ATI RN
Psychobiological Disorder Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, I feel undone. An appropriate response for the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increased anxiety results in scattered thoughts and an inability to articulate clearly. Clarifying helps the patient identify thoughts and feelings. Asking the patient why he or she feels anxious is non-therapeutic; the patient likely does not have an answer. The patient may be unable to determine what he or she would like the nurse to do in order to help. Telling the patient to get his or her feelings under control is a directive the patient is probably unable to accomplish.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse assesses a patient with a tentative diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, My new friend is the most perfect person one could imagine: kind, considerate, and good-looking. I cant find a single flaw. This patient is demonstrating:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Idealization is an unconscious process that occurs when the individual attributes exaggerated positive qualities to another. Denial is an unconscious process that would call for the nurse to ignore the existence of the situation. Projection operates unconsciously and would result in blaming behavior. Compensation would result in the nurse unconsciously attempting to make up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strong point.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persons with posttraumatic stress disorder often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the body's responses to psychological trauma helps the patient understand how such symptoms are part of the illness and something that will respond to treatment. This decreases powerlessness over the symptoms and helps instill a sense of hope. It also helps the patient to understand how relaxation, breathing exercises, and imagery can be helpful in symptom reduction. The goal of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder is to come to terms with the event so treatment efforts would not include repression of memories or numbing. Triggering flashbacks would increase patient distress.
Question 5 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: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.