ATI RN
Assessing Health Behavior Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. The patient states, 'I don't care about food. I'm afraid to eat.' Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is option B: "Let's talk about why you're afraid to eat and how we can help you." This response demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's feelings and offering support to address the underlying issues causing the fear of eating in a patient with anorexia nervosa. Option A is incorrect because it is dismissive of the patient's feelings and lacks empathy, which can further alienate the patient and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Telling the patient they "need to eat" without addressing the underlying fear does not promote trust or collaboration in care. Option C is incorrect as it focuses solely on the physical aspect of eating to regain strength, neglecting the psychological and emotional factors contributing to the patient's fear of food. Recovery from anorexia nervosa requires a holistic approach that considers both physical and mental health aspects. Option D is also incorrect because it disregards the patient's autonomy and places undue pressure by demanding blind trust. Building trust in the therapeutic relationship involves understanding the patient's concerns and working collaboratively towards recovery. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of empathetic and patient-centered communication in nursing care, especially when dealing with complex mental health issues like eating disorders. Nurses must approach patients with empathy, respect, and a willingness to address the underlying emotional issues to provide effective care and support in the recovery process.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse says, 'I am the only one who truly understands this patient. Other staff members are too critical.' The nurse's statement indicates
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When the role of the nurse and the role of the patient shift, boundary blurring may arise. In this situation the nurse is becoming overinvolved with the patient as a probable result of unrecognized countertransference. When boundary issues occur, the need for supervision exists. The situation does not describe sexual harassment. Data are not present to suggest positive regard or advocacy.
Question 3 of 5
The patient says, 'My marriage is just great. My spouse and I always agree.' The nurse observes the patient's foot moving continuously as the patient twirls a shirt button. The conclusion the nurse can draw is that the patient's communication is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's verbal and nonverbal communication in this scenario are incongruous. Incongruous messages involve transmission of conflicting messages by the speaker. The patient's verbal message that all was well in the relationship was modified by the nonverbal behaviors denoting anxiety. Data are not present to support the choice of the verbal message being clear, explicit, or inadequate.
Question 4 of 5
When a female Mexican American patient and a female nurse sit together, the patient often holds the nurse's hand. The patient also links arms with the nurse when they walk. The nurse is uncomfortable with this behavior. Which analysis is most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) The patient is accustomed to touch during conversation, as are members of many Hispanic subcultures. This is the most accurate analysis because different cultures have varying norms around touch and personal space. In many Hispanic subcultures, physical touch is a common form of communication and shows warmth and connection. Option B is incorrect because it assumes the patient is intentionally trying to make the nurse uncomfortable, which is unlikely in a healthcare setting where patients seek care and support. Option C is incorrect as it simplifies the situation to the patient seeking reassurance solely from physical touch, ignoring cultural nuances. Option D is incorrect as it unfairly labels the patient's behavior as manipulative without considering cultural influences. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand and respect cultural differences in patient interactions. By recognizing and acknowledging these differences, nurses can provide more culturally sensitive care, build trust with patients, and enhance the overall quality of care provided.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. The patient states, 'I feel like I am out of control when I eat.' What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario is option B) Explore the patient's feelings about eating and encourage open discussion. This choice is the most suitable because it focuses on addressing the patient's emotional experience and underlying issues contributing to their bulimia nervosa. By exploring the patient's feelings about eating, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into their behavior, identify triggers, and develop healthier coping strategies. Option A is incorrect because simply encouraging the patient to eat less and focus on portion control does not address the root emotional issues related to their eating disorder. This approach may oversimplify the complexity of bulimia nervosa and could potentially exacerbate the patient's feelings of being out of control. Option C is inappropriate as telling the patient to stop purging and engaging in binge eating behaviors without addressing the underlying emotional factors can be counterproductive and may lead to increased shame and guilt in the patient. Option D, providing the patient with a structured meal plan and monitoring eating behaviors, while important in the treatment of eating disorders, may not be as effective initially without first addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of the patient's condition. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the multifaceted nature of eating disorders like bulimia nervosa. Effective care involves not only addressing the physical aspects but also the emotional and psychological components. Open communication, empathy, and a holistic approach are essential in supporting patients on their journey towards recovery.