ATI RN
Behavioral Questions for Nurse Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, 'My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's had.' This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationalization consists of justifying illogical or unreasonable ideas, actions, or feelings by developing acceptable explanations that satisfy the teller as well as the listener. 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 2 of 5
A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, "If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive." How should the nurse analyze this behavior?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Anger is an expected emotion in an adjustment disorder. When individuals experience a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, they often go through a range of emotions, including anger. This emotional response is a common feature of adjustment disorders, where individuals struggle to cope with the stressor. The woman's anger towards the nurse is a reflection of her emotional turmoil and not necessarily an indication of malpractice, cultural norms, or ambivalence towards her husband. Option A) The comment does not necessarily suggest allegations of malpractice. It is more likely an expression of grief and anger. Option B) While cultural differences in grieving exist, the woman's anger is more likely a result of her emotional response to her loss than a cultural norm. Option D) There is no clear evidence to suggest that the patient had ambivalent feelings about her husband based on the information provided. In an educational context, understanding the complexities of emotional responses to grief and loss is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially nurses. By recognizing that anger can be a normal part of the grieving process, nurses can provide more compassionate and supportive care to individuals experiencing loss and help them navigate their emotions effectively.
Question 3 of 5
A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone. The soldier is diagnosed with PTSD. The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) depression. When a soldier returns from active duty in a combat zone and is diagnosed with PTSD, the nurse's highest priority is to screen for depression because PTSD and depression commonly co-occur. Depression is a common mental health issue among individuals with PTSD due to the traumatic experiences they have faced. Screening for depression is crucial as it can significantly impact the soldier's overall well-being and quality of life. Option A) bipolar disorder and option B) schizophrenia are not the highest priority in this scenario because PTSD is more commonly associated with depression than these disorders. Bipolar disorder involves mood swings between mania and depression, while schizophrenia involves a distorted perception of reality. These conditions are not the primary concerns when a soldier with PTSD is being screened. Option D) dementia is also not the highest priority for screening in this case. Dementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a decline in memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is not typically associated with PTSD in returning soldiers from combat zones. In an educational context, understanding the importance of screening for comorbid conditions like depression in individuals with PTSD is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals working with this population. By recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health conditions, nurses can provide comprehensive care and support to help improve the outcomes and well-being of their patients.
Question 4 of 5
Select the correct etiology to complete this nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder. Disturbed personal identity related to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D: cognitive distortions associated with unresolved childhood abuse issues. This option aligns with the etiology of disturbed personal identity commonly seen in individuals with dissociative identity disorder. Option A, obsessive fears of harming self or others, is more indicative of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder rather than dissociative identity disorder. Option B, poor impulse control and lack of self-confidence, is more aligned with impulse control disorders or personality disorders rather than dissociative identity disorder. Option C, depressed mood secondary to nightmares and intrusive thoughts, is more characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder or mood disorders, not dissociative identity disorder. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind selecting the correct etiology for a nursing diagnosis is crucial for nurses caring for patients with complex mental health conditions. By differentiating between various etiologies, nurses can provide targeted and effective interventions to address the specific needs of individuals with dissociative identity disorder. This knowledge enhances the quality of care and promotes better patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
To assist patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, nursing interventions of high priority
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Shifting the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings or to neutral topics conveys interest in the patient as a person rather than as a condition. The need to gain attention with the use of symptoms is reduced over the long term. A desired outcome would be that the patient would express feelings, including anger if it is present. Once physical symptoms are investigated, they do not need to be reinvestigated each time the patient reports them.