ATI RN
Adult Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
After major reconstructive surgery, a patient's wounds debiased. Extensive wound care was required for 6 months, causing the patient to miss work and social activities. Which physiological response would be expected for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The scenario presents chronic and potentially debilitating stress. The helpless and out of control feelings produce pathophysiological changes. Unmyelinated ventral vagus responses initially result in rapid heart rate and respiration. After many hours, days, or months the body cannot sustain this state, so the dorsal vagal response dampens the sympathetic nervous system. This parasympathetic response results in the heart rate and respiration slowing down and a decrease in blood pressure. Individuals with dissociative disorders have altered communication between higher and lower brain structures due to the massive release of endogenous opioids at the time of severe threat.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "My pain is from an undiagnosed injury. I can't take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much." It is important for the nurse to assess
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Secondary gains should be assessed. The patient's dependency needs may be met through care from the family. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. The scenario does not allude to a problem of mood. Cognitive style and identity and memory assessment are of lesser concern because the patient's diagnosis has been established.
Question 3 of 5
A 16-year-old diagnosed with a conduct disorder (CD) has been in a residential program for 3 months. Which outcome should occur before discharge?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The adolescent and the parents must agree on a behavioral contract that clearly outlines rules, expected behaviors, and consequences for misbehavior. It must also include rewards for following the rules. The adolescent will continue to experience anger and frustration. The adolescent and parents must continue with family therapy to work on boundary and communication issues. It is not necessary to separate the adolescent from the family to work on these issues. Separation is detrimental to the healing process. While it is helpful for the adolescent to identify peers who are a positive influence, it is more important for behavior to be managed for an adolescent diagnosed with a CD.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse on an adolescent psychiatric unit assesses a newly admitted 14-year-old. An impulse control disorder is suspected. Which aspects of the patient's history support the suspected diagnosis? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Parents who are abusive, rejecting, or overly controlling cause a child to suffer detrimental effects. Other stressors associated with impulse control disorders can include major disruptions such as placement in foster care, severe marital discord, or a separation of parents. Substance abuse by a parent is common. Acne and allergies are not aspects of the history that relate to the behavior.
Question 5 of 5
Six months ago, a woman had a prophylactic double mastectomy because of a family history of breast cancer. One week ago, this woman learned her husband was involved in an extramarital affair. The woman says tearfully, "What else can happen?" If the woman's immediate family is unable to provide sufficient support, the nurse should
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The assessment of situational supports should continue. Even though the patient's nuclear family may not be supportive, other situational supports may be available. If they are adequate, admission to an inpatient unit will be unnecessary. Psychotherapy is not appropriate for crisis intervention. Advice is usually nontherapeutic.