ATI RN
Behavioral Questions for Nurse Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team working with groups of depressed patients. Half the patients receive supportive interventions and antidepressant medication. The other half receives only medication. The team measures outcomes for each group. Which type of study is evident?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clinical epidemiology is a broad field that addresses studies of the natural history (or what happens if there is no treatment and the problem is left to run its course) of an illness, studies of diagnostic screening tests, and observational and experimental studies of interventions used to treat people with the illness or symptoms. Prevalence refers to numbers of new cases. Co-morbidity refers to having more than one mental disorder at a time. Incidence refers to the number of new cases of mental disorders in a healthy population within a given period.
Question 2 of 5
Which patient would be most appropriate to refer for assertive community treatment (ACT)? A patient diagnosed with:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is option D) schizophrenia and four hospitalizations in the past year. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a specialized service delivery model designed for individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia. This option is the most appropriate for referral to ACT because the patient's diagnosis of schizophrenia and frequent hospitalizations indicate a need for intensive, community-based support to manage their complex mental health needs. Option A) a phobic fear of crowded places, is not typically a criterion for referral to ACT. Phobias, while distressing, do not generally require the level of intensive, multidisciplinary support that ACT provides. Option B) a single episode of major depression, may benefit from outpatient therapy or medication management but does not meet the criteria for ACT, which is designed for individuals with more chronic and severe mental health conditions. Option C) a catastrophic reaction to a tornado in the community, may require short-term crisis intervention and support services, but this does not necessarily indicate a need for the ongoing, intensive support provided by ACT. Educationally, understanding the criteria for referral to specialized mental health services like ACT is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who are often involved in coordinating care for patients with complex mental health needs. Knowing when to refer a patient to more intensive services can help ensure they receive the appropriate level of care and support for their specific diagnosis and circumstances.
Question 3 of 5
A health care provider prescribed depot injections every 3 weeks at the clinic for a patient with a history of medication noncompliance. For this plan to be successful, which factor will be of critical importance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ability of the patient to get to the clinic is of paramount importance to the success of the plan. The depot medication relieves the patient of the necessity to take medication daily, but if he or she does not receive the injection at 3-week intervals, non-adherence will again be the issue. Attitude toward the patient, trusting relationships, and nutrition are important but not fundamental to this particular problem.
Question 4 of 5
A person in the community asks, 'People with mental illnesses went to state hospitals in earlier times. Why has that changed?' Select the nurses accurate responses.Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The community is a less restrictive alternative than hospitals for treatment of persons with mental illness. Funding for treatment of mental illness remains largely inadequate but now focuses on community rather than institutional care. Antipsychotic medications improve more symptoms of mental illness; hence, management of psychiatric disorders has improved. Rates of mental illness have increased, not decreased. Hospitals were closed because funding shifted to the community. Conditions in institutions have improved.
Question 5 of 5
A Native American patient sadly describes a difficult childhood. The patient abused alcohol as a teenager but stopped 10 years ago. The patient now says,I feel stupid and good for nothing. I dont help my people. How should the treatment team focus planning for this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Native Americans, because of their beliefs in the interrelatedness of parts and about being in harmony with nature, respond best to a holistic approach. No data are present to support dual diagnosis, because the patient has resolved the problem of excessive alcohol use. Psychopharmacological and somatic therapies may be part of the treatment, but the focus should be more holistic. Psychoanalysis is a long-term expensive therapy; cognitive therapy might be a better choice.