ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The patient reports feeling nervous and anxious most of the time. Which of the following is the priority nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety. Addressing the patient's anxiety is the priority to promote comfort and well-being. Choice A (Risk for injury) is not the priority because there is no indication of immediate physical harm. Choice C (Ineffective coping) may be relevant but addressing the anxiety itself takes precedence. Choice D (Imbalanced nutrition) is not the priority as it does not address the patient's immediate emotional distress.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is having difficulty making a decision. The nurse has mixed feelings about whether to provide advice. Which principle usually applies? Giving advice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: giving advice is rarely helpful. Providing unsolicited advice can undermine the patient's autonomy and decision-making process. It is important for the nurse to support the patient in exploring their options and making their own informed decisions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because giving advice does not necessarily foster independence, lift the burden of personal decision-making, or help the patient develop feelings of personal adequacy. Rather, it can limit the patient's ability to think critically and make their own choices.
Question 3 of 5
A recent immigrant from Honduras comes to the clinic with a family member who has been a U.S. resident for 10 years. The family member says, 'The immigration to America has been very difficult.' Considering cultural background, which expression of stress by this patient would the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Somatic complaints. In many Latin American cultures, individuals may express emotional distress through physical symptoms due to cultural beliefs and practices. This phenomenon is known as somatization. The patient from Honduras is likely to present with physical complaints as a way of expressing their emotional stress, as discussing mental health openly may be stigmatized in their culture. In contrast, options A, C, and D are less likely as they do not align as closely with cultural patterns of stress expression in this context. Motor restlessness, memory deficiencies, and sensory perceptual alterations are not typically associated with stress expression in this cultural background.
Question 4 of 5
A patient says, 'One result of my chronic stress is that I feel so tired. I usually sleep from 11:00 PM to 6:30 AM. I started setting my alarm to give me an extra 30 minutes of sleep each morning, but I don't feel any better and I'm rushed for work.' Which nursing response would best address the patient's concerns?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Going to bed a half-hour earlier would work better than sleeping later because it can help the patient establish a more consistent sleep schedule and potentially improve the quality of their sleep. By going to bed earlier, the patient may be able to address their chronic fatigue and feel more refreshed in the morning. Choice A is incorrect as suggesting sedatives may not address the underlying issue of poor sleep quality. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol consumption before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. Choice D is incorrect as exercising before bedtime may actually stimulate the body and make it harder to fall asleep.
Question 5 of 5
A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because presenting the information again in a calm manner using simple language is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with moderate anxiety who is unable to understand preoperative information. This approach helps to address the patient's anxiety by providing clear and concise information in a way that is easier for them to comprehend. Reassuring the patient about postoperative care (choice A) does not directly address the patient's current state of anxiety and lack of understanding. Telling the patient that staff is prepared to promote recovery (choice C) does not provide the necessary information for the patient to understand the upcoming surgery. Encouraging the patient to express feelings to family (choice D) may be beneficial but does not address the main issue of the patient's inability to understand preoperative information.