ATI RN
Aggressive Behavior Nursing Diagnosis Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse leads a psychoeducational group for patients experiencing depression. The nurse plans to implement an exercise regime for each patient. The rationale to use when presenting this plan to the treatment team is that exercise
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) has an antidepressant effect comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Exercise has been well-documented to have a positive impact on mental health, particularly in reducing symptoms of depression. Engaging in physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. This effect is comparable to the action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. Option B) prevents damage from overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, while relevant to the benefits of exercise, does not directly address the antidepressant effect seen in patients with depression. Option C) detoxifies the body by removing metabolic wastes and other toxins is not directly related to the impact of exercise on depression and mental health. Option D) improves mood stability for patients with bipolar disorders, although exercise can have positive effects on mood stability, this option specifically focuses on bipolar disorder which is not the primary condition being addressed in patients experiencing depression in the given scenario. In an educational context, understanding the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise can empower healthcare professionals to incorporate holistic approaches in patient care, especially in managing mental health conditions like depression. By recognizing the antidepressant effects of exercise, nurses can advocate for evidence-based interventions that complement traditional treatment modalities, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with an abdominal mass is scheduled for a biopsy. The patient has difficulty understanding the nurse's comments and asks, 'What do you mean? What are they going to do?' Assessment findings include tremulous voice, respirations 28, and pulse 110. What is the patient's level of anxiety?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Moderate anxiety causes the individual to grasp less information and reduces problem-solving ability to a less-than-optimal level. Mild anxiety heightens attention and enhances problem solving. Severe anxiety causes great reduction in the perceptual field. Panic-level anxiety results in disorganized behavior.
Question 3 of 5
A person speaking about a rival for a significant other's affection says in an emotional, syrupy voice, 'What a lovely person. That's someone I simply adore.' The individual is demonstrating
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reaction formation is an unconscious mechanism that keeps unacceptable feelings out of awareness by using the opposite behavior. Instead of expressing hatred for the other person, the individual gives praise. Denial operates unconsciously to allow an anxiety-producing idea, feeling, or situation to be ignored. Projection involves unconsciously disowning an unacceptable idea, feeling, or behavior by attributing it to another. Repression involves unconsciously placing an idea, feeling, or event out of awareness.
Question 4 of 5
A patient performs ritualistic hand washing. Which action should the nurse implement to help the patient develop more effective coping?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of managing aggressive behavior related to ritualistic hand washing, encouraging the patient to participate in social activities (Option B) is the most appropriate action to help the patient develop more effective coping mechanisms. Encouraging social activities helps the patient to engage in meaningful interactions, improve social skills, reduce isolation, and shift focus away from the compulsive behavior of hand washing. Social engagement can provide emotional support, distraction, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial in managing anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Option A, allowing the patient to set a hand-washing schedule, may reinforce the compulsive behavior rather than addressing the underlying issues causing the behavior. Option C, encouraging the patient to discuss hand-washing routines, may not actively involve the patient in alternative coping strategies. Option D, focusing on the patient's symptoms rather than the patient, neglects the holistic approach needed to address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the behavior. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind choosing social activities as an intervention can help nurses develop a comprehensive care plan for patients exhibiting aggressive behaviors. By prioritizing social engagement and exploring alternative coping mechanisms, nurses can better support patients in managing their symptoms and improving their overall well-being.
Question 5 of 5
Which scenario demonstrates a dissociative fugue?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient in a dissociative fugue state relocates and lacks recall of his life before the fugue began. Often fugue states follow traumatic experiences and sometimes involve assuming a new identity. Such persons at some point find themselves in their new surroundings, unable to recall who they are or how they got there. A feeling of detachment from one's body or from the external reality is an indication of depersonalization disorder. Losing track of several minutes when highly anxious is not an indication of a dissociative disorder and is common in states of elevated anxiety. Finding evidence of having bought clothes or gone to restaurants without any explanation for these is suggestive of dissociative identity disorder, particularly when periods are "lost" to the patient (blackouts).