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
A nurse is working with a group of older adults attending a seminar on the physical and emotional effects of aging. Which patient statements are good predictors of positive well-being and perceived mortality? (Select all that apply.) “Not having to deal with the stress of any major chronic illnesses.”
Correct Answer: A, C
Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. Statement A indicates a positive attitude towards aging, which is a good predictor of positive well-being. Feeling satisfied with growing older can lead to better emotional health and higher perceived mortality. Statement C suggests that retirement provides opportunities for personal fulfillment, which can contribute to positive well-being. Statements B and D do not directly address attitudes towards aging or well-being, making them less reliable predictors.
Question 3 of 9
Planning safety interventions for a teenager with a history of self-injurious behavior is based on what research-based information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because research indicates that suicides can occur accidentally as a result of self-injurious behaviors. This is known as an unintentional suicide, where the individual did not intend to die but died due to the severity of their self-injurious behavior. This information is crucial for planning safety interventions for the teenager, as it highlights the potential seriousness of self-injury. Choice A is incorrect because research shows that suicidal ideation is not uncommon among teenagers, so it cannot be assumed that they rarely entertain the idea of suicide. Choice B is also incorrect because while self-injury can be a risk factor for future suicidal attempts, it is not always the case. Choice C is relevant but not the most specific to the scenario presented in the question, as it focuses solely on suicidal ideations rather than the potential accidental outcomes of self-injury.
Question 4 of 9
An appropriate intervention for a patient with situational low self-esteem would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because engaging the patient in activities designed to permit success helps boost self-esteem by providing opportunities for achievement. This intervention focuses on building the patient's confidence and self-worth through positive experiences. Choice A is incorrect as it addresses stress relief rather than self-esteem. Choice B is irrelevant as it pertains to hallucinations, not self-esteem. Choice D is also incorrect because while verbalizing feelings is important, it may not directly target the underlying issue of low self-esteem.
Question 5 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 6 of 9
To plan care for a patient with a psychiatric disorder, the nurse keeps in mind that the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assisting the patient in accomplishing the activity. This is because the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is to support and facilitate the patient in engaging in the activity independently. By assisting the patient, the nurse promotes autonomy and empowerment, which are essential for therapeutic outcomes. Summary: - B: Ensuring that the patient will comply with the rules of the activity is incorrect as it focuses on compliance rather than empowering the patient. - C: Ensuring that the patient can accomplish the activity in a timely manner is incorrect as the focus should be on the patient's ability to engage in the activity, not just the speed. - D: Directing and controlling the activities to minimize patient anxiety and confusion is incorrect as it doesn't promote the patient's independence and may reinforce dependency.
Question 7 of 9
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Question 8 of 9
Family and friends rush to offer support to a friend who has lost her teenage son. Which of these persons, through an intended act of kindness, may contribute to prolonging the woman’s grief?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because prescribing antianxiety agents may mask the woman's grief instead of allowing her to process and work through it naturally. This could potentially prolong her grief by avoiding the necessary emotional processing. The other choices, B, C, and D, all involve support that can help the woman cope with her loss in a healthy way. B offers emotional support and companionship, C helps with practical tasks, and D provides assistance in managing practical matters, all of which can facilitate the grieving process rather than prolong it.
Question 9 of 9
When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medications the patient has recently taken. This is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. Step 1: Evaluate recent medication history. Step 2: Identify medications known to cause delirium. Step 3: Determine if the patient has taken any of these medications. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity is more related to neuromuscular conditions. C: Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms is not specific to delirium assessment. D: The patient’s level of motor activity is not a key factor in distinguishing delirium from other problems.