ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 10 : The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Process Questions
Question 1 of 5
After teaching a group of nursing students about milieu therapy, the instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a key concept of milieu therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Milieu therapy emphasizes a therapeutic environment with structured interaction (
A), open communication (
B), and validation (
C) to promote healing. De-escalation (
D) is a specific intervention, not a core concept of milieu therapy, indicating a need for further review.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient?s immediate and short-term memory. Which of the following would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Testing immediate and short-term memory involves recalling information after a brief delay. Giving three words to recite now and in 5 minutes assesses both immediate recall and short-term memory. Past events test long-term memory, scenarios test judgment, and orientation tests cognitive status.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following questions would be most helpful in beginning an initial assessment interview for a patient who has just been admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The initial assessment interview aims to establish rapport and understand the patient?s primary reason for admission. Asking 'What brings you into the hospital today?' is open-ended, patient-centered, and elicits the patient?s perception of their problem, setting the stage for further assessment. Previous admissions, suicidal thoughts, and relationships are important but secondary to understanding the current reason for admission.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is being admitted to the psychiatric unit. While explaining his reason for seeking admission, he describes how his 32-year-old son recently died of a heart attack. Which response by the nurse would enhance the effectiveness of this interview?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A therapeutic response acknowledges the patient?s emotions and fosters rapport. 'This must be a very difficult time for you' reflects empathy and encourages further sharing. Options A and B shift focus to others, and option D involves inappropriate self-disclosure, which may detract from the patient?s needs.
Question 5 of 5
A patient was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt made after his daughter was killed in an automobile accident during which he had been driving and survived with only minor injuries. Even though the accident was unavoidable, he feels responsible. During the assessment interview, the patient begins to describe the last conversation he had with his daughter before he lost control of the automobile. As he speaks about his daughter, his voice trembles, and a silent tear rolls down his face. He makes a visible attempt to straighten up and smiles superficially at the nurse, stating, 'I?ll get over this. I just need to keep a stiff upper lip. I think all I need to do is stay overnight. I?ll be as good as new by tomorrow.' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient?s statement reflects minimization or denial of his emotional distress and suicide attempt. Using reflection, 'As good as new?' prompts the patient to explore his feelings further without judgment. Option A shifts focus prematurely, option B reinforces denial, and option D is confrontational, potentially shutting down communication.