ATI RN
Psychobiological Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
An adult consulted a nurse practitioner because of an inability to achieve orgasm for 2 years, despite having been sexually active. This adult was frustrated and expressed concerns about the relationship with the sexual partner. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this scenario?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sexual dysfunction is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient who is experiencing a problem affecting one or more phases of arousal. This is the primary problem reported by this patient. Ineffective sexuality pattern, since it is due to sexual dysfunction, is secondary to the absence of orgasms. The patient has not indicated she does not become aroused, just that she cannot achieve orgasm. Disturbed sensory perception may be part of the etiology, but the problem is sexual dysfunction. There is no evidence of defensive coping.
Question 2 of 5
An adult seeks treatment for urges involving sexual contact with children. The adult has not acted on these urges but feels shame. Which finding best indicates that this adult is making progress in treatment? The adult:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: One strategy for avoiding acting on inappropriate urges is to avoid environments and circumstances that evoke those urges; for a pedophile this would include avoiding all situations that would likely result in contact with children. Pedophilic disorder is persistent; elimination of fantasies about children would be unrealistic. A person who volunteers to lead a scout troop is placing himself/herself around children. A diminished sex drive or a healthy sex life with an appropriate partner does not necessarily reduce the desire for sexual contact with children.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse works with a patient diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who has frequent flashbacks as well as persistent symptoms of arousal. Which intervention should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persons with posttraumatic stress disorder often experience somatic symptoms or sympathetic nervous system arousal that can be confusing and distressing. Explaining that these are the body's responses to psychological trauma helps the patient understand how such symptoms are part of the illness and something that will respond to treatment. This decreases powerlessness over the symptoms and helps instill a sense of hope. It also helps the patient to understand how relaxation, breathing exercises, and imagery can be helpful in symptom reduction. The goal of treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder is to come to terms with the event so treatment efforts would not include repression of memories or numbing. Triggering flashbacks would increase patient distress.
Question 4 of 5
A wife received news that her husband died of heart failure and called her family to come to the hospital. She angrily tells the nurse who cared for him, 'He would still be alive if you had given him your undivided attention.' Select the nurses best intervention.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A) Say to the wife, 'I understand you are feeling upset. I will stay with you until your family comes.' This response demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a willingness to provide emotional support to the wife during a highly distressing time. By acknowledging the wife's emotions and offering to stay with her, the nurse shows compassion and a patient-centered approach. Option B) is incorrect because providing medical explanations at this moment may come across as insensitive and dismissive of the wife's emotional state. The wife needs immediate emotional support rather than a clinical explanation. Option C) is inappropriate as involving the healthcare provider may not be necessary at this immediate moment. The wife needs emotional support and comfort first before discussing medical details. Option D) is not the best intervention as holding the wife's hand in silence, although comforting to some extent, does not actively address her emotional needs or offer verbal reassurance and support. In an educational context, this scenario highlights the importance of therapeutic communication skills, empathy, and providing emotional support in nursing practice, especially during critical and emotionally charged situations. Nurses must prioritize patient-centered care and demonstrate compassion and understanding towards patients and their families.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse who is counseling a patient with dissociative identity disorder should understand that the assessment of highest priority is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessments that relate to patient safety take priority. Patients with dissociative disorders may be at risk for suicide or self-mutilation, so the nurse must be alert for indicators of risk for self-injury. The other options are important assessments but rank below safety. Treatment motivation, while an important consideration, is not necessarily a part of the nursing assessment.