ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who expresses a desire to commit suicide. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that the patient is in a safe environment and is not alone. This is the first intervention that should be implemented because safety is the top priority when a patient expresses suicidal ideation. Ensuring the patient is in a safe environment and not alone helps prevent immediate harm. Providing a quiet space (A) may not address the safety concern. Discussing feelings (C) and engaging in physical activity (D) can be important interventions, but safety must be addressed first.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is beginning psychopharmacology therapy. Which of the following medications is considered first-line treatment for symptoms of PTSD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sertraline. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used as first-line treatment for PTSD due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. It helps stabilize mood and improve overall functioning in individuals with PTSD. Olanzapine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are antipsychotic medications primarily used for psychotic disorders, not first-line treatments for PTSD. Prazosin (D) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances in PTSD but is not considered first-line treatment for overall PTSD symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which of the following should the nurse reinforce as an important goal of CBT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. In CBT for anxiety disorders, the main goal is to challenge and modify distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. By identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to respond to situations in a more adaptive and less anxiety-provoking way. This approach helps to break the cycle of anxiety and improve coping skills. Choices A and D are incorrect because avoiding stress or accepting anxiety as inevitable do not address the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to anxiety. Choice B is also incorrect as gaining insight into unconscious causes is more aligned with psychodynamic therapy rather than CBT, which focuses on changing current thoughts and behaviors.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The patient states, 'I don't feel anything anymore. I don't care about anything.' Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hopelessness. The patient's statement reflects a sense of despair and lack of interest, which aligns with the defining characteristics of hopelessness in major depressive disorder. The patient expressing not feeling anything and lacking care indicates a deep sense of hopelessness. Impaired social interaction (B) does not capture the core issue of hopelessness presented by the patient. Risk for self-directed violence (C) is not supported by the patient's statement, as there is no indication of self-harm. Powerlessness (D) does not fully encompass the patient's emotional state of hopelessness.