ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
An outcome for a patient experiencing anticipatory grieving for a spouse diagnosed with terminal cancer would be that the patient will:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because anticipatory grieving involves emotional involvement with the dying spouse. This allows the patient to process emotions, express love, and make meaningful connections before the actual loss. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests avoidance of pain through mental mechanisms, which is not conducive to healthy grieving. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on a specific behavior (violence) rather than the emotional process of grieving. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's agreement to care for the spouse is the primary outcome, overlooking the emotional aspect of anticipatory grief.
Question 2 of 9
The common element seen in every type of bereavement is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it captures the essence of bereavement - the experience of loss. This choice acknowledges that bereavement involves losing something significant, which is a universal aspect of grieving. Other choices are incorrect - A is not always predictable, C is not always acute depression, and D focuses on a specific aspect of grief rather than the core element of loss. Therefore, B is the most comprehensive and inclusive choice.
Question 3 of 9
Which developmental level would be characterized by a child being able to focus, coordinate, and imagine a series of events? .
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Concrete operational. At this developmental level, children typically exhibit the ability to focus, coordinate, and imagine a series of events. This stage, according to Piaget's theory, usually occurs around ages 7 to 11. Children at this stage can perform logical operations, understand conservation, and think more systematically. A: Preoperational - Children at this stage (ages 2-7) lack the ability to perform logical operations and struggle with understanding conservation and cause-and-effect relationships. C: Formal operational - This stage (typically starting around age 11) involves abstract thinking, hypothetical reasoning, and problem-solving beyond the concrete level. D: Postoperational - This term is not a recognized developmental stage in Piaget's theory.
Question 4 of 9
A new nurse asks, “My elderly patient has Lewy body disease. What should I do about assessing for pain?” Select the best response from the nurse manager.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Lewy body disease can affect a patient's ability to communicate pain, making specialized pain assessment tools crucial. Special scales designed for patients with dementia can help in accurately assessing pain levels. These tools consider non-verbal cues and behavioral changes that may indicate pain. Asking the patient's family (A) may not always provide an accurate assessment of pain perception. Using a visual analog scale (B) may be challenging for a patient with cognitive impairment. Focusing solely on mental status (D) may overlook important indicators of pain in patients with Lewy body disease.
Question 5 of 9
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Question 6 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 7 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 8 of 9
What is the primary reason for the nurse to have an understanding of the various types of activity and adjunct therapies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nurses are expected to encourage patients' involvement in therapies to promote holistic care and enhance patient outcomes. By understanding different types of therapies, nurses can educate and motivate patients to participate actively in their treatment plans. This empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary role of the nurse in this context is to support and advocate for the patients' engagement in therapies, rather than focusing on cost-effectiveness, placement, or support of other team members.
Question 9 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.