ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient asks the nurse manager to help resolve a situation between her and another patient. Which action would best support the patient’s feelings of safety when experimenting with new ways of being?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Offering to be present and help the patient discuss her feelings about the incident with the other patient would best support the patient’s feelings of safety when experimenting with new ways of being. This option encourages open communication between the two patients in a safe and mediated environment. It allows the patient to express her feelings assertively while feeling supported by the nurse manager. Mediation can help both patients understand each other's perspectives, resolve conflicts, and potentially prevent similar incidents in the future. Ultimately, this approach empowers the patient to address the situation directly while providing a sense of safety and support.
Question 2 of 9
A 34-year-old male with catatonic schizophrenia has been mute and motionless for several days. Which nursing intervention would be an initial priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Building trust and rapport is essential when working with patients in a catatonic or withdrawn state.
Question 3 of 9
The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. What is the nurse’s next action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When goals are partially met, the plan of care should be re-evaluated, and adjustments should be made to interventions or timelines.
Question 4 of 9
A 19-year-old patient with undifferentiated schizophrenia is acutely psychotic. The nurse assesses the primary deficit as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acute psychosis primarily affects thought processes, evidenced by delusions or disorganized thinking.
Question 5 of 9
The treatment team was engaged in planning how group therapy could be included as a part of the structured daily activities of the unit. A new team member asked, “Why is it so important to include group therapy for the patients?” The most accurate response would be based on the assumption that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Group therapy is important because psychopathology often has its roots in disordered relationships. Many mental health issues are influenced by one's interactions with others, whether it be issues with communication, trust, boundaries, or other relational dynamics. Group therapy provides a structured environment where patients can explore and work through these relational difficulties with the support and feedback of peers. By addressing these relational patterns in a group setting, patients can gain insight into their behavior and develop healthier ways of relating to others. This can be a valuable component of their overall treatment plan and can help facilitate lasting change and growth.
Question 6 of 9
An advance directive gives legally binding direction for health care interventions when a patient:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An advance directive is used when a patient is unable to make their own healthcare decisions, typically due to a serious illness or injury. This legal document outlines the patient’s wishes for treatment and care.
Question 7 of 9
Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient who insists on being called "Your Highness" and demonstrates loosely associated thoughts?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: nsisting on being called "Your Highness" and demonstrating loose associations suggests a disturbance in thought processing typical of schizophrenia.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
A patient returned from attending the service memorializing his wife, who died after a sudden illness. Although those around him were visibly saddened, he smiled and remained in control. He refused support from friends, stating, “I can handle anything that comes my way.” The patient’s behavior is an example of grief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's behavior of smiling and remaining in control while refusing support from friends, despite attending a service memorializing his wife's death, is indicative of distorted grief. In distorted grief, individuals may show seemingly inappropriate reactions or behaviors that do not align with the typical grieving process. The patient's avoidance of accepting support and expression of excessive self-reliance in the face of a significant loss suggest a distorted way of coping with grief. In normal grief, individuals may experience a range of emotions and accept support from others as they navigate through the grieving process.