ATI RN
Psychobiological Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A person is prescribed lorazepam 2 mg PO bid as needed for anxiety. When the person takes this medication, which change in sleep is anticipated? The patient will
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: have less slow-wave sleep. When a person takes lorazepam, a benzodiazepine, it acts on the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. This results in a decrease in slow-wave sleep, which is the deep restorative stage of sleep. Lorazepam can reduce the time spent in this stage and may lead to more fragmented sleep patterns. This change in sleep architecture is a common effect of benzodiazepines. Other choices are incorrect because: A: There is no direct correlation between lorazepam and the frequency of dreams. C: Lorazepam can actually decrease sleep latency, making it easier to fall asleep. D: Lorazepam usually does not affect the initial stages of sleep, such as REM sleep.
Question 2 of 5
A patient reports, Nearly every night I awaken feeling frightened after a bad dream. The dream usually involves being hunted by people trying to hurt me. It usually happens between 4 and 5 AM. The nurse assesses this disorder as most consistent with criteria for which problem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nightmare disorder. This is because the patient describes experiencing frightening dreams that awaken them between 4 and 5 AM, which is characteristic of nightmare disorder. Nightmares are vivid and disturbing dreams that occur during REM sleep, leading to feelings of fear, anxiety, or terror upon waking. The other choices are incorrect because sleep deprivation (A) refers to inadequate quantity or quality of sleep, night terror disorder (C) involves sudden awakening with intense fear and confusion, and REM sleep behavior disorder (D) is characterized by acting out dreams physically during REM sleep.
Question 3 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, Everyone says we should sleep 8 hours a night. I can only sleep 6 hours, no matter how hard I try. Am I doing harm to my body? Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Short sleepers are individuals who naturally require less sleep (around 6 hours) and still function well. By acknowledging the possibility that the patient is a short sleeper, the nurse normalizes the situation and alleviates any concerns about potential harm from only sleeping 6 hours. This response shows understanding and validation of the patient's unique sleep pattern. Choice A focuses on strategies to increase sleep without considering the possibility of being a short sleeper. Choice B implies harm from lack of sleep, which may not apply to short sleepers. Choice C suggests consulting a healthcare provider without considering the individual's natural sleep needs.
Question 4 of 5
A night shift worker reports, I'm having trouble getting to sleep after a night's work. I have a hearty breakfast with coffee, read the paper, do my exercises, and then go to bed. However, I just lie awake until it is nearly time to get up to be with my family for dinner. What changes should the nurse suggest? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drink juice with breakfast rather than coffee. Coffee contains caffeine, which can interfere with sleep. By switching to juice, the night shift worker can avoid the stimulating effects of caffeine and potentially improve their ability to fall asleep. Juice can also provide hydration and essential nutrients without the sleep-disrupting properties of coffee. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: Exercise after awakening rather than before - While exercising before bed can be stimulating and interfere with sleep, exercising after awakening may not directly address the issue of sleeplessness after a night shift. C: Turn on the television when going to bed - Watching TV before bed can be stimulating and disrupt sleep patterns, so this choice would likely not help the night shift worker with their sleep troubles. D: Do not read the paper - Reading the paper before bed may be a relaxing activity for some individuals and may not directly contribute to the difficulty in falling asleep after a night shift. It is not as impactful as changing the source of
Question 5 of 5
A 15-year-old was placed in a residential program after truancy, running away, and an arrest for theft. At the program, the adolescent refused to join in planned activities and pushed a staff member, causing a fall. Which approach by nursing staff will be most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct approach, establishing firm limits (B), is the most therapeutic because it provides structure and consistency for the adolescent's behavior. By setting clear boundaries, the nursing staff creates a safe environment and helps the adolescent understand the consequences of their actions. This approach also promotes accountability and teaches appropriate behavior. Planned ignoring (A) would not be effective in this situation as the behavior exhibited by the adolescent, such as pushing a staff member, requires immediate attention and intervention. Neutrally permitting refusals (C) may result in the adolescent feeling enabled to continue displaying disruptive behavior. Coaxing to gain compliance (D) may not address the underlying issues and could potentially reinforce negative behavior patterns. Thus, establishing firm limits is the most appropriate and therapeutic approach in this scenario.