ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is beginning psychopharmacology therapy. Which of the following medications is considered first-line treatment for symptoms of PTSD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sertraline. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used as first-line treatment for PTSD due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. It helps stabilize mood and improve overall functioning in individuals with PTSD. Olanzapine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are antipsychotic medications primarily used for psychotic disorders, not first-line treatments for PTSD. Prazosin (D) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances in PTSD but is not considered first-line treatment for overall PTSD symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting delusional thinking. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because distracting the patient and providing non-judgmental communication can help prevent escalating the delusions. Agreeing with the delusions (A) can reinforce them. Telling the patient their delusions are false (B) may cause distress. Encouraging the patient to confront their delusions (D) could lead to increased anxiety and distrust. Thus, C is the most appropriate approach to maintain a therapeutic relationship while keeping the patient safe.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I don't feel anything anymore. I don't care about anything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hopelessness. The patient's statement reflects a sense of despair and lack of interest, which aligns with the defining characteristics of hopelessness in major depressive disorder. The patient expressing not feeling anything and lacking care indicates a deep sense of hopelessness. Impaired social interaction (B) does not capture the core issue of hopelessness presented by the patient. Risk for self-directed violence (C) is not supported by the patient's statement, as there is no indication of self-harm. Powerlessness (D) does not fully encompass the patient's emotional state of hopelessness.
Question 4 of 5
Which statement made by a patient during an initial assessment interview should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it indicates a potential serious mental health issue that requires immediate attention. Hearing evil voices commanding harmful actions may suggest psychosis or schizophrenia, posing a risk to the patient and others. This statement highlights the need for a thorough psychiatric evaluation and appropriate intervention. Choices A, B, and C are less concerning and do not pose an immediate threat, focusing on trust issues or perceptions of luck and relationships. Therefore, addressing the patient's hallucinations should be the priority focus for the plan of care.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The patient reports feeling anxious about everything, even small tasks. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Anxiety. This nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate because the patient is experiencing excessive worry and fear, which aligns with the defining characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder. Impaired social interaction (A) is not the best choice as the patient's primary concern is anxiety, not social interaction. Ineffective coping (B) may be a result of anxiety but does not address the primary issue. Disturbed thought processes (C) typically involves alterations in cognitive processes, which are not described in the scenario.