ATI RN
Adult Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who presents to an outpatient treatment center seeking help for gambling. After performing an intake assessment, the nurse should identify which of the following statements by the client as a sign of a gambling addiction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, "My wife left me. I lost my job and had to file for bankruptcy," is indicative of a gambling addiction. This response highlights significant negative consequences that directly result from compulsive gambling behavior. These consequences, such as financial ruin and relationship breakdowns, are common in individuals struggling with a gambling addiction. Option A, "I can't sleep at night. I have insomnia," is a non-specific symptom that could be attributed to various conditions and does not directly point to gambling addiction. Option B, "I have had bipolar disorder for over 10 years," refers to a separate mental health condition and is not a specific indicator of gambling addiction. Option C, "My parents are my support system," while providing insight into the client's social support network, does not specifically address the issue of gambling addiction. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction is crucial for nurses in behavioral health settings. By recognizing cues like severe financial losses, relationship problems, and legal issues, nurses can intervene early and provide appropriate support and referrals for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. This knowledge is essential for comprehensive and effective patient care in the field of adult behavioral health nursing.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is being admitted with dementia. The nurse notes that the client has worked as a pest control specialist for the last 20 years. Which of the following types of dementia should the nurse expect the client to be experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Parkinson's disease. The nurse should expect the client to be experiencing Parkinson's disease based on the history of working as a pest control specialist for the last 20 years. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is associated with exposure to certain chemicals, including pesticides. Individuals who have been in occupations involving pesticide exposure, like pest control specialists, have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The other options can be ruled out for the following reasons: A) Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: This type of dementia is not directly linked to pesticide exposure and is more commonly associated with changes in behavior and personality. B) Alzheimer's disease: While Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia in older adults, it is not specifically linked to pesticide exposure. C) Prion disease: Prion diseases are rare and are not typically associated with occupational pesticide exposure. Educationally, understanding the relationship between occupational exposures and specific health conditions is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health. Recognizing the potential impact of environmental factors on health can guide nursing assessments, interventions, and patient education to promote better outcomes for individuals with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness who recently moved to a homeless shelter says, 'My life is out of control. I'm like a leaf at the mercy of the wind.' The nurse formulates the diagnosis Powerlessness. Outcomes will focus on which goal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has identified the diagnosis of Powerlessness in the patient based on the statement made about feeling out of control. The most appropriate goal for this diagnosis is to focus on developing personal autonomy (Option D). By empowering the patient to make decisions and take control of their own life, the nurse can help them regain a sense of self-efficacy and independence. Option A, instilling hope, may be important in the overall care of this patient, but it does not directly address the issue of powerlessness and lack of control that the patient is experiencing. Option B, controlling anxiety, is also important but does not address the core issue of powerlessness. Option C, planning social activities, may be beneficial for the patient's overall well-being, but it does not directly target the issue of powerlessness and lack of control. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind selecting the correct goal is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health settings. It is important for nurses to assess patients holistically and tailor interventions to address the specific needs identified in the nursing diagnosis. Developing personal autonomy can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health and overall well-being, making it a priority in the care plan for individuals experiencing powerlessness.
Question 4 of 5
What action by a nurse constitutes a breach of a patient's right to privacy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, releasing unauthorized information to the patient's employer, constitutes a breach of the patient's right to privacy. This act violates the patient's confidentiality by sharing sensitive healthcare information without proper authorization, which undermines trust in the nurse-patient relationship and can have serious legal and ethical implications. Option A, asking a family to share information about a patient's prehospitalization behavior, may be appropriate if consent is obtained from the patient or if it is necessary for the patient's care. It does not inherently breach privacy if done with proper consent and within legal and ethical boundaries. Option B, discussing the patient's history with other staff members during care planning, is a common practice in healthcare settings to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. As long as the information is shared within the healthcare team for the purpose of providing quality care and is done in a secure and confidential manner, it does not violate privacy rights. Option C, documenting the patient's daily behaviors during hospitalization, is a standard practice in nursing to track and monitor patients' progress, ensure continuity of care, and communicate effectively with the healthcare team. As long as the documentation is kept confidential and only accessed by authorized personnel involved in the patient's care, it does not breach privacy. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand and uphold patients' rights to privacy and confidentiality. Nurses must adhere to legal and ethical standards regarding the handling of patient information to maintain trust, respect patient autonomy, and safeguard sensitive healthcare data. Training on privacy laws, policies, and best practices is essential to ensure nurses protect patient confidentiality and privacy rights in all aspects of care delivery.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. Priority information given to the patient and family should include a directive to do what?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Report increased suicidal thoughts. This is the priority information to give to the patient and family when starting SSRI antidepressant therapy due to the risk of increased suicidal ideation, especially in the early stages of treatment. This is crucial for patient safety and requires immediate attention from healthcare providers. Option A) Avoid exposure to bright sunlight is incorrect as there is no specific correlation between SSRIs and sunlight exposure. Option C) Restrict sodium intake to 1 g daily is irrelevant to SSRI therapy. Option D) Maintain a tyramine-free diet is more relevant to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) rather than SSRIs. In an educational context, understanding the potential side effects and monitoring parameters of antidepressant medications is essential for nurses working in adult behavioral health. Educating patients and families on what to expect and what symptoms to report can help ensure safe and effective treatment outcomes in managing major depressive disorder.