ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has experienced abuse and neglect since early childhood. The nurse should understand that this is an example of which of the following types of trauma?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Chronic trauma refers to repeated exposure to traumatic events over a prolonged period, such as ongoing abuse and neglect in this case. Step 2: The adolescent has experienced abuse and neglect since early childhood, indicating a long-term and persistent traumatic experience. Step 3: Vicarious trauma involves indirect exposure to trauma through witnessing or hearing about others' experiences. Step 4: Acute trauma refers to a single traumatic event with immediate impact, not a prolonged pattern like chronic trauma. Step 5: Historical trauma relates to collective trauma experienced by a group over generations, not an individual's ongoing abuse and neglect. Summary: Choice C is correct because it best describes the repeated and prolonged nature of the adolescent's traumatic experiences, while the other choices do not align with the specific circumstances presented.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following signs should the nurse monitor for in this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severe weight loss and restriction of food intake. In anorexia nervosa, patients typically exhibit extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restriction of food intake resulting in significant weight loss. Monitoring for this sign is crucial to assess the severity of the disorder and plan appropriate interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Extreme weight gain and bloating - This is not indicative of anorexia nervosa as patients with this disorder typically experience significant weight loss. B: Excessive exercise and compulsive eating - While excessive exercise can be a symptom of anorexia nervosa, compulsive eating is more commonly associated with binge eating disorder. D: Binge eating followed by purging behaviors - This pattern of behavior is characteristic of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting negative symptoms such as lack of motivation and limited speech. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing structure and clear instructions helps manage negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Structure can help the patient overcome lack of motivation and limited speech by providing a framework for engagement. Clear instructions offer guidance and reduce confusion. Encouraging social activities (A) may overwhelm the patient. Frequent reassurance (C) may not address the core issue. Telling the patient to try harder (D) can increase stress and worsen symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis is C: Risk for suicide. This is the priority because the patient is experiencing suicidal ideation, indicating an immediate threat to their safety. Addressing this risk is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Option A is incorrect as weight gain is not the priority when compared to suicidal ideation. Option B is incorrect as low self-esteem, while important, is not as urgent as the risk of suicide. Option D, hopelessness, is also important but addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence.
Question 5 of 5
An adolescent asks a nurse conducting an assessment interview, 'Why should I tell you anything? You'll just tell my parents whatever you find out.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the importance of confidentiality regarding the adolescent's feelings while also highlighting the necessity of reporting certain critical issues like suicidal thoughts to ensure the adolescent's safety. This response respects the adolescent's privacy while prioritizing their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that everything is held in strict confidence, which may not be the case for issues like suicidal thoughts. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the adolescent's concerns about privacy and may deter them from being open during the assessment. Choice D is incorrect as it makes assumptions about the adolescent's readiness without addressing their specific concerns about confidentiality.