ATI RN
Psychobiological Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 15-year-old was placed in a residential program after truancy, running away, and an arrest for theft. At the program, the adolescent refused to join in planned activities and pushed a staff member, causing a fall. Which approach by nursing staff will be most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach, establishing firm limits (B), is the most therapeutic because it provides structure and consistency for the adolescent's behavior. By setting clear boundaries, the nursing staff creates a safe environment and helps the adolescent understand the consequences of their actions. This approach also promotes accountability and teaches appropriate behavior. Planned ignoring (A) would not be effective in this situation as the behavior exhibited by the adolescent, such as pushing a staff member, requires immediate attention and intervention. Neutrally permitting refusals (C) may result in the adolescent feeling enabled to continue displaying disruptive behavior. Coaxing to gain compliance (D) may not address the underlying issues and could potentially reinforce negative behavior patterns. Thus, establishing firm limits is the most appropriate and therapeutic approach in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A child known as the neighborhood bully says, 'Nobody can tell me what to do.' After receiving a poor grade on a science project, this child secretly loaded a virus on the teacher's computer. These behaviors support a diagnosis of
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder). This diagnosis fits because the child's behavior demonstrates a pattern of defiance, hostility, and disregard for authority figures. Loading a virus on the teacher's computer is a deliberate act of defiance, and the statement "Nobody can tell me what to do" reflects a persistent pattern of oppositional behavior. Summary: A: CD (Conduct Disorder) involves more severe and persistent antisocial behaviors, such as aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, and serious rule violations. C: Intermittent Explosive Disorder involves sudden and intense outbursts of aggression that are out of proportion to the stressor. D: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, but does not fully explain the deliberate and calculated behavior displayed by the child in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
An adolescent diagnosed with CD has aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms. The treatment team believes this adolescent may benefit from medication. The nurse anticipates the health care provider will prescribe which type of medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Second-generation antipsychotic. For a patient with CD exhibiting aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms, second-generation antipsychotics are often prescribed due to their efficacy in managing these symptoms. These medications help regulate dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, addressing the behavioral and emotional issues commonly seen in CD. Antianxiety medications (B) primarily target anxiety symptoms and may not adequately address the other symptoms present. Calcium channel blockers (C) are typically used for hypertension and heart conditions, not for CD symptoms. β-blockers (D) are more commonly used for conditions like hypertension and performance anxiety, and are not typically indicated for the symptoms associated with CD.
Question 4 of 5
A highly agitated client paces the unit and states, 'I could buy and sell this place.' The client's mood fluctuates from fits of laughter to outbursts of anger. Which is the most accurate documentation of this client's behavior?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client's behavior of being agitated, pacing, and expressing grandiosity aligns with symptoms of mania. The mood lability also reflects the client's fluctuating moods. Choice A is incorrect as it does not mention the presence of grandiosity or pacing. Choice B is incorrect because euthymic mood does not match the described behavior. Choice C is incorrect because delusions of reference are not mentioned, and hyperactivity alone does not fully capture the client's behavior.
Question 5 of 5
A client diagnosed with bipolar I disorder: manic episode refuses to take lithium carbonate because he complains that it makes him feel sick. Which of the following medications might be alternatively prescribed for mood stabilization in bipolar disorders?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Valproic acid (Depakote). Valproic acid is a mood stabilizer commonly used in bipolar disorder. It helps control manic episodes and can be an alternative to lithium. Valproic acid works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, stabilizing mood. Sertraline (A) and Paroxetine (D) are antidepressants, which can worsen manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Trazodone (C) is primarily used for treating depression and insomnia, not for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder.