ATI RN
Psychobiological Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is performing an assessment for a 59-year-old man who has hypertension. What is the rationale for including questions about prescribed medications and their effects on sexual function in the assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Some of the drugs used to treat hypertension can interfere with normal sexual functioning and lead to sexual disorders. Hypertension itself can lead to acquired erectile dysfunction. It would not be appropriate or necessary to use such inquiries as a lead-in to other sexual health topics. Sexual dysfunction, while stressful, does not cause hypertension.
Question 2 of 5
An adult consulted a nurse practitioner because of an inability to achieve orgasm for 2 years, despite having been sexually active. This adult was frustrated and expressed concerns about the relationship with the sexual partner. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this scenario?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient who is experiencing a problem affecting one or more phases of arousal. This is the primary problem reported by this patient. Ineffective sexuality pattern, since it is due to sexual dysfunction, is secondary to the absence of orgasms. The patient has not indicated she does not become aroused, just that she cannot achieve orgasm. Disturbed sensory perception may be part of the etiology, but the problem is sexual dysfunction. There is no evidence of defensive coping.
Question 3 of 5
A man says, I enjoy watching women when I am out in public. I like to go to places where I can observe women crossing their legs in hopes of seeing something good. Which statement about this behavior is most accurate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sexual disorder is defined as an activity that is socially atypical, has the potential to disrupt significant relationships, and may result in insult or injury to others. The behavior described constitutes a sexual disorder (voyeurism). Although laws vary, an act does not have to be illegal to constitute a sexual disorder. The fact that the behavior occurs in a public setting could have a bearing on whether it is illegal, but not on whether it is considered to be a sexual disorder.
Question 4 of 5
An adult seeks treatment for urges involving sexual contact with children. The adult has not acted on these urges but feels shame. Which finding best indicates that this adult is making progress in treatment? The adult:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: One strategy for avoiding acting on inappropriate urges is to avoid environments and circumstances that evoke those urges; for a pedophile this would include avoiding all situations that would likely result in contact with children. Pedophilic disorder is persistent; elimination of fantasies about children would be unrealistic. A person who volunteers to lead a scout troop is placing himself/herself around children. A diminished sex drive or a healthy sex life with an appropriate partner does not necessarily reduce the desire for sexual contact with children.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder 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: Persons with posttraumatic stress disorder often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the body's responses to psychological trauma helps the patient understand how such symptoms are part of the illness and something that will respond to treatment. This decreases powerlessness over the symptoms and helps instill a sense of hope. It also helps the patient to understand how relaxation, breathing exercises, and imagery can be helpful in symptom reduction. The goal of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder is to come to terms with the event so treatment efforts would not include repression of memories or numbing. Triggering flashbacks would increase patient distress.