ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young woman had just learned of the accidental death of her husband. She begins to cry and states, “It’s not fair! How could he do this to me?” This remark is assessed as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The woman's statement, "It's not fair! How could he do this to me?" expresses a sense of anger and injustice over her husband's accidental death. She is questioning why this has happened to her, which suggests feelings of anger and frustration. This expression is not necessarily a plea for help or a manifestation of fear of making decisions alone, but it is a clear display of anger and a sense of unfairness in the situation.
Question 2 of 5
The community health nurse is visiting a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving since the death of his wife and child over a year ago. Which actions should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing the risk of self-directed violence is the priority when dealing with a patient diagnosed with dysfunctional grieving. Individuals experiencing complicated grief may be at an increased risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation. By assessing the risk of self-directed violence first, the nurse can ensure the patient's safety and provide appropriate interventions if necessary. Once the risk is assessed and managed, the nurse can then proceed with other interventions such as promoting interaction with others and facilitating the expression of feelings related to the loss.
Question 3 of 5
Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The person with the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief is an adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over their lifetime. Losing multiple family members can create a cumulative effect, leading to unresolved grief and complicated bereavement reactions. These repeated losses can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of developing dysfunctional grief patterns. The ongoing experience of loss and grief can make it challenging for the individual to process their emotions effectively and adjust to their new reality, potentially leading to prolonged and complicated mourning.
Question 4 of 5
A patient is in a smoking cessation program that encourages self-control therapy interventions. Which intervention would the nurse suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention suggested by the nurse would be option B, which is keeping a behavioral diary that tracks when the patient smokes. This intervention is focused on increasing the patient's awareness of their smoking behavior, which is a crucial step in self-control therapy for smoking cessation. By tracking when they smoke, the patient can identify patterns, triggers, and situations that prompt smoking, making it easier to develop strategies to manage and eventually reduce or quit smoking. Option A, limiting smoking to certain times of the day, does not address the underlying triggers and behaviors associated with smoking. It may provide a structure but lacks the depth of understanding and self-awareness that keeping a behavioral diary offers. Option C, identifying factors that encouraged the patient to start smoking, is more focused on exploring past influences rather than actively engaging in the present behavior change process. While understanding these factors is important, it may not be as immediately impactful as tracking current behavior patterns. Option D, making plans to spend money saved when smoking stops, is more of a motivational strategy rather than a direct self-control intervention. While it can be a useful incentive, it does not directly address the behavioral aspects of smoking cessation that the patient needs to work on. In an educational context, it is important for nurses and healthcare professionals to understand the principles of self-control therapy and behavior change techniques in smoking cessation programs. By guiding patients through self-monitoring activities like keeping a behavioral diary, healthcare providers can empower individuals to take an active role in understanding and modifying their behaviors towards achieving successful smoking cessation outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
Which strategy will the nurse include in the plan of care for a 6-year-old child for whom operant conditioning has been recommended?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option B) Consistently offering praise. Operant conditioning involves modifying behavior through reinforcement or punishment. For a 6-year-old child, positive reinforcement in the form of praise is more effective than punishment. Praising the child for desired behaviors, such as completing puzzles, will increase the likelihood of them repeating those behaviors in the future. Option A) Periodically asking the child to attempt increasingly difficult puzzles may be a form of shaping behavior but lacks the immediate positive reinforcement that is crucial in operant conditioning for young children. Option C) Expecting the child to rinse and place their dirty dishes in the sink is not directly related to operant conditioning and does not provide clear reinforcement for the desired behavior. Option D) Conditioning the child to expect punishment when misbehaving is based on punishment rather than reinforcement, which is less effective in promoting positive behavior change, especially in young children. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to understand the principles of behavior modification, such as operant conditioning, when caring for pediatric patients. By utilizing positive reinforcement strategies like offering praise, nurses can help promote desired behaviors and create a positive and supportive environment for children to learn and grow.