ATI RN
Theory of Health Behavior Change Questions
Question 1 of 5
A college student decides to go to a party the night before a major exam instead of studying. After receiving a low score on the exam, the student tells a fellow student, 'I have to work too much and don't have time to study. It wouldn't matter anyway because the teacher is so unreasonable.' The defense mechanisms the student is using are
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When stating that it wouldn't matter if the student studied, the student is using rationalization, which is excusing own behavior to avoid guilt, responsibility, conflict, anxiety, or loss of self-respect. When stating that the teacher is unreasonable, the student is using projection or the unconscious blaming of unacceptable inclinations or thoughts as an external object. Denial is the failure to acknowledge an unbearable condition. Displacement is the ventilation of intense feelings toward persons less threatening than the one who aroused those feelings. Reaction formation is acting the opposite of what one thinks or feels. Resistance is overt or covert antagonism toward remembering or processing anxiety-producing information. Regression is moving back to a previous developmental stage to feel safe or have needs met. Compensation is overachievement in one area to offset real or perceived deficiencies in another area.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assisting a patient who is working on the technique of systematic desensitization. When the patient feels anxious, the nurse can best use the principles of this technique by stating,
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Systematic desensitization can be used to help clients overcome irrational fears and anxiety associated with phobias. The client learns and practices relaxation techniques to decrease and manage anxiety. He or she is then exposed to the least anxiety provoking situation and uses the relaxation techniques to manage the resulting anxiety. Confronting irrational thoughts is part of rational emotive therapy. Encouraging expression of feelings is associated with gestalt therapy.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with depression is admitted to an inpatient hospital unit for treatment. The type of therapy most likely provided in this setting includes
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A typical psychiatric unit emphasizes talk therapy, or one-on-one interactions between residents and staff, and milieu therapy, meaning the total environment and its effect on the client's treatment. Partial hospitalization programs teach skills for daily living. Clubhouse models provide patients opportunities for leisure activities and self-monitoring of treatment.
Question 4 of 5
The primary goal of a psychiatric rehabilitation program is to promote
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Psychiatric rehabilitation goes beyond management of symptoms and medication management to include personal growth, reintegration into the community, empowerment, increased independence, and improved quality of life. It is not a goal of psychiatric rehabilitation to return to the prior level of functioning that may have been dysfunctional. It may not be realistic for the client to completely recover from mental illness, but rehabilitation can improve the quality of life for the client.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been started on antidepressants. The interdisciplinary team member most responsible for monitoring effectiveness and side effects of this new medication is the
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse is also an essential team member in evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatment, particularly medications. The pharmacist has a working knowledge of medications but has limited contact with the patient. The primary function of the psychiatrist is diagnosis of mental disorders and prescription of medical treatments. The clinical psychologist practices therapy.