ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. The patient states, 'I feel so ashamed after I eat.' What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Empathy: By acknowledging the patient's feelings of shame, the nurse validates their emotions and shows understanding. 2. Therapeutic Communication: Expressing empathy creates a supportive environment and encourages the patient to open up about their struggles. 3. Building Trust: Acknowledging the patient's emotions helps in building a trusting nurse-patient relationship, essential for effective care. 4. Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: By stating "we are here to help you," the nurse encourages the patient to seek assistance and engage in treatment. Summary: A: This response oversimplifies the issue and doesn't address the patient's emotional needs. C: Ignoring the patient's feelings and focusing solely on eating habits may be counterproductive. D: This response lacks empathy and fails to provide the necessary support for the patient's emotional well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which structure will stimulate a response from the autonomic nervous system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary responses like fear reactions. When the person with acrophobia (fear of heights) drives across the high bridge, the hypothalamus will be stimulated to trigger the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response. The thalamus (A) is involved in sensory processing, the parietal lobe (B) in spatial awareness, and the pituitary gland (D) in hormone regulation - none of which directly relate to the autonomic nervous system's response to fear stimuli.
Question 3 of 5
A patient in the emergency department shows disorganized behavior and incoherence after a friend suggested a homosexual encounter. In which room should the nurse place the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs. This room provides a private and calm environment for the patient to express themselves openly. It allows for a therapeutic conversation and assessment of the patient's mental status. Choice B is incorrect as it does not provide a suitable environment for patient care or communication. Choice C is more appropriate for a physical examination rather than a mental health assessment. Choice D is not ideal as it may not offer the privacy needed for the patient to discuss sensitive issues.
Question 4 of 5
A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain the behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer as it demonstrates rationalization by shifting blame to the provoked person. This deflects responsibility from the abuser's actions by justifying them based on the other person's actions. A admits lack of awareness, B cites personal struggle, and D shows self-awareness, but they do not involve rationalization as in C.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, "Explain that the physical symptoms are related to the psychological state." This intervention helps the patient understand the connection between their physical symptoms and their psychological state, promoting self-awareness and insight. By recognizing this link, the patient can begin to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Choice A is incorrect because intentionally triggering flashbacks can be harmful and retraumatizing for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging repression of memories can worsen symptoms and hinder the healing process. Choice D is incorrect because supporting "numbing" as a coping mechanism may prevent the patient from processing and addressing underlying issues, leading to long-term negative effects.