ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient is having difficulty maintaining focus during conversations and displays incoherent speech. Which of the following symptoms is the patient exhibiting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loose associations. The patient's incoherent speech and difficulty maintaining focus during conversations are indicative of loose associations, a common symptom of schizophrenia. In loose associations, the patient's thoughts are not logically connected, leading to disjointed and illogical speech patterns. Neologisms (A) are newly created words, alogia (B) is poverty of speech, and echolalia (C) is the repetition of another person's words or phrases, none of which match the symptoms described.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which of the following should the nurse reinforce as an important goal of CBT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. In CBT for anxiety disorders, the main goal is to challenge and modify distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. By identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to respond to situations in a more adaptive and less anxiety-provoking way. This approach helps to break the cycle of anxiety and improve coping skills. Choices A and D are incorrect because avoiding stress or accepting anxiety as inevitable do not address the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to anxiety. Choice B is also incorrect as gaining insight into unconscious causes is more aligned with psychodynamic therapy rather than CBT, which focuses on changing current thoughts and behaviors.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting delusional thinking. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because distracting the patient and providing non-judgmental communication can help prevent escalating the delusions. Agreeing with the delusions (A) can reinforce them. Telling the patient their delusions are false (B) may cause distress. Encouraging the patient to confront their delusions (D) could lead to increased anxiety and distrust. Thus, C is the most appropriate approach to maintain a therapeutic relationship while keeping the patient safe.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I don't feel anything anymore. I don't care about anything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hopelessness. The patient's statement reflects a sense of despair and lack of interest, which aligns with the defining characteristics of hopelessness in major depressive disorder. The patient expressing not feeling anything and lacking care indicates a deep sense of hopelessness. Impaired social interaction (B) does not capture the core issue of hopelessness presented by the patient. Risk for self-directed violence (C) is not supported by the patient's statement, as there is no indication of self-harm. Powerlessness (D) does not fully encompass the patient's emotional state of hopelessness.
Question 5 of 5
Which statement made by a patient during an initial assessment interview should serve as the priority focus for the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it indicates a potential serious mental health issue that requires immediate attention. Hearing evil voices commanding harmful actions may suggest psychosis or schizophrenia, posing a risk to the patient and others. This statement highlights the need for a thorough psychiatric evaluation and appropriate intervention. Choices A, B, and C are less concerning and do not pose an immediate threat, focusing on trust issues or perceptions of luck and relationships. Therefore, addressing the patient's hallucinations should be the priority focus for the plan of care.