ATI RN
Adult Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who is experiencing panic level anxiety. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a client experiencing panic-level anxiety, the nurse should expect all of the following findings: depersonalization, hyperventilation, and tachycardia. Depersonalization is a common symptom in individuals experiencing severe anxiety, where they may feel detached from themselves or their surroundings. Hyperventilation is a physiological response to anxiety where rapid breathing can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and tingling sensations. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is another common manifestation of anxiety, as the body's fight-or-flight response is activated. Choosing option D as the correct answer is supported by the fact that all of these findings are commonly associated with panic-level anxiety. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent individual symptoms that are typically seen in individuals experiencing panic attacks, but they do not encompass the full range of expected findings in this situation. In an educational context, understanding the comprehensive set of symptoms associated with panic-level anxiety is crucial for nurses working in behavioral health settings. Recognizing and managing these symptoms effectively can improve patient outcomes and facilitate a therapeutic environment for individuals experiencing acute anxiety episodes.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who presents to an outpatient treatment center seeking help for gambling. After performing an intake assessment, the nurse should identify which of the following statements by the client as a sign of a gambling addiction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, option D, "My wife left me. I lost my job and had to file for bankruptcy," is indicative of a gambling addiction. This response highlights significant negative consequences that directly result from compulsive gambling behavior. These consequences, such as financial ruin and relationship breakdowns, are common in individuals struggling with a gambling addiction. Option A, "I can't sleep at night. I have insomnia," is a non-specific symptom that could be attributed to various conditions and does not directly point to gambling addiction. Option B, "I have had bipolar disorder for over 10 years," refers to a separate mental health condition and is not a specific indicator of gambling addiction. Option C, "My parents are my support system," while providing insight into the client's social support network, does not specifically address the issue of gambling addiction. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of gambling addiction is crucial for nurses in behavioral health settings. By recognizing cues like severe financial losses, relationship problems, and legal issues, nurses can intervene early and provide appropriate support and referrals for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. This knowledge is essential for comprehensive and effective patient care in the field of adult behavioral health nursing.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.