ATI RN
Behavioral Health Certification for Nurses Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient experiences a sudden episode of severe anxiety. Of these medications in the patient's medical record, which is most appropriate to give as a pm anxiolytic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of behavioral health, the correct answer is B) lorazepam as the most appropriate PM anxiolytic for a patient experiencing a sudden episode of severe anxiety. Lorazepam is a fast-acting benzodiazepine that can provide quick relief in acute anxiety situations. Its rapid onset of action makes it effective in managing severe anxiety symptoms promptly. Option A) buspirone is not the best choice for acute anxiety episodes as it is more suitable for long-term management of anxiety disorders due to its slower onset of action. Options C) amitriptyline and D) desipramine are tricyclic antidepressants that are not typically used as first-line treatments for acute anxiety due to their slower onset of action and potential side effect profiles. Educationally, it is important for nurses to understand the pharmacological properties of different medications used in behavioral health to make informed decisions about their administration based on patient presentation and needs. Proper knowledge of medications like lorazepam helps in providing safe and effective care for patients experiencing acute behavioral health crises.
Question 2 of 5
A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure and called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, "He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention." Select the nurse's best intervention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention for the nurse is option A: Say to the wife, "I understand you are feeling upset. I will stay with you until your family comes." This response demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a commitment to providing emotional support to the grieving wife. Option B is not the best choice as it focuses on providing medical information rather than addressing the wife's emotional needs. Option C may escalate the situation by involving the healthcare provider without addressing the immediate emotional distress of the wife. Option D, while offering physical comfort, lacks verbal acknowledgment of the wife's emotional state and may not effectively address her need for emotional support in this moment of crisis. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of therapeutic communication and empathy in nursing practice, especially in sensitive and emotionally charged situations such as dealing with grief and loss. Nurses must prioritize emotional support and effective communication to build trust and rapport with patients and their families during times of distress. This intervention also aligns with the principles of patient-centered care, which emphasize holistic support for patients and their families.
Question 3 of 5
A soldier returned home from active duty in a combat zone and was diagnosed with PTSD. Which comment by the soldier requires the nurse's immediate attention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response indicates the soldier is thinking about death and feeling survivor's guilt. These emotions may accompany suicidal ideation, which warrants the nurse's follow-up assessment. Suicide is a high risk among military personnel diagnosed with PTSD. One distractor indicates flashbacks, common with persons with PTSD, but not solely indicative that further problems exist. The other distracters are normal emotions associated with returning home and change.
Question 4 of 5
A young adult says, "I was sexually abused by my older brother. During those assaults, I went somewhere else in my mind. I don't remember the details. Now, I often feel numb or unreal in romantic relationships, so I just avoid them." Which disorders should the nurse suspect based on this history? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Acute stress disorder, depersonalization disorder, and PTSD can involve dissociative elements, such as numbing, feeling unreal, and being amnesic for traumatic events. All three disorders are also responses to acute stress or trauma, which has occurred here. The distracters are disorders not evident in this patient's presentation. Generalized anxiety disorder involves extensive worrying that is disproportionate to the stressors or foci of the worrying. Reactive attachment disorder and disinhibited social engagement disorder are problems of childhood.
Question 5 of 5
A patient with fears of serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist. Extensive diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, "My chest is tight, and my heart misses beats. I'm often absent from work. I don't go out much because I need to rest." Which health problem is most likely?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) involves preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease even when evidence to the contrary is available. The preoccupation causes impairment in social or occupational functioning. Somatic symptom disorder involves fewer symptoms. Dysthymic disorder is a disorder of lowered mood. Antisocial disorder applies to a personality disorder in which the individual has little regard for the rights of others. See relationship to audience response question.