ATI RN
Adult Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who has been brought to the inpatient mental health unit by law enforcement officers after becoming aggressive in a local bar. The nurse should identify that this finding is consistent with which of the following disorders?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Antisocial personality disorder. The aggressive behavior exhibited by the client in the bar, leading to involvement of law enforcement, aligns with the key characteristics of antisocial personality disorder, such as impulsivity, aggression, and disregard for social norms and the rights of others. Option A) Borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, often leading to impulsive actions in a state of emotional dysregulation. This disorder is not typically associated with the level of aggression described in the scenario. Option B) Narcissistic personality disorder involves a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. While individuals with this disorder may display arrogance and a sense of entitlement, it is not typically associated with the level of aggression described. Option C) Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. While individuals with this disorder may seek attention in social situations, it is not typically associated with the level of aggression described in the scenario. Understanding the distinctions between these personality disorders is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health settings. Recognizing the specific behaviors and characteristics associated with each disorder helps nurses tailor their care interventions effectively to meet the unique needs of clients with different personality disorders. In this case, identifying the client's behavior as consistent with antisocial personality disorder guides the nurse in developing a care plan focused on managing aggression, promoting safety, and setting clear boundaries.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is educating a client who is undergoing treatment for maintaining alcohol abstinence about their prescriptions. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of their prescriptions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A: "I know I will be taking naltrexone in accordance with my provider's instructions to help me avoid using alcohol." This statement demonstrates an understanding of the purpose of naltrexone in alcohol abstinence treatment. Naltrexone is used to reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, thus supporting the client in maintaining abstinence. Option B is incorrect because benzodiazepines (benzos) are not typically used to treat alcohol use disorder. In fact, misuse of benzos can be harmful, especially when combined with alcohol. Option C is incorrect because it suggests the medication will help the client reduce consumption to 2 drinks a day, which is not the goal of medications used for alcohol abstinence. The aim is usually complete abstinence. Option D is incorrect because it misrepresents the use of disulfiram. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed, so the goal is complete abstinence from alcohol rather than limiting drinks. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to ensure clients understand the purpose of their medications in alcohol abstinence treatment to promote adherence and positive outcomes. Providing accurate information and clarifying misconceptions can support clients in their recovery journey.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is being admitted with dementia. The nurse notes that the client has worked as a pest control specialist for the last 20 years. Which of the following types of dementia should the nurse expect the client to be experiencing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Parkinson's disease. The nurse should expect the client to be experiencing Parkinson's disease based on the history of working as a pest control specialist for the last 20 years. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and is associated with exposure to certain chemicals, including pesticides. Individuals who have been in occupations involving pesticide exposure, like pest control specialists, have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The other options can be ruled out for the following reasons: A) Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: This type of dementia is not directly linked to pesticide exposure and is more commonly associated with changes in behavior and personality. B) Alzheimer's disease: While Alzheimer's disease is a common cause of dementia in older adults, it is not specifically linked to pesticide exposure. C) Prion disease: Prion diseases are rare and are not typically associated with occupational pesticide exposure. Educationally, understanding the relationship between occupational exposures and specific health conditions is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health. Recognizing the potential impact of environmental factors on health can guide nursing assessments, interventions, and patient education to promote better outcomes for individuals with dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness who recently moved to a homeless shelter says, 'My life is out of control. I'm like a leaf at the mercy of the wind.' The nurse formulates the diagnosis Powerlessness. Outcomes will focus on which goal?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has identified the diagnosis of Powerlessness in the patient based on the statement made about feeling out of control. The most appropriate goal for this diagnosis is to focus on developing personal autonomy (Option D). By empowering the patient to make decisions and take control of their own life, the nurse can help them regain a sense of self-efficacy and independence. Option A, instilling hope, may be important in the overall care of this patient, but it does not directly address the issue of powerlessness and lack of control that the patient is experiencing. Option B, controlling anxiety, is also important but does not address the core issue of powerlessness. Option C, planning social activities, may be beneficial for the patient's overall well-being, but it does not directly target the issue of powerlessness and lack of control. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind selecting the correct goal is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health settings. It is important for nurses to assess patients holistically and tailor interventions to address the specific needs identified in the nursing diagnosis. Developing personal autonomy can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health and overall well-being, making it a priority in the care plan for individuals experiencing powerlessness.
Question 5 of 5
What action by a nurse constitutes a breach of a patient's right to privacy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, releasing unauthorized information to the patient's employer, constitutes a breach of the patient's right to privacy. This act violates the patient's confidentiality by sharing sensitive healthcare information without proper authorization, which undermines trust in the nurse-patient relationship and can have serious legal and ethical implications. Option A, asking a family to share information about a patient's prehospitalization behavior, may be appropriate if consent is obtained from the patient or if it is necessary for the patient's care. It does not inherently breach privacy if done with proper consent and within legal and ethical boundaries. Option B, discussing the patient's history with other staff members during care planning, is a common practice in healthcare settings to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care. As long as the information is shared within the healthcare team for the purpose of providing quality care and is done in a secure and confidential manner, it does not violate privacy rights. Option C, documenting the patient's daily behaviors during hospitalization, is a standard practice in nursing to track and monitor patients' progress, ensure continuity of care, and communicate effectively with the healthcare team. As long as the documentation is kept confidential and only accessed by authorized personnel involved in the patient's care, it does not breach privacy. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand and uphold patients' rights to privacy and confidentiality. Nurses must adhere to legal and ethical standards regarding the handling of patient information to maintain trust, respect patient autonomy, and safeguard sensitive healthcare data. Training on privacy laws, policies, and best practices is essential to ensure nurses protect patient confidentiality and privacy rights in all aspects of care delivery.