ATI RN
Behavioral Health Certification for Nurses Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia had an exacerbation related to medication noncompliance and was hospitalized for 5 days. The patients thoughts are now more organized, and discharge is planned. The patients family says, Its too soon for discharge. We will just go through all this again. The nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients do not stay in a hospital until every symptom disappears. The nurse must assume responsibility to advocate for the patients right to the least restrictive setting as soon as the symptoms are under control and for the right of citizens to control health care costs. The health care provider will use the same rationale. Shifting blame will not change the discharge. Security is unnecessary. The nurse can handle this matter.
Question 2 of 5
Which assessment finding for a patient in the community deserves priority intervention by the psychiatric nurse? The patient:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option B - "was absent from two of six planned Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in the past 2 weeks." This finding deserves priority intervention by the psychiatric nurse because it indicates a potential lack of adherence to a crucial aspect of the patient's treatment plan, which could lead to a relapse or deterioration of their condition. Option A, receiving Social Security disability income and a check from a trust fund, although relevant for understanding the patient's financial situation, does not directly indicate a current issue that requires immediate intervention. Option C, living with individuals attending partial hospitalization programs, is important for understanding the patient's environment but does not present an immediate concern that requires priority intervention. Option D, having a sibling recently diagnosed with a mental illness, is significant for understanding family history and potential support needs but does not pose an immediate risk to the patient's current well-being. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and prioritizing assessment findings that directly impact the patient's current health status and treatment adherence in psychiatric nursing practice. It underscores the significance of ongoing monitoring and intervention to prevent relapse and promote positive outcomes for patients with behavioral health issues.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia lives in the community. On a home visit, the community psychiatric nurse case manager learns that the patient: wants to attend an activity group at the mental health outreach center, is worried about being able to pay for the therapy, does not know how to get from home to the outreach center, has an appointment to have blood work at the same time an activity group meets, wants to attend services at a church that is a half-mile from the patients home. Which tasks are part of the role of a community mental health nurse?Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answers reflect the coordinating role of the community psychiatric nurse case manager. Negotiating the cost of therapy and accompanying the patient to church services are interventions the nurse would not be expected to undertake. The patient can walk to the church services; the nurse can provide encouragement.
Question 4 of 5
A Native American patient describes a difficult childhood and dropping out of high school. The patient abused alcohol as a teenager to escape feelings of isolation but stopped 10 years ago. The patient now says,I feel stupid. Ive never had a good job. I dont help my people. Which nursing diagnosis applies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient has given several indications of chronic low self-esteem. Forming a positive self-image is often difficult for Native American individuals because these indigenous people must blend together both American and Native American worldviews. No defining characteristics are present for the other nursing diagnoses.
Question 5 of 5
A white patient of German descent rocks back and forth,grimaces and rubs both temples. What is the nurses best action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This patient of German descent would hold a Western worldview and be stoic about pain. This patient will keep pain as silent as possible and be reluctant to disclose pain unless the nurse actively assesses for it. The patients nonverbal communication suggests pain rather than EPS. The patient would probably not respond positively to prayer or the nurses rocking behavior.