ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse's neighbor says, "I saw a news story about a man without any known illness who died suddenly after his ex-wife committed suicide. Was that a coincidence, or can emotional shock be fatal?" The nurse should respond by noting that some serious medical conditions may be complicated by emotional stress, including (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: cancer. Emotional stress can impact the body's immune system, potentially worsening existing medical conditions like cancer. Stress hormones may also exacerbate inflammation and cell growth in cancer. Hip fractures, hypertension, and immune disorders are not directly affected by emotional stress in the same way as cancer. In summary, emotional stress can have a significant impact on underlying medical conditions, with cancer being particularly susceptible to worsening due to stress.
Question 2 of 5
A woman said, "I can't take anymore! Last year my husband had an affair and now we don't communicate. Three months ago, I found a lump in my breast. Yesterday my daughter said she's quitting college." What is the nurse's priority assessment?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Clarify what the patient means by "I can't take anymore." Rationale: 1. Assessing the patient's statement helps to understand her current emotional state and concerns. 2. It allows the nurse to prioritize the patient's immediate needs and provide appropriate support. 3. Understanding the patient's perceived inability to cope can guide the nurse in addressing her distress effectively. Summary of other choices: A: Improving couple communication is important but not the priority when the patient is expressing overwhelming distress. B: Concerns about a possible mastectomy are valid but not the immediate priority compared to the patient's emotional distress. C: The husband's affair is relevant, but the patient's current emotional state and distress take precedence.
Question 3 of 5
During the initial interview at the crisis center, a patient says, "I've been served with divorce papers. I'm so upset and anxious that I can't think clearly." Which comment should the nurse use to assess personal coping skills?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it directly addresses the patient's past coping mechanisms, providing insight into their ability to manage stress. This question helps the nurse understand the patient's strategies and resources for dealing with challenging situations. By asking about past experiences, the nurse can assess the patient's resilience and adaptive coping skills. Option B focuses on immediate needs and comfort, not on assessing coping skills. Option C explores the patient's current emotional state but doesn't specifically target coping strategies. Option D delves into the marital relationship dynamics, which may not directly assess the patient's personal coping skills in this situation.
Question 4 of 5
A leader plans to start a new self-esteem building group. Which intervention would be most helpful for assuring mutual respect within the group?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because establishing mutual respect as a group norm from the beginning sets clear expectations and encourages all members to uphold it. By emphasizing the importance of respect in the first session, the leader proactively guides the group towards a positive and respectful environment. This approach promotes a shared understanding among all members, fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not focus on proactively establishing mutual respect as a fundamental value within the group. B excludes potential members based on assumptions, which may not align with the goal of building self-esteem. C provides information but does not actively promote respect within the group. D, while addressing disrespectful behavior, does not lay the groundwork for mutual respect as a core principle.
Question 5 of 5
Three members of a therapy group share covert glances as other members of the group describe problems. When one makes a statement that subtly criticizes another speaker, the others nod in agreement. Which group dynamic should the leader suspect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Subgroup formation: The covert glances and subtle criticism indicate a potential subgroup forming within the therapy group. 2. Lack of inclusivity: The behavior suggests that these members are excluding others and forming a separate clique. 3. Disruptive dynamics: Subgroups can disrupt the cohesion and effectiveness of the main group. 4. Nodding in agreement: This behavior reinforces the idea of a separate subgroup agreeing with each other. Summary: B: Disregarding others due to boredom does not explain the specific behaviors observed. C: Frustration with slower members would manifest differently and would not involve covert glances and subtle criticism. D: Ineffectiveness of leadership may contribute to subgroup formation, but it does not directly explain the observed behaviors.