ATI RN
Psychobiologic Disorders Med Surg 2 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A woman is 57, 160 lbs, and wears a size 8 shoe. She says, My feet are huge. Ive asked three orthopedists to surgically reduce my feet. This person tries to buy shoes to make her feet look smaller and, in social settings, conceals both feet under a table or chair. Which health problem is likely?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Body dysmorphic disorder refers to a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance in a normalappearing person. The patients feet are proportional to the rest of the body. In obsessive-compulsive or related disorder due to a medical condition, the individuals symptoms of obsessions and compulsions are a direct physiological result of a medical condition. Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is characterized by severe anxiety or fear provoked by exposure to a social or a performance situation that will be evaluated negatively by others. People with separation anxiety disorder exhibit developmentally inappropriate levels of concern over being away from a significant other.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is experiencing moderate anxiety. The nurse encourages the patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving begin. This intervention is based on the principle of therapeutic communication, a crucial aspect in nursing care for patients experiencing anxiety. By encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings and concerns, the nurse helps the patient externalize their internal struggles, making them seem more manageable and less overwhelming. This process can also kickstart problem-solving as the patient gains clarity through verbal expression. Option A is incorrect because simply offering hope may not address the root of the patient's anxiety. Option C is incorrect as validating the environment may not directly address the patient's personal concerns. Option D is incorrect as solely exploring alternatives may not immediately reduce anxiety if the patient is not able to express their current feelings. In an educational context, it is important for nursing students to understand the significance of active listening and therapeutic communication techniques in managing psychobiologic disorders. Encouraging patients to verbalize their feelings can lead to a deeper understanding of their emotions and facilitate the development of coping strategies. This intervention empowers patients to take an active role in their own care and fosters a trusting nurse-patient relationship.
Question 3 of 5
Two staff nurses applied for a charge nurse position. After the promotion was announced, the nurse who was not promoted said, The nurse manager had a headache the day I was interviewed. Which defense mechanism is evident?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Projection is the hallmark of blaming, scapegoating, prejudicial thinking, and stigmatizing others. Conversion involves the unconscious transformation of anxiety into a physical symptom. Introjection involves intense, unconscious identification with another person. Splitting is the inability to integrate the positive and negative qualities of oneself or others into a cohesive image.
Question 4 of 5
A person who feels unattractive repeatedly says, Although Im not beautiful, I am smart. This is an example of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) compensation. Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual tries to make up for a perceived weakness in one area by emphasizing strengths in another area. In this case, the person feels unattractive but emphasizes their intelligence to compensate for their perceived lack of physical attractiveness. Option A) repression involves pushing down or withholding thoughts and feelings from conscious awareness, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. Option B) devaluation refers to attributing negative qualities to oneself or others, which is not happening here as the person is not devaluing themselves but rather emphasizing their intelligence. Option C) identification involves adopting the characteristics of another person or group, which is not evident in the scenario. In an educational context, understanding defense mechanisms like compensation is crucial in psychology and nursing. Recognizing how individuals cope with their insecurities or challenges can help healthcare professionals provide better care and support to patients dealing with psychobiologic disorders. By analyzing behaviors and statements like the one in the question, nurses can develop a deeper understanding of their patients' coping mechanisms and psychological well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, 'If you had given him your undivided attention, he would still be alive.' How should the nurse analyze this behavior?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Anger is an expected emotion in an adjustment disorder. In the context of grief and loss, it is common for individuals to experience a range of emotions, including anger, as part of the grieving process. Anger can be a normal response to feelings of helplessness, sadness, and confusion when dealing with the death of a loved one. In this scenario, the woman's outburst of anger towards the nurse is a reflection of her emotional turmoil and adjustment disorder following her husband's death. Option A) The comment does not necessarily suggest potential allegations of malpractice as the woman's anger is more likely a manifestation of her grief rather than a direct accusation of the nurse's actions. Option B) While it is true that some cultures may express grief through anger, in this case, the focus should be on understanding the emotional response within the context of an adjustment disorder. Option D) There is no indication in the scenario that the patient had ambivalent feelings about her husband. It is important to focus on the immediate emotional response rather than assuming underlying feelings of ambivalence. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the various emotional responses that individuals may exhibit in times of grief and loss. Nurses must be equipped to provide compassionate care and support to individuals experiencing adjustment disorders and be able to navigate complex emotional reactions with empathy and professionalism.