ATI RN
Psychiatric Nursing Practice Test Questions with Answer Key PDF Questions
Question 1 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is adhering to the standards of practice. When engaging in clinical decision making, the nurse is integrating which of the following as the foundation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing process. The nursing process is the systematic framework that guides nurses in providing individualized, holistic care. It involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By integrating the nursing process into clinical decision-making, psychiatric-mental health nurses ensure comprehensive and effective care for their patients. Developmental issues (A) are important considerations in mental health nursing but do not serve as the foundation for clinical decision-making. Commitment (C) and accountability (D) are essential traits for nurses but do not directly influence the clinical decision-making process. The nursing process, with its structured approach, serves as the cornerstone for organizing and prioritizing care interventions.
Question 2 of 9
While working in a community mental health treatment center, the nurse overhears one of the receptionists saying that one of the patients is `really psycho. Later in the day, the nurse talks with the receptionist about the comment. This action by the nurse demonstrates an attempt to address which issue?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Public stigma. This is because the nurse is addressing the negative stereotype and discrimination associated with mental health conditions by engaging in a conversation with the receptionist about the derogatory term "psycho." This action aims to challenge and educate the receptionist about the harmful impact of stigmatizing language on individuals with mental health issues. Incorrect choices: A: Lack of knowledge - This choice does not align with the scenario as the nurse is not addressing a lack of knowledge but rather addressing a stigma-related issue. C: Label avoidance - This choice is not relevant to the scenario as the nurse is directly confronting the stigmatizing language used by the receptionist. D: Self-stigma - This choice is not applicable as the scenario involves the nurse addressing the stigma perpetuated by the receptionist, not self-stigma.
Question 3 of 9
A patient is involuntarily committed without a court order. The nurse understands that the emergency short-term hospitalization can occur for which time frame?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B (48 to 92 hours) because emergency short-term hospitalization without a court order typically ranges from 48 to 92 hours. This time frame allows for evaluation and stabilization of the patient's condition. Choice A (A maximum of 24 hours) is incorrect as it may not provide sufficient time for proper assessment and treatment. Choice C (3 to 5 days) and Choice D (One week) are also incorrect as they exceed the usual duration of emergency short-term hospitalization without a court order. Therefore, Choice B is the most appropriate option based on the typical time frame for such emergency commitments.
Question 4 of 9
A female patient was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and in the course of her treatment, it was determined that she was experiencing alcohol dependence because she began experiencing alcohol withdrawal while she was in the hospital. When the psychiatrist who was called in as a consultant documented the patient’s mental disorder, he identified her alcohol dependence on which axis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axis I. Alcohol dependence is classified as a mental disorder and is considered part of Axis I in the DSM-IV-TR system. Axis I includes clinical disorders, such as substance use disorders, that are the primary focus of clinical attention. In this case, the patient's alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms are the main reason for her admission and treatment. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Axis II focuses on personality disorders and mental retardation, which are not the primary concern in this scenario. C: Axis III pertains to general medical conditions that are relevant to the patient's mental health, but not the primary mental disorder itself. D: Axis IV involves psychosocial and environmental stressors, such as life events or problems, which are not the primary focus in this case of alcohol dependence.
Question 5 of 9
A college-aged student and his friend arrive at the student health center. The friend reports that the patient has been having difficulties concentrating, remembering, and thinking. `He’s had quite a few research papers due this past week. After ruling out other problems, the nurse determines that the patient is experiencing a culture-bound syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shenjing shuairo. The given scenario describes symptoms related to cognitive difficulties due to stress from research papers. Shenjing shuairo is a culture-bound syndrome in Chinese culture that manifests as physical and cognitive symptoms due to stress or emotional distress. It aligns with the student's symptoms and stress from academic work. A: Ataque de nervios is a syndrome in Latino cultures characterized by a sudden outburst of emotion, not related to the cognitive difficulties described. B: Brain fog is a general term for cognitive symptoms like memory issues and lack of clarity, not specific to any culture-bound syndrome. C: Mal de ojo is a folk illness in Latino cultures related to the belief in the evil eye, not matching the cognitive symptoms in the scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is adhering to the standards of practice. When engaging in clinical decision making, the nurse is integrating which of the following as the foundation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing process. The nursing process is the systematic framework that guides nurses in providing individualized, holistic care. It involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By integrating the nursing process into clinical decision-making, psychiatric-mental health nurses ensure comprehensive and effective care for their patients. Developmental issues (A) are important considerations in mental health nursing but do not serve as the foundation for clinical decision-making. Commitment (C) and accountability (D) are essential traits for nurses but do not directly influence the clinical decision-making process. The nursing process, with its structured approach, serves as the cornerstone for organizing and prioritizing care interventions.
Question 7 of 9
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about Freud’s personality structure. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify the ability to form mutually satisfying relationships as a function of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The ability to form mutually satisfying relationships is a function of the Ego. The Ego operates based on reality principles and mediates between the demands of the Id and the constraints of the external world. It helps individuals to navigate social interactions and form healthy relationships by balancing instinctual drives with societal norms. Defense mechanisms (choice A) are strategies used by the Ego to manage conflicts between the Id and Superego, not directly related to forming relationships. The Unconscious (choice B) refers to the part of the mind containing thoughts, memories, and desires not currently in awareness. The Id (choice C) represents primal instincts and desires, which are not conducive to forming mutually satisfying relationships.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a male patient who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient’s medical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects a symptom commonly associated with schizophrenia, which is auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). This information is important for monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting treatment plans. Choice A is incorrect because it does not provide any relevant information about the patient's schizophrenia symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as it does not mention any specific symptoms related to schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect as the term "acted crazily" is stigmatizing and unprofessional, and does not provide a clear description of the patient's symptoms.
Question 9 of 9
During an interview, a patient states, `God does not exist for me. The nurse interprets this statement as reflecting which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atheism. This is because atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods. When the patient states "God does not exist for me," it aligns with the definition of atheism. Animism (A) is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Agnosticism (B) is the belief that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable, not a denial of God's existence. Polytheism (D) is the belief in multiple gods, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. In this case, the patient's statement directly corresponds to atheism, making it the correct choice.