the psychiatric technician, 'Am I allowed to leave?' The BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

'Your status means you are being held for evaluation; please speak with your nurse or doctor about your rights.'

Answer

'No, you are never allowed to leave this unit.'

Answer

'Yes, you can leave whenever you want to.'

Answer

'I can't answer questions about legal status; you'll need to call a lawyer.'

Question 6

Which change in a monitored patient's behavior warrants the MOST urgent report to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

Patient who was previously suicidal suddenly appears calm and reports feeling 'at peace'

Answer

Patient declines to attend recreational therapy

Answer

Patient requests a phone call to their family

Answer

Patient complains about the taste of the hospital food

Question 7

A psychiatric technician conducting milieu monitoring notices two patients arguing loudly in the dayroom. The BEST initial intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Calmly approach and verbally redirect both patients to separate areas

Answer

Call a code blue and clear the area of all patients immediately

Answer

Physically separate the patients by force to prevent escalation

Answer

Ignore the argument unless physical contact occurs