ATI RN
Behavioral Questions for Nurse Questions
Question 1 of 5
A school nurse is planning a presentation about identifying potential warning signs of suicide for high school students. Which of the following examples of behaviors should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option D: Displaying extreme mood swings. This behavior is a potential warning sign of suicide because extreme mood swings, especially sudden shifts from extreme sadness to extreme calmness, can indicate an individual struggling with significant emotional distress. Option A, seeking a tutor for help with a challenging class, is a healthy and proactive behavior that shows a student's willingness to seek academic support. While academic struggles can contribute to stress, it is not typically a direct warning sign of suicide. Option B, volunteering at a homeless shelter, demonstrates empathy and community involvement. Engaging in volunteer work is generally a positive behavior that promotes social connection and a sense of purpose, factors that can actually protect against suicide. Option C, making plans to go to a high school dance, is a typical social activity for high school students. While changes in social behavior can sometimes be linked to mental health issues, simply attending a dance is not a specific warning sign of suicide. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses and educators to be able to identify potential warning signs of suicide in students. By recognizing behaviors such as extreme mood swings, professionals can intervene early and connect students to appropriate support services to prevent tragic outcomes. Providing this knowledge equips school staff to create a safe and supportive environment for students' mental health and well-being.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The patient states, 'I keep having flashbacks to the accident, and I can't stop thinking about it.' Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention (Option C) for the nurse to prioritize is assisting the patient in developing coping strategies for managing flashbacks. This is crucial in helping the patient learn effective ways to deal with the distressing symptoms of PTSD. By teaching the patient coping mechanisms such as grounding techniques, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices, the nurse empowers the patient to regain a sense of control over their experiences. Option A, encouraging the patient to talk about the trauma and relive the experience, could potentially retraumatize the patient and exacerbate their symptoms. Patients with PTSD may not be ready or able to recount traumatic events, and pushing them to do so can be harmful. Option B, providing education on the effects of PTSD, is important but may not be the most immediate priority in this situation. While education is valuable, addressing the patient's current distress should take precedence. Option D, reassuring the patient that the flashbacks will stop on their own over time, oversimplifies the complexities of PTSD and may give false hope. Effective management of PTSD requires active coping strategies and support, rather than passive waiting for symptoms to resolve on their own. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing coping strategies for managing flashbacks in patients with PTSD highlights the importance of patient-centered care, trauma-informed practice, and evidence-based interventions in nursing practice. By focusing on empowering patients with practical tools to manage their symptoms, nurses can make a significant positive impact on the well-being and recovery of individuals with PTSD.
Question 3 of 5
Before assessing a new patient, a nurse is told by another health care worker, 'I know that patient. No matter how hard we work, there isn't much improvement by the time of discharge.' The nurse's responsibility is to
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option B - assess the patient based on data collected from all sources. This option aligns with the nursing principle of conducting a comprehensive assessment to form an independent, evidence-based judgment of the patient's condition. By gathering information from various sources, including direct observation and patient history, the nurse can make a thorough evaluation and develop an individualized care plan. Option A is incorrect because simply documenting another worker's assessment without conducting an independent evaluation does not fulfill the nurse's duty to assess the patient themselves. Option C is incorrect as it suggests relying on a third party rather than directly assessing the patient. Option D is also incorrect as discussing the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview may bias the nurse's evaluation. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of critical thinking and independent decision-making in nursing practice. Nurses must rely on their own assessments and interpretations of patient data to provide safe and effective care. Gathering information from multiple sources ensures a holistic understanding of the patient's needs and guides appropriate interventions.
Question 4 of 5
At what point in an assessment interview would a nurse ask, 'How does your faith help you in stressful situations?' During the assessment of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When discussing coping strategies, the nurse might ask what the patient does when upset, what usually relieves stress, and to whom the patient goes to talk about problems. The question regarding whether the patient's faith helps deal with stress fits well here. It would be out of place if introduced during exploration of the other topics.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is experiencing visual hallucinations. The patient states, 'I see people standing around me.' What is the most appropriate nursing response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing response is option B: "I understand that you're seeing people, but I don't see them." This response demonstrates empathy, validation of the patient's experience, and maintains a therapeutic relationship. Option A is incorrect because it denies the patient's reality, potentially causing distress or worsening the patient's symptoms. Option C is a good response as well, as it encourages the patient to express their feelings and provides insight into the hallucinations. Option D is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's experience and lacks empathy. From an educational perspective, it is crucial for nurses to validate and acknowledge the experiences of patients with mental health conditions. By responding empathetically and non-judgmentally, nurses can build trust with patients and create a safe environment for open communication, which is essential for providing effective care in psychiatric settings.