ATI RN
Behavioral Questions for Nurse Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient who is visiting the crisis clinic for the first time asks, "How long will I be coming here?" The nurse's reply should consider that the usual duration of crisis intervention is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The disorganization associated with crisis is so distressing that it usually cannot be tolerated for more than 4 to 6 weeks. If it is not resolved by that time, the individual usually adopts dysfunctional behaviors that reduce anxiety without solving the problem. Crisis intervention can shorten the duration.
Question 2 of 5
During a group therapy session, a newly admitted patient suddenly says to the nurse, "How old are you? You seem too young to be leading a group." Select the nurse's most appropriate response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's comment is a test of the leader's competence and authority. The leader should respond in a way that acknowledges the patient's concern while maintaining authority. The correct response does this by making explicit the implied question and inviting further discussion. The other responses either deflect the question or fail to address the patient's concern directly.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses a patient for inclusion in group therapy. This patient has a childhood history of neglect and ridicule by parents. The patient says to the nurse, "My boss always expects more of me than the others, but talking to him would only make it worse." Which type of group would best address the patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral group therapy focuses on specific maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns. Patients often repeat patterns of behavior in a group that they learned in their families. This type of group will afford the patient an opportunity for a corrective recapitulation of the primary family group. The incorrect answers identify groups appropriate for other types of problems.
Question 4 of 5
What is grief?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following are true regarding mental health and mental illness?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: What one society may view as acceptable and appropriate behavior, another society may see that as maladaptive, and inappropriate. Mental health and mental illness are difficult to define precisely. In most cases, mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social wellness evidenced by satisfying interpersonal relationships, effective behavior and coping, positive self-concept, and emotional stability. Persons who engage in fantasies may be mentally healthy, but the inability to distinguish reality from fantasy is an individual factor that may contribute to mental illness.