ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Care Plans Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse introduces the matter of a contract during the first session with a new patient because contracts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In behavioral health nursing care, the use of a contract is essential to establish clear boundaries, roles, and expectations between the nurse and the patient. Option B is correct because contracts in this context spell out the participation and responsibilities of each party, setting the framework for the therapeutic relationship. This helps ensure both parties are clear on their roles, goals, and commitments, enhancing the effectiveness of the care plan. Option A is incorrect because while the contract may outline the nurse's responsibilities, it should also include the patient's roles and expectations. Option C is incorrect as the feeling tone is typically addressed through therapeutic communication techniques rather than a formal contract. Option D is incorrect as a contract in therapeutic relationships is not meant to be binding in a legal sense but rather serves as a guiding document for the therapeutic process. Educationally, understanding the significance of contracts in behavioral health nursing care plans is crucial for students and practitioners alike to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships. It underscores the importance of clear communication, mutual understanding, and ethical practice in providing holistic care to patients.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following activities would be considered nursing care and appropriate to be performed by a basic level nurse for a patient suffering from mental illness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In behavioral health nursing care, it is crucial to differentiate between the scope of practice for different levels of nursing. The correct answer, option B, teaching coping skills for a specific family dynamic, is appropriate for a basic level nurse to perform. This activity falls within the realm of nursing care as it involves educating the patient on practical strategies to manage their condition within their family context. Options A, C, and D are not appropriate for a basic level nurse to perform. Treating major depression (option A) typically involves advanced assessment skills, collaboration with other healthcare professionals, and the prescription of medication - tasks that are beyond the scope of practice for a basic nurse. Conducting psychotherapy (option C) requires specialized training and licensure as a mental health professional. Prescribing antidepressant medication (option D) is a role reserved for advanced practice nurses or physicians with prescribing authority. Educationally, understanding the scope of practice is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care within legal and ethical boundaries. By recognizing what activities are appropriate for their level of training, nurses can deliver quality care while working collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to meet the holistic needs of patients with mental illness.
Question 3 of 5
In an outpatient psychiatric clinic, a nurse notices that a newly admitted young male patient smiles when he sees her. One day the young man tells the nurse, 'You are pretty like my mother.' The nurse recognizes that the male is exhibiting:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Transference. Transference occurs when a patient unconsciously transfers feelings and attitudes from a person or relationship in the past onto the healthcare provider in the present. The patient seeing the nurse as "pretty like my mother" reflects this phenomenon, indicating that the patient is projecting emotions and characteristics onto the nurse based on his past experiences. Option B) Id expression is incorrect because the patient's behavior is not related to expressing primal urges or desires from the unconscious mind. Option C) Countertransference is also incorrect as it refers to the healthcare provider's emotional response to the patient, which is not evident in this scenario. Option D) A cognitive distortion is incorrect as this term pertains to irrational or exaggerated thinking patterns, not the patient's projection of feelings onto the nurse. In an educational context, understanding transference is crucial in psychiatric nursing as it helps nurses recognize and address patients' underlying emotions and needs. By identifying transference, nurses can navigate therapeutic relationships effectively and provide appropriate care to support patients' mental health recovery.
Question 4 of 5
A Gulf War veteran has been homeless since being discharged from military service. He is now diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse practitioner recognizes that assertive community treatment (ACT) is a good option for this patient since ACT provides:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Care for hard-to-engage, seriously ill patients. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a multidisciplinary team approach designed to provide comprehensive and intensive community-based treatment, support, and outreach to individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Option A) Psychiatric home care is not as comprehensive as ACT, which involves a team of professionals providing a range of services beyond just home care. Option C) Outpatient community mental health center care may not be intensive or tailored enough for individuals who are homeless, have severe mental illness, and have difficulty engaging with traditional outpatient services. Option D) A comprehensive emergency service model is focused on immediate crisis intervention rather than the ongoing, intensive support provided by ACT. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the principles and benefits of ACT in providing holistic care for individuals with complex mental health needs, such as homeless veterans with schizophrenia. Recognizing the appropriateness of ACT for this population demonstrates an understanding of evidence-based practices in behavioral health nursing care planning.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is educating a group of clients about addiction. The nurse should include that which of the following factors increases the potential for addiction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of behavioral health nursing care plans, understanding the factors that increase the potential for addiction is crucial for providing effective education and support to clients. Option B, "The developing brain is exposed to substances at an early age," is the correct answer. This is because the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of substances, which can lead to changes in brain chemistry and function, increasing the risk of addiction. Option A, "Medical insurance availability for substance use disorder treatment," is incorrect because while access to treatment is important, it does not directly increase the potential for addiction. In fact, improved access to treatment can help individuals recover from addiction. Option C, "The brain already has cognitive deficits that cause it to be vulnerable to addiction," is also incorrect. While cognitive deficits can impact decision-making and impulse control, they do not necessarily predispose a person to addiction. Option D, "Initial use of substances began in adulthood," is incorrect because the age of onset of substance use alone does not determine the potential for addiction. The key factor is how the substances affect the developing brain, especially during critical periods of growth and development. Educationally, it is important to highlight the impact of early substance exposure on the developing brain to emphasize the need for prevention efforts and early interventions. By understanding these underlying factors, nurses can better support clients in making informed choices and accessing appropriate care for addiction issues.