ATI RN
Behavioral Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient states, "I feel detached and weird all the time. It is as though I am looking at life through a cloudy window. Everything seems unreal. It really messes up things at work and school." This scenario is most suggestive of which health problem?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depersonalization disorder involves a persistent or recurrent experience of feeling detached from and outside oneself. Although reality testing is intact, the experience causes significant impairment in social or occupational functioning and distress to the individual. Dissociative amnesia involves memory loss. Children with disinhibited social engagement disorder demonstrate no normal fear of strangers and are unusually willing to go off with strangers. Individuals with ASD (Acute Stress Disorder) experience three or more dissociative symptoms associated with a traumatic event, such as a subjective sense of numbing, detachment, or absence of emotional responsiveness; a reduction in awareness of surroundings; derealization; depersonalization or dissociative amnesia. In the scenario, the patient experiences only one symptom.
Question 2 of 5
Which prescription medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Various types of antidepressants may be helpful in somatic disorders not only directly by reducing depressive symptoms and hence somatic responses, but also indirectly by affecting nerve circuits that affect not only mood but also fatigue, pain perception, GI distress, and other somatic symptoms. Patients may benefit from short-term use of antianxiety medication (benzodiazepines) but require careful monitoring because of risks of dependence. Conventional antipsychotic medications would not be used, although selected atypical antipsychotics may be useful. Narcotic analgesics are not indicated.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with conversion (functional neurological) disorder. Which comment is most likely from this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with conversion (functional neurological) disorder demonstrate a lack of concern regarding the seriousness of symptoms. This lack of concern is termed la belle indifference. There is also a specific, identifiable cause for the development of the symptoms; in this instance, the death of a parent would precipitate stress. The distracters relate to sexual dysfunction and illness anxiety disorder.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "Why has God chosen me to be sick all the time and unable to provide for my family? The burden on my family is worse than the pain I bear." Which nursing diagnoses apply to this patient? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis for the patient in this scenario is A) Spiritual distress. This diagnosis is appropriate because the patient is expressing feelings of questioning their faith and purpose in relation to their illness, indicating a spiritual struggle. This diagnosis focuses on the patient's beliefs and values, and the impact of these on their health and well-being. Option B) Decisional conflict is not the most appropriate choice in this case because the patient is not expressing uncertainty or indecision regarding treatment options or choices related to their care. Option C) Adult failure to thrive is not the best fit as this diagnosis typically refers to a decline in physical, emotional, or cognitive function that impacts a person's ability to meet basic needs, rather than a spiritual or existential struggle. Option D) Impaired social interaction does not align with the patient's statement about feeling burdened by their illness and its impact on their family. This diagnosis would be more relevant if the patient exhibited difficulties in engaging with others or maintaining relationships due to their condition. In an educational context, understanding and applying the correct nursing diagnosis is crucial for providing holistic care to patients. By selecting the appropriate diagnosis, nurses can address the patient's spiritual needs and provide support in a way that is meaningful and therapeutic. This case highlights the importance of considering the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a patient's experience in addition to their physical symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
An adolescent was recently diagnosed with ODD. The parents say to the nurse, "Isn't there some medication that will help with this problem?" Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The parents are seeking a quick solution. Medications are generally not indicated for ODD. Comorbid conditions that increase defiant symptoms, such as ADHD, should be managed with medication, but no comorbid problem is identified in the question. The nurse should give information on helpful strategies to manage the adolescent's behavior.