ATI RN
Behavioral Questions for Nurse Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder who is in the manic phase. The patient is exhibiting rapid speech, impulsive behavior, and an inflated sense of self-importance. What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In caring for a patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the manic phase, the priority nursing intervention is to provide a calm and structured environment to limit excessive behavior (Option A). This is crucial because individuals in a manic state may be at risk of harm due to impulsivity and lack of insight into their behaviors. Creating a calm environment helps reduce stimulation and promotes safety. Option B, encouraging social activities, may exacerbate manic symptoms by increasing stimulation and may not address the immediate safety concerns presented by impulsive behaviors. Option C, administering antipsychotic medications, is important in managing bipolar disorder but may not be the immediate priority when the patient's safety and behavior control are at stake. Option D, group therapy, is beneficial for long-term management of bipolar disorder but may not be appropriate during a manic episode when the patient may have difficulty focusing and may pose a risk to themselves or others. Educationally, understanding the priority interventions during different phases of bipolar disorder is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care, promoting patient well-being and minimizing potential risks associated with the condition.
Question 2 of 5
A patient fearfully runs from chair to chair crying, 'They're coming! They're coming!' The patient does not follow the staff's directions or respond to verbal interventions. The initial nursing intervention of highest priority is to
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Safety is of highest priority because the patient experiencing panic is at high risk for self-injury related to increased non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts. Offering an outlet for the patient's energy can occur when the current panic level subsides. Respecting the patient's personal space is a lower priority than safety. Clarification of feelings cannot take place until the level of anxiety is lowered.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, 'My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's had.' This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationalization consists of justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas, actions, or feelings by developing acceptable explanations that satisfy the teller as well as the listener. Denial is an unconscious process that would call for the nurse to ignore the existence of the situation. Projection operates unconsciously and would result in blaming behavior. Compensation would result in the nurse unconsciously attempting to make up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strong point.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse assesses an individual who commonly experiences anxiety. Which comment by this person indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recurring doubt (obsessive thinking) and the need to check (compulsive behavior) suggest obsessive-compulsive disorder. The repetitive behavior is designed to decrease anxiety but fails and must be repeated. Stating 'My legs feel weak most of the time' is more in keeping with a somatic disorder. Being embarrassed to go out in public is associated with an avoidant personality disorder. Reliving a traumatic event is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Question 5 of 5
A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, "If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive." How should the nurse analyze this behavior?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Anger is an expected emotion in an adjustment disorder. When individuals experience a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, they often go through a range of emotions, including anger. This emotional response is a common feature of adjustment disorders, where individuals struggle to cope with the stressor. The woman's anger towards the nurse is a reflection of her emotional turmoil and not necessarily an indication of malpractice, cultural norms, or ambivalence towards her husband. Option A) The comment does not necessarily suggest allegations of malpractice. It is more likely an expression of grief and anger. Option B) While cultural differences in grieving exist, the woman's anger is more likely a result of her emotional response to her loss than a cultural norm. Option D) There is no clear evidence to suggest that the patient had ambivalent feelings about her husband based on the information provided. In an educational context, understanding the complexities of emotional responses to grief and loss is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses. By recognizing that anger can be a normal part of the grieving process, nurses can provide more compassionate and supportive care to individuals experiencing loss and help them navigate their emotions effectively.