ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An inpatient client is newly diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) stemming from severe childhood sexual abuse. Which nursing intervention takes priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Establish trust and rapport. This is the priority because building a therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment of DID. Trust and rapport are foundational for the client to feel safe and supported in exploring and processing traumatic experiences. Encouraging exploration of sexual abuse (Option A) may be overwhelming and retraumatizing without a solid therapeutic alliance. Guided imagery (Option B) might not be appropriate at this stage as the client needs to establish trust first. Administering antianxiety medications (Option D) alone does not address the root cause or provide the necessary support for the client's complex trauma history.
Question 2 of 5
A physically and emotionally healthy client has just been fired. During a routine office visit he states to a nurse: Perhaps this was the best thing to happen. Maybe Ill look into pursuing an art degree. How should the nurse characterize the clients appraisal of the job loss stressor?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Challenging. The client's statement indicates a positive reframing of the job loss as an opportunity for personal growth. This suggests that the client views the situation as a challenge to adapt and pursue a new path. This perspective aligns with the concept of stress as a potential source of growth and development, known as the challenge appraisal. Summary: A: Irrelevant - The client's statement demonstrates relevance to his future plans, making this choice incorrect. B: Harm/loss - The client's positive outlook does not reflect a perception of harm or loss, making this choice incorrect. C: Threatening - The client's statement does not convey a perception of threat, making this choice incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Work through the problem-solving process with the client. This option promotes empowerment and autonomy by guiding the client to develop their problem-solving skills. It allows the nurse to offer support and guidance without taking over the process entirely, fostering independence and self-efficacy. Encouraging the client to actively participate in finding solutions can help build confidence and improve their ability to handle similar situations in the future. Explanation for other choices: A: Encouraging relaxation exercises can be helpful for managing anxiety, but it does not directly address the underlying issue of developing problem-solving skills. B: Completing the problem-solving process for the client does not empower the client to learn how to address similar challenges independently. D: Keeping a journal can be a helpful tool for self-reflection and managing emotions, but it does not specifically address the client's difficulty with independent problem-solving.
Question 4 of 5
When an individuals stress response is sustained over a long period of time, which physiological effect of the endocrine system should a nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased resistance to disease. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses. Chronic stress suppresses immune functions, leading to decreased resistance to diseases. The other choices are incorrect because increased libido (B) and decreased blood pressure (C) are not typical physiological effects of sustained stress. While stress can lead to increased inflammatory response (D), the primary concern with chronic stress is its negative impact on the immune system, making choice A the most appropriate answer in this context.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is interviewing a distressed client, who relates being fired after 15 years of loyal employment. Which of the following questions would best assist the nurse to determine the clients appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "What resources have you used previously in stressful situations?" This question is the best choice as it focuses on understanding the client's coping mechanisms and resilience. By asking about previous resources used, the nurse can assess the client's strengths and support systems. Choice B is incorrect because asking if the client has experienced a similar situation does not directly address the client's current appraisal of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on assigning blame, which may not be helpful in understanding the client's perspective and emotions. Choice D is also incorrect because asking why the client thinks they were fired may lead to a defensive response and may not necessarily provide insight into the client's appraisal of the situation.