ATI RN
psychiatric nurse certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
A soldier returned 3 months ago from a combat zone and was diagnosed with PTSD. Which social event would be most disturbing for this soldier?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of PTSD, the correct answer is D) Fireworks display on July 4th. Fireworks can trigger traumatic memories, causing distress and anxiety in individuals with PTSD, especially combat veterans. The loud noises, sudden flashes of light, and the unpredictability of fireworks can resemble combat situations, potentially leading to a heightened stress response. Option A) Halloween festival with neighborhood children may not be as disturbing because it is a more controlled and predictable environment compared to sudden loud noises like fireworks. Option B) Singing carols around a Christmas tree and Option C) A family outing to the seashore are also less likely to be distressing as they are typically calm and joyful events that do not involve triggers commonly associated with PTSD. Educationally, understanding the impact of triggers on individuals with PTSD is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially psychiatric nurses. By recognizing potential triggers and learning how to support individuals experiencing PTSD, nurses can provide more effective care and create safe environments for their patients. It is important to approach PTSD with sensitivity, awareness, and evidence-based strategies to promote healing and recovery.
Question 2 of 5
To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, the nurse should understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At the unconscious level, the patient's primary gain from the symptoms is anxiety relief. Considering that the symptoms actually make the patient more psychologically comfortable and may also provide secondary gain, patients frequently fiercely cling to the symptoms. The symptoms tend to be chronic, but that does not explain why they are difficult to give up. The symptoms are not under voluntary control or physiologically based.
Question 3 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, "Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities." The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) partially successful. This is because the patient is experiencing some improvement in their symptoms and functionality, indicating that the treatment plan is having a positive impact, albeit not fully resolving the issue yet. Option A) marginally successful suggests only a slight improvement, which does not align with the patient's reported experience of noticing less pain and being able to do more activities. Option B) minimally successful implies very limited progress, which again contradicts the patient's report of improved symptom management and increased activity. Option D) totally achieved is incorrect as the patient's ongoing pain indicates that the treatment plan has not completely resolved the issue. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of assessing treatment effectiveness based on the patient's reported outcomes and functional improvements. It emphasizes the need for nurses to carefully evaluate progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly to support patients with somatic symptom disorders effectively. This rationale helps reinforce the concept of measuring success in psychiatric nursing based on the patient's subjective experiences and functional abilities rather than just symptom presence or absence.
Question 4 of 5
A 12-year-old has engaged in bullying for several years. The parents say, "We can't believe anything our child says." Recently this child shot a dog with a pellet gun and set fire to a neighbor's trash bin. The child's behaviors support the diagnosis of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The behaviors mentioned are most consistent with criteria for CD, including aggression against people and animals; destruction of property; deceitfulness; rule violations; and impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Intermittent explosive disorder is a pattern of behavioral outbursts characterized by an inability to control aggressive impulses in adults 18 years and older. The behaviors are not consistent with attention deficit or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Question 5 of 5
A patient comes to the crisis center saying, "I'm in a terrible situation. I don't know what to do." The triage nurse can initially assume that the patient is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) anxious and fearful. The triage nurse can reasonably assume this because the patient's statement indicates distress and a sense of helplessness without any specific mention of self-harm or harm to others. Patients in crisis often present with heightened anxiety and fear, seeking support and guidance to cope with their situation. Option A) suicidal is incorrect because the patient did not explicitly mention thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Option C) misperceiving reality is incorrect as there is no indication in the patient's statement that they are experiencing a distorted perception of reality. Option D) potentially homicidal is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the patient poses a threat to others based on the information provided. In an educational context, it is essential for psychiatric nurses to accurately assess and triage patients in crisis situations. Understanding the nuances of patient communication and behavior is crucial in providing appropriate care and support. By recognizing signs of distress, anxiety, and fear, nurses can effectively intervene and provide the necessary assistance to individuals in need.