ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
An appropriate intervention for a patient with situational low self-esteem would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because engaging the patient in activities designed to permit success helps boost self-esteem by providing opportunities for achievement. This intervention focuses on building the patient's confidence and self-worth through positive experiences. Choice A is incorrect as it addresses stress relief rather than self-esteem. Choice B is irrelevant as it pertains to hallucinations, not self-esteem. Choice D is also incorrect because while verbalizing feelings is important, it may not directly target the underlying issue of low self-esteem.
Question 2 of 9
Which physical disturbance is commonly assessed in patients experiencing acute grief?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tightness in the chest. This physical disturbance is commonly associated with acute grief due to the emotional pain experienced. It is a manifestation of the intense feelings of sadness and loss that accompany grief. Tightness in the chest can be a result of the stress response triggered by grief, leading to physical symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Summary: B: Hypersomnia and C: Increased appetite are more commonly associated with conditions like depression, while D: Cardiovascular problems may be a long-term consequence of chronic stress but are not typically assessed as a primary physical disturbance in acute grief.
Question 3 of 9
Planning for a patient with Asperger's disorder will be facilitated if the nurse understands that this disorder is different from autism. The nurse will base care on knowledge that Asperger's disorder is characterized by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Age-appropriate language development. Asperger's disorder is characterized by normal to above-average language development, whereas autism typically presents with delays or impairments in language skills. This is important for planning care as it influences communication strategies and interventions for individuals with Asperger's. A: Repetitive patterns of behavior are more indicative of autism, not specific to Asperger's. C: Stereotypic movements and speech patterns are also more associated with autism and not a defining feature of Asperger's. D: Obsession with objects that move in a spinning motion is a specific behavior that may be seen in some individuals with autism, but it is not a defining characteristic of Asperger's disorder.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is collecting the paintings from the patients after the art session is over. After art therapy, a patient hands the nurse a paper that consists of several black scribbles. Which statement demonstrates the nurse understands the goals and objectives of the therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and encouragement for the patient to express their feelings. By asking what prompted the artwork, the nurse demonstrates understanding and willingness to explore the patient's emotions. Choice A is judgmental and dismissive, not fostering a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is directive and may pressure the patient. Choice D makes an assumption about the patient's emotions without allowing them to share their perspective.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse assesses four patients between the ages of 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol abuse? The patient who:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient who started drinking daily after retirement as a coping mechanism for arthritis has the highest risk for alcohol abuse. This behavior indicates a potential dependence on alcohol to manage physical and emotional discomfort, leading to increased consumption and potential addiction. Choice A is not the correct answer because consuming 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner is generally considered moderate drinking and does not necessarily indicate alcohol abuse. Choice B is also not the correct answer as social drinking throughout adult life, even if justified as a reward, does not inherently suggest alcohol abuse without further evidence of problematic drinking patterns. Choice D is incorrect as the patient has a history of alcohol abuse but currently abstains and seeks support through AA, indicating active efforts to maintain sobriety and reduce the risk of alcohol abuse.
Question 6 of 9
Family and friends rush to offer support to a friend who has lost her teenage son. Which of these persons, through an intended act of kindness, may contribute to prolonging the woman’s grief?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because prescribing antianxiety agents may mask the woman's grief instead of allowing her to process and work through it naturally. This could potentially prolong her grief by avoiding the necessary emotional processing. The other choices, B, C, and D, all involve support that can help the woman cope with her loss in a healthy way. B offers emotional support and companionship, C helps with practical tasks, and D provides assistance in managing practical matters, all of which can facilitate the grieving process rather than prolong it.
Question 7 of 9
A teen states, "I miss my dog so much, but if I start crying, I will never stop." This reflects a fear of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the teen is expressing a fear of losing control over her emotions if she starts crying. This is evident from her belief that she will never stop crying once she starts. Option B (Losing the support of her friends and family) is incorrect as the statement does not suggest concern about losing support. Option C (Embarrassing herself by crying in public) is incorrect as the fear expressed is more about not being able to stop crying rather than embarrassment. Option D (Appearing emotionally immature) is incorrect as there is no indication that the teen is worried about how others perceive her emotional maturity.
Question 8 of 9
Planning safety interventions for a teenager with a history of self-injurious behavior is based on what research-based information?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because research indicates that suicides can occur accidentally as a result of self-injurious behaviors. This is known as an unintentional suicide, where the individual did not intend to die but died due to the severity of their self-injurious behavior. This information is crucial for planning safety interventions for the teenager, as it highlights the potential seriousness of self-injury. Choice A is incorrect because research shows that suicidal ideation is not uncommon among teenagers, so it cannot be assumed that they rarely entertain the idea of suicide. Choice B is also incorrect because while self-injury can be a risk factor for future suicidal attempts, it is not always the case. Choice C is relevant but not the most specific to the scenario presented in the question, as it focuses solely on suicidal ideations rather than the potential accidental outcomes of self-injury.
Question 9 of 9
A patient begins a new program to assist with building social skills. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item, "Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily"?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Implementation. In the nursing process, implementation involves carrying out the plan of care. Encouraging the patient to attend a psychoeducational group daily is an action that is part of implementing the care plan to improve social skills. This step focuses on putting the plan into action and actively supporting the patient in achieving the desired outcomes. A: Assessment is incorrect because assessment involves collecting data and information about the patient's condition, not actively implementing interventions. C: Analysis is incorrect as it involves interpreting and making sense of the assessment data to identify problems and strengths, not implementing interventions. D: Evaluation is incorrect because it involves assessing the effectiveness of the interventions implemented, not actively carrying out the interventions themselves.