ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder but is unconcerned about this problem. Which understanding should guide the nurse's planning for this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (B): 1. Conversion disorder involves physical symptoms without underlying medical cause. 2. The patient's blindness is related to conversion disorder, indicating a psychological origin. 3. Unconcerned attitude suggests relief from anxiety through the physical symptom. 4. Nurse should focus on addressing underlying anxiety to help alleviate the symptom. 5. By addressing anxiety, the patient may experience improvement in the physical symptom. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Incorrect because suppression of accurate feelings is not the primary issue in conversion disorder. C: Incorrect as the blindness is not due to physical impairment of the optic nerve. D: Incorrect assumption as the patient's lack of concern does not imply non-disclosure of fears.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
Which assessment findings support a diagnosis of ODD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the assessment findings of being negative, hostile, and blaming others for misbehavior are characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). These behaviors align with the pattern of defiance and anger seen in individuals with ODD. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the typical symptoms of ODD. Choice B describes symptoms more indicative of Tourette syndrome, choice C describes conduct disorder behaviors, and choice D is more related to anxiety or trauma rather than ODD.
Question 4 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 5 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.