ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which structure will stimulate a response from the autonomic nervous system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary responses like fear reactions. When the person with acrophobia (fear of heights) drives across the high bridge, the hypothalamus will be stimulated to trigger the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response. The thalamus (A) is involved in sensory processing, the parietal lobe (B) in spatial awareness, and the pituitary gland (D) in hormone regulation - none of which directly relate to the autonomic nervous system's response to fear stimuli.
Question 2 of 5
A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain the behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer as it demonstrates rationalization by shifting blame to the provoked person. This deflects responsibility from the abuser's actions by justifying them based on the other person's actions. A admits lack of awareness, B cites personal struggle, and D shows self-awareness, but they do not involve rationalization as in C.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, "Explain that the physical symptoms are related to the psychological state." This intervention helps the patient understand the connection between their physical symptoms and their psychological state, promoting self-awareness and insight. By recognizing this link, the patient can begin to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Choice A is incorrect because intentionally triggering flashbacks can be harmful and retraumatizing for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as encouraging repression of memories can worsen symptoms and hinder the healing process. Choice D is incorrect because supporting "numbing" as a coping mechanism may prevent the patient from processing and addressing underlying issues, leading to long-term negative effects.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with depersonalization disorder tells the nurse, "It's starting again. I feel as though I'm going to float away." Which intervention would be most appropriate at this point?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Engage the patient in a physical activity such as exercise. Physical activity can help ground the patient by redirecting their focus and decreasing feelings of detachment and floating. Exercise releases endorphins which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. A: Notifying the health care provider may be necessary but engaging the patient in physical activity is the immediate priority. C: Isolating the patient may exacerbate feelings of detachment and increase anxiety. D: Administering antianxiety medication may be necessary in some cases, but engaging in physical activity is a non-pharmacological intervention that should be attempted first.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment finding best supports dissociative fugue? The patient states
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because dissociative fugue involves sudden, unexpected travel away from home, with inability to recall one's past and personal identity. Choice A directly relates to memory loss regarding current circumstances, a hallmark feature of dissociative fugue. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the diagnostic criteria of dissociative fugue as they describe different symptoms such as feeling dreamy, experiencing internal conflict within the body, and feeling anxious, respectively.