ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. The patient reports feeling anxious about everything, even small tasks. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Anxiety. This nursing diagnosis is the most appropriate because the patient is experiencing excessive worry and fear, which aligns with the defining characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder. Impaired social interaction (A) is not the best choice as the patient's primary concern is anxiety, not social interaction. Ineffective coping (B) may be a result of anxiety but does not address the primary issue. Disturbed thought processes (C) typically involves alterations in cognitive processes, which are not described in the scenario.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I don't see the point in anything anymore. I just want to give up.' What is the priority nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assessing the patient's suicidal thoughts and plan is the priority in this situation to ensure patient safety. By asking about suicidal ideation, the nurse can determine the level of risk and take appropriate actions to prevent self-harm. Choice B is incorrect as encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings is important but not the priority when immediate safety is at stake. Choice C is incorrect as simply reassuring the patient without assessing their suicidal ideation can be dangerous if the patient is at high risk of self-harm. Choice D is also incorrect as providing positive affirmations and support may not address the underlying risk of suicidal ideation.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse wants to enhance growth of a patient by showing positive regard. The nurse's action most likely to achieve this goal is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because staying with a tearful patient demonstrates empathy and emotional support, fostering a therapeutic relationship that can enhance growth. This action shows the patient that their feelings are valid and valued, promoting trust and openness. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the emotional needs of the patient or show positive regard, which is essential for growth in this context. Making rounds daily focuses on tasks, administering medication is necessary but not directly related to emotional support, and examining personal feelings about a patient is more reflective than actively showing support.