ATI RN
Theory of Health Behavior Change Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client slammed a door on the unit several times. The nurse responds, "You seem angry." The client states, "I'm not angry." What therapeutic communication technique has the nurse employed and what defense mechanism is the client unconsciously demonstrating?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verbalizing the implied and the defense mechanism of denial. 1. Verbalizing the implied: The nurse is reflecting the underlying emotion by stating "You seem angry," encouraging the client to explore their feelings. 2. Defense mechanism of denial: The client's statement "I'm not angry" is a form of denial, where they are unconsciously rejecting their true emotions. Summary: A: Making observations does not involve reflecting underlying emotions. Suppression involves consciously pushing down emotions, not the case here. C: Reflection involves mirroring the client's feelings, not stating an assumption. Projection is when one attributes their emotions to others. D: Encouraging descriptions of perceptions is not the same as verbalizing the implied. Displacement involves redirecting emotions to a less threatening target.
Question 2 of 5
A Chinese American patient diagnosed with an anxiety disorder says, "My problems began when my energy became imbalanced." The nurse asks for the patient's ideas about how to treat the imbalance. Which comment would the nurse expect from this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it reflects the patient's belief in traditional Chinese medicine, which focuses on balancing the body's energy or Qi through special foods like herbal remedies. This aligns with the patient's perspective on energy imbalance. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests a Western medical approach involving medication, which may not resonate with the patient's cultural beliefs. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a support group approach, which may not address the patient's specific cultural beliefs about energy imbalance. Choice D is incorrect as it involves a native healer and ceremony, which may not be in line with the patient's Chinese cultural beliefs about energy imbalance. Ultimately, choice A is the most culturally sensitive and aligned with the patient's beliefs.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse cares for a first-generation American whose family emigrated from Germany. Which worldview about the source of knowledge would this patient likely have?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals from a German cultural background often value and prioritize scientific evidence and rational thinking in acquiring knowledge. Germans have a strong tradition of scientific achievements and emphasis on logic and empirical evidence. This worldview aligns with the belief that science is the foundation of knowledge and provides tangible proof of existence. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A: Knowledge acquired through affective senses is more subjective and based on personal feelings, which does not align with the German cultural emphasis on empirical evidence. C: Striving for transcendence of mind and body is more associated with Eastern philosophies like Buddhism or Hinduism, not typical of German cultural perspectives. D: The idea of knowledge evolving from a relationship with a supreme being is more aligned with religious beliefs, which may not necessarily reflect the worldview of a first-generation German-American who values scientific evidence and rational thinking.
Question 4 of 5
Which adult client should the nurse recognize as exhibiting the characteristics of a dependent personality disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because a dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior. The client living with parents and relying on public transportation demonstrates an inability to function independently and relies on others for basic needs. Choice A focuses on social needs being met through pets, not necessarily dependence on others for care. Choice B mentions intense relationships, but not necessarily dependence for basic needs. Choice D describes characteristics more aligned with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, not dependent personality disorder.
Question 5 of 5
Which nursing intervention is most appropriate when caring for a client diagnosed with BPD using a behavioral approach?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using a behavioral approach involves reinforcing positive behaviors. By contracting with the client to reinforce positive behaviors with unit privileges, it encourages the client to continue displaying appropriate behaviors. Secluding the client (choice A) may worsen feelings of abandonment, teaching about medications (choice C) may not directly address behavioral issues, and journaling (choice D) may not focus on reinforcing positive behaviors. Overall, choice B aligns best with the principles of behavioral interventions for BPD.