ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse plans a staff education program for employees of a senior living community. Which topic has priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression and suicide are serious concerns for elderly individuals and should be prioritized in education for caregivers to ensure early identification and intervention.
Question 2 of 9
In the elderly, administering medication is a great concern for the nurse since these patients are more prone to side effects. The primary cause of this is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aging causes decreased renal and hepatic function, leading to slower metabolism and clearance of drugs, making older adults more vulnerable to drug toxicity and side effects. Other options, such as accelerated gastrointestinal function, are incorrect as GI motility often slows with age.
Question 3 of 9
Which complaint is representative of anxiety in a 6-year-old child?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children often express anxiety through physical complaints like stomachaches, especially in situations that cause distress or discomfort, such as visiting a noncustodial parent.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse administers ordered preoperative glycopyrrolate (Robinul) 30 minutes prior to a client’s electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedure. What is the rationale for administering this medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Glycopyrrolate is an anticholinergic that reduces salivation and other secretions, which helps to prevent aspiration during ECT, where muscle relaxants are used.
Question 5 of 9
A friend says to a nurse, “I am not going to get vaccines for my baby. I hear that vaccines cause autism.” The nurse’s best reply is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This response provides factual, evidence-based information to address the common misconception linking vaccines to autism. It is clear and reassuring for the parent.
Question 6 of 9
Which response is appropriate when a patient’s mother expresses guilt over causing my child to be schizophrenic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Schizophrenia is primarily linked to biological factors, including genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and brain structure abnormalities. This response helps dispel guilt and provides reassurance to the mother.
Question 7 of 9
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry and states, “It’s not fair! How could he do this to me?” This remark is assessed as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The woman's statement, "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" expresses a sense of anger and injustice over her husband's accidental death. She is questioning why this has happened to her, which suggests feelings of anger and frustration. This expression is not necessarily a plea for help or a manifestation of fear of making decisions alone, but it is a clear display of anger and a sense of unfairness in the situation.
Question 8 of 9
For which patient is the nurse most likely to need to schedule a pre-ECT workup and teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse is most likely to need to schedule a pre-electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) workup and teaching for Patient D, who has depression associated with the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. In such cases, ECT may be considered as a treatment option due to the severity of the depression and the limitations in using other treatments. Before ECT can be initiated in a patient with such complex medical conditions, it is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation and preparation process, which includes obtaining informed consent, assessing the patient's medical history, conducting pre-ECT laboratory tests, and providing patient and family education about the procedure. Given the unique circumstances of Patient D's inoperable brain tumor, the nurse must ensure all necessary steps are taken to ensure the safety and efficacy of ECT as a treatment option.
Question 9 of 9
The community health nurse is visiting a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving since the death of his wife and child over a year ago. Which actions should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the risk of self-directed violence is the priority when dealing with a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may be at an increased risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation. By assessing the risk of self-directed violence first, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Once the risk is assessed and managed, the nurse can then proceed with other interventions such as promoting interaction with others and facilitating the expression of feelings related to the loss.