ATI RN
Behavioral Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
A student says, 'Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless.' Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to assist the student?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Teaching about symptoms of anxiety, their relation to precipitating stressors, and, in this case, the positive effects of anxiety will serve to reassure the patient. Advising the patient to discuss the experience with a health care provider implies that the patient has a serious problem. Listening without comment will do no harm but deprives the patient of health teaching. Antioxidant vitamin supplements are not useful in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) says to the nurse, "That patient with amnesia looks fine, but when I talk to her, she seems vague. What should I be doing for her?" Select the nurse's best reply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Disruptions in ability to perform activities of daily living, confusion, and anxiety are often apparent in patients with amnesia. Offering simple directions to promote activities of daily living and reduce confusion helps increase feelings of safety and security. A calm, secure, predictable, protective environment is also helpful when a person is dealing with a great deal of uncertainty. Recollection of memories should proceed at its own pace, and the patient should only gradually be given information about her past. Asking questions that require recall that the patient does not possess will only add frustration. Quiet, undemanding activities should be provided as the patient tolerates them and should be balanced with rest periods; the patient's time should not be loaded with demanding or stimulating activities.
Question 3 of 5
A soldier returned home last year after deployment to a war zone. The soldier's spouse complains, "We were going to start a family, but now he won't talk about it. He will not look at children. I wonder if we're going to make it as a couple." Select the nurse's best response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D) "Posttraumatic stress disorder often strains relationships. Here are some community resources for help and support." This response is the best choice because it acknowledges the potential impact of PTSD on relationships and offers concrete support through community resources. It shows empathy and provides practical assistance to address the spouse's concerns. Option A is incorrect because it solely focuses on sexual functioning, which may not be the primary concern in this situation. Option B is not appropriate as it suggests avoiding the issue rather than addressing it directly. Option C oversimplifies the situation by suggesting a straightforward confrontation without considering the complexities of PTSD and its effects on behavior. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the multifaceted impact of PTSD on individuals and their relationships. By providing support, resources, and guidance, nurses can effectively assist both the individual with PTSD and their loved ones in navigating challenges and seeking appropriate help. Effective communication skills and knowledge of community resources are essential in addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by PTSD.
Question 4 of 5
A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder. Care planning is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of caring for a patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder, it is crucial for a medical-surgical nurse to understand the possible patient responses to psychiatric help. The correct answer, B) be resistant to accepting psychiatric help, is based on the typical behavior of individuals with somatic symptom disorder. These patients often struggle to accept or acknowledge the psychological aspects of their symptoms, leading to resistance when offered psychiatric interventions. Option A) readily seek psychiatric counseling is incorrect because individuals with somatic symptom disorder often have difficulty accepting the psychological nature of their symptoms and may be hesitant to seek psychiatric help voluntarily. Option C) attend psychotherapy sessions without encouragement is also incorrect as individuals with this disorder typically resist psychiatric interventions, making it unlikely for them to attend psychotherapy sessions without significant resistance. Option D) be eager to discover the true reasons for physical symptoms is incorrect because individuals with somatic symptom disorder often have a strong belief in the physical nature of their symptoms and may not be eager to explore underlying psychological factors. Educationally, understanding the typical responses of patients with somatic symptom disorder is essential for nurses to provide effective care and support. By recognizing the potential resistance to psychiatric interventions, nurses can tailor their approach to build trust and rapport with the patient, ultimately improving outcomes and promoting holistic care.
Question 5 of 5
A patient who experienced a myocardial infarction was transferred from critical care to a step-down unit. The patient then used the call bell every 15 minutes for minor requests and complaints. Staff nurses reported feeling inadequate and unable to satisfy the patient's needs. When the nurse manager intervenes directly with this patient, which comment is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This patient is experiencing anxiety associated with a serious medical condition. Verbalization is an effective outlet for anxiety. "I'm wondering if you are anxious "¦" focuses on the emotions underlying the behavior rather than the behavior itself. This opening conveys the nurse's willingness to listen to the patient's feelings and an understanding of the commonly seen concern about not having a nurse always nearby as in the intensive care unit. The other options focus on the behavior or its impact on nursing and do not help the patient with her emotional needs.