ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive therapy. What is the nurse’s rationale for this procedure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles. During electroconvulsive therapy, muscle relaxants are often used to prevent injury during the seizure. These medications can lead to paralysis of respiratory muscles, causing potential anoxia if oxygen is not administered. Providing pure oxygen ensures adequate oxygenation despite muscle paralysis. Incorrect Choices: A: Preventing increased intracranial pressure is not the primary rationale for administering oxygen during ECT. C: Hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea are potential side effects of ECT itself, but oxygen administration is not primarily to prevent these. D: Oxygen is not administered to prevent a blocked airway but rather to ensure adequate oxygenation during muscle paralysis.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is collecting the paintings from the patients after the art session is over. After art therapy, a patient hands the nurse a paper that consists of several black scribbles. Which statement demonstrates the nurse understands the goals and objectives of the therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and encouragement for the patient to express their feelings. By asking what prompted the artwork, the nurse demonstrates understanding and willingness to explore the patient's emotions. Choice A is judgmental and dismissive, not fostering a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is directive and may pressure the patient. Choice D makes an assumption about the patient's emotions without allowing them to share their perspective.
Question 3 of 9
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which nursing strategies would assist in meeting self-esteem needs of elderly patients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice D is correct: 1. Maslow's hierarchy of needs places self-esteem as a fundamental psychological need. 2. Patient hygiene and dress contribute to self-esteem by promoting a sense of dignity and self-worth. 3. Attending to hygiene and dress before spousal visits shows respect for the patient's self-esteem. 4. This strategy directly addresses the self-esteem needs of elderly patients by enhancing their sense of self-worth and respect. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Providing privacy for spouses does not directly address the patient's self-esteem needs. B: Arranging dining with spouses may enhance social needs but not directly address self-esteem. C: Including patients and spouses in educational sessions may promote social interaction but does not directly target self-esteem needs.
Question 4 of 9
What is the primary reason for the nurse to have an understanding of the various types of activity and adjunct therapies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nurses are expected to encourage patients' involvement in therapies to promote holistic care and enhance patient outcomes. By understanding different types of therapies, nurses can educate and motivate patients to participate actively in their treatment plans. This empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary role of the nurse in this context is to support and advocate for the patients' engagement in therapies, rather than focusing on cost-effectiveness, placement, or support of other team members.
Question 5 of 9
The common element seen in every type of bereavement is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it captures the essence of bereavement - the experience of loss. This choice acknowledges that bereavement involves losing something significant, which is a universal aspect of grieving. Other choices are incorrect - A is not always predictable, C is not always acute depression, and D focuses on a specific aspect of grief rather than the core element of loss. Therefore, B is the most comprehensive and inclusive choice.
Question 6 of 9
A patient begins a new program to assist with building social skills. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item, "Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily"?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Implementation. In the nursing process, implementation involves carrying out the plan of care. Encouraging the patient to attend a psychoeducational group daily is an action that is part of implementing the care plan to improve social skills. This step focuses on putting the plan into action and actively supporting the patient in achieving the desired outcomes. A: Assessment is incorrect because assessment involves collecting data and information about the patient's condition, not actively implementing interventions. C: Analysis is incorrect as it involves interpreting and making sense of the assessment data to identify problems and strengths, not implementing interventions. D: Evaluation is incorrect because it involves assessing the effectiveness of the interventions implemented, not actively carrying out the interventions themselves.
Question 7 of 9
Which physical disturbance is commonly assessed in patients experiencing acute grief?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tightness in the chest. This physical disturbance is commonly associated with acute grief due to the emotional pain experienced. It is a manifestation of the intense feelings of sadness and loss that accompany grief. Tightness in the chest can be a result of the stress response triggered by grief, leading to physical symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Summary: B: Hypersomnia and C: Increased appetite are more commonly associated with conditions like depression, while D: Cardiovascular problems may be a long-term consequence of chronic stress but are not typically assessed as a primary physical disturbance in acute grief.
Question 8 of 9
Which response by the nurse would best assist a patient in de-escalating aggressive behavior?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and shows empathy towards the patient, which can help them feel heard and understood. By inviting the patient to express their feelings and concerns, the nurse can help de-escalate the situation by addressing the underlying issues. Choice B is incorrect because it may come across as confrontational and could further provoke the patient's aggression. Choice C is also incorrect as it threatens the patient with consequences, which can escalate the situation. Choice D is not appropriate as it distracts from addressing the current issue of aggression and may not be well-received by the patient in that moment.
Question 9 of 9
Planning for a patient with Asperger's disorder will be facilitated if the nurse understands that this disorder is different from autism. The nurse will base care on knowledge that Asperger's disorder is characterized by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Age-appropriate language development. Asperger's disorder is characterized by normal to above-average language development, whereas autism typically presents with delays or impairments in language skills. This is important for planning care as it influences communication strategies and interventions for individuals with Asperger's. A: Repetitive patterns of behavior are more indicative of autism, not specific to Asperger's. C: Stereotypic movements and speech patterns are also more associated with autism and not a defining feature of Asperger's. D: Obsession with objects that move in a spinning motion is a specific behavior that may be seen in some individuals with autism, but it is not a defining characteristic of Asperger's disorder.