ATI RN
Assessing Health Behavior Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from a femur fracture sustained in a motor-vehicle crash. Their partner died in the collision. Which of the following client statements would indicate that the client is experiencing avoidance symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B, "I don't want to think or talk about what happened with anyone," indicates the client is experiencing avoidance symptoms. This response aligns with the avoidance symptom criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where individuals actively avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversations associated with the traumatic event. Option A, "I just cannot remember anything about the accident," reflects dissociation, not avoidance. Option C, "I am just so sad. I cannot believe that my partner is gone," demonstrates grief and sadness, not avoidance. Option D, "If I wasn't such a bad person, this never would have happened," suggests guilt, not avoidance. In an educational context, understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses in assessing and providing holistic care for clients recovering from traumatic events. Recognizing avoidance symptoms can guide appropriate interventions and support clients in processing their experiences effectively. It also underscores the importance of assessing mental health alongside physical recovery in nursing practice.
Question 2 of 5
Which principle takes priority for the psychiatric inpatient staff when addressing behavioral crises?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a psychiatric inpatient setting, the principle of resolving behavioral crises using the least restrictive intervention possible takes priority for several important reasons. Firstly, it upholds the ethical principle of beneficence by prioritizing the well-being and autonomy of the individual patient. By choosing the least restrictive intervention, the staff respects the patient's dignity and right to self-determination. Additionally, this approach aligns with the recovery-oriented care philosophy in mental health, which emphasizes empowering individuals to actively participate in their care and decision-making process. By minimizing the use of coercive measures, staff can build trust with patients and foster a therapeutic relationship essential for long-term recovery. On the other hand, options B and C prioritize the collective over individual rights, potentially compromising the therapeutic alliance and patient-centered care. Option D, although advocating for patient autonomy, neglects the responsibility to ensure the safety of all individuals in the unit. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind choosing the least restrictive intervention not only enhances clinical decision-making skills but also reinforces the importance of respecting patients' rights and promoting a recovery-focused approach in psychiatric nursing practice.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse worked with a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who was severely withdrawn and dependent on others. After 3 weeks, the patient did not improve. The nurse is at risk for what emotional response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Guilt and despair. The nurse, after working with a patient with major depressive disorder for 3 weeks without improvement, may start to feel guilty for not being able to help the patient effectively and may experience despair due to the lack of progress despite their efforts. This emotional response is common when healthcare professionals feel personally responsible for a patient's well-being and outcomes. Option A) Overinvolvement is incorrect because the nurse is not showing excessive involvement but rather a lack of improvement in the patient's condition. Option C) Disinterest and apathy is incorrect as it does not reflect the emotional toll of caring for a patient who is not improving. Option D) Ineffectiveness and frustration is incorrect as it does not capture the specific emotional response of guilt and despair that is likely in this situation. From an educational perspective, understanding the emotional responses that healthcare providers may experience when faced with challenging patient situations is crucial for self-awareness, self-care, and effective patient care. It highlights the importance of providing support and resources for nurses to cope with the emotional demands of their profession to prevent burnout and maintain well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. The nurse states, 'I understand you are hearing voices. Can you tell me what they are saying?' Which therapeutic communication technique is the nurse using?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Clarification because the nurse is seeking to obtain more information and a better understanding of the patient's experience by encouraging them to verbalize the content of the auditory hallucinations. This technique helps to clarify the patient's thoughts and feelings, fostering a therapeutic relationship based on trust and empathy. Option B) Reflection involves paraphrasing the patient's words to show understanding and empathy, which is not demonstrated in the given scenario where the nurse is specifically asking for more details about the hallucinations. Option C) Restating involves repeating the main idea expressed by the patient, which is not what the nurse is doing in this situation as she is seeking specific information about the hallucinations. Option D) Focusing involves directing the conversation to a specific topic, which is not the case here as the nurse is aiming to explore the content of the auditory hallucinations. In an educational context, understanding therapeutic communication techniques is crucial for nurses to effectively communicate with patients, especially those with mental health conditions like schizophrenia. By using appropriate techniques like clarification, nurses can build rapport, gather important information, and provide better care for their patients.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Which of the following signs should the nurse assess for in this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of assessing a patient with bulimia nervosa, option C - vomiting, laxative use, and preoccupation with weight, is the correct answer. This is because these signs are characteristic symptoms of bulimia nervosa, including recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Vomiting and laxative use are common purging behaviors in individuals with bulimia nervosa, and a preoccupation with weight is a key psychological aspect of this eating disorder. Option A is incorrect because while low self-esteem and difficulty with impulse control can be present in individuals with bulimia nervosa, they are not specific or defining signs of this disorder. Option B is also incorrect as excessive weight gain and sedentary behavior are more commonly associated with binge eating disorder rather than bulimia nervosa. Option D is incorrect as extreme weight loss and severe food intake restriction are characteristic features of anorexia nervosa, not bulimia nervosa. It is crucial for nurses working in mental health and eating disorder settings to accurately identify the signs and symptoms of different eating disorders to provide appropriate care and support to their patients.