ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because presenting the information again in a calm manner using simple language is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with moderate anxiety who is unable to understand preoperative information. This approach helps to address the patient's anxiety by providing clear and concise information in a way that is easier for them to comprehend. Reassuring the patient about postoperative care (choice A) does not directly address the patient's current state of anxiety and lack of understanding. Telling the patient that staff is prepared to promote recovery (choice C) does not provide the necessary information for the patient to understand the upcoming surgery. Encouraging the patient to express feelings to family (choice D) may be beneficial but does not address the main issue of the patient's inability to understand preoperative information.
Question 2 of 5
For a patient experiencing panic, which nursing intervention should be implemented first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, providing calm, brief, directive communication, as it is the most immediate and effective intervention to address the patient's panic. This approach helps to quickly establish rapport, provide reassurance, and guide the patient towards a sense of control. Teaching relaxation techniques (A) may be helpful, but it is not the first priority in a crisis situation. Administering an anxiolytic medication (B) should only be done if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider and is not the initial nursing intervention. Preparing to implement physical controls (C) may be important for safety, but it is not the first step in managing panic.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse who is counseling a patient with dissociative identity disorder should understand that the assessment of highest priority is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: risk for self-harm. This is the highest priority because individuals with dissociative identity disorder may experience suicidal ideation or engage in self-harming behaviors. Assessing for self-harm risk allows for immediate intervention to ensure the patient's safety. Summary of other choices: B: Cognitive function - While important, assessing cognitive function is not the highest priority compared to ensuring the patient's safety from self-harm. C: Memory impairment - Although memory impairment is common in dissociative identity disorder, it is not as urgent as addressing the risk of self-harm. D: Condition of self-esteem - While self-esteem may be a factor in the patient's well-being, addressing self-harm risk takes precedence in ensuring immediate safety.
Question 4 of 5
A soldier in a combat zone tells the nurse, "I saw a child get blown up over a year ago, and I still keep seeing bits of flesh everywhere. I see something red, and the visions race back to my mind." Which phenomenon associated with PTSD is the soldier describing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reexperiencing. The soldier's description aligns with the reexperiencing symptom of PTSD, where traumatic memories intrude into consciousness causing distress. This is evident as the soldier vividly recalls the traumatic event and experiences flashbacks triggered by red objects. Hyperarousal (B) involves heightened sensitivity to potential threats, not the vivid recall of traumatic events. Avoidance (C) refers to efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, which is not the case here. Psychosis (D) involves a loss of touch with reality, such as hallucinations or delusions, which are not described in the scenario. In summary, the soldier's experience of intrusive memories and flashbacks corresponds to the reexperiencing symptom of PTSD.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment data would help the health care team distinguish symptoms of conversion (functional neurological) disorder from symptoms of illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: - Choice B is correct as the style of presentation can help differentiate between conversion disorder (physical symptoms unconsciously manifested) and illness anxiety disorder (excessive health concerns). - Choice A (voluntary control) is incorrect as both conditions involve involuntary symptoms. - Choice C (diagnostic testing) is not definitive for differentiation as both disorders can have normal test results. - Choice D (secondary gains) is not specific to differentiating symptoms but rather focuses on potential motivations.