ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient says, 'One result of my chronic stress is that I feel so tired. I usually sleep from 11:00 PM to 6:30 AM. I started setting my alarm to give me an extra 30 minutes of sleep each morning, but I don't feel any better and I'm rushed for work.' Which nursing response would best address the patient's concerns?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Going to bed a half-hour earlier would work better than sleeping later because it can help the patient establish a more consistent sleep schedule and potentially improve the quality of their sleep. By going to bed earlier, the patient may be able to address their chronic fatigue and feel more refreshed in the morning. Choice A is incorrect as suggesting sedatives may not address the underlying issue of poor sleep quality. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol consumption before bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns. Choice D is incorrect as exercising before bedtime may actually stimulate the body and make it harder to fall asleep.
Question 2 of 5
An individual experiences sexual dysfunction and blames it on a partner by calling the person unattractive and unromantic. Which defense mechanism is evident?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rationalization. In this scenario, the individual is justifying their own sexual dysfunction by attributing it to their partner's perceived shortcomings. Rationalization involves creating logical or socially acceptable reasons to justify one's behavior or feelings. In this case, the person is avoiding taking responsibility for their own issues by shifting the blame onto their partner. Incorrect Choices: B: Compensation - This defense mechanism involves making up for a real or perceived deficiency in one area by excelling in another. It does not apply to the situation described. C: Introjection - This involves internalizing external qualities or beliefs of others. It is not demonstrated in the scenario. D: Regression - This defense mechanism involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in response to stress. It is not applicable to the situation where blame is being shifted onto the partner.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.