ATI RN
Behavioral Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
As you begin working with her, you notice Ms. V has an uncanny resemblance to your younger sister. As a child, this sister lied and criticized you constantly, then screamed and cried to others if you challenged her. You realize that you are responding negatively to this patient. What's going on here?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Countertransference. Countertransference occurs when a healthcare provider projects their feelings, biases, or past experiences onto a patient, influencing their perceptions and reactions. In this case, the negative feelings towards Ms. V due to her resemblance to the provider's sister indicate unresolved issues from the past interfering with the therapeutic relationship. Option A) Mutuality refers to a sense of shared experience and connection, which is not relevant to the provider's personal reaction to the patient. Option B) Self-System pertains to an individual's cognitive structure and self-concept, not the provider's emotional response. Option C) Self-actualization relates to reaching one's full potential and personal growth, which is not applicable in this context. Educationally, understanding countertransference is crucial in nursing to maintain professionalism, self-awareness, and quality patient care. By recognizing and addressing countertransference, nurses can enhance their therapeutic relationships, improve patient outcomes, and promote their own emotional well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing self-reflection and seeking supervision or support when needed to navigate complex emotional dynamics in healthcare settings.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child whose guardians report that the child is consistently unable to speak during class and other social situations. The nurse should identify that the child is experiencing which of the following anxiety disorders?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Selective mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation to speak, despite speaking in other situations. In this case, the child is able to speak in other settings but is consistently unable to speak in class and social situations, indicating selective mutism. Option A) Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about a variety of events or activities, not just speaking in specific situations like selective mutism. Option B) Agoraphobia involves fear and avoidance of situations or places that might cause panic, not necessarily related to speaking. Option C) Separation anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety about separation from home or major attachment figures, not specifically related to speaking difficulties in social situations. Educationally, understanding the nuances of different anxiety disorders is crucial for nurses working with children. Recognizing selective mutism can help nurses provide appropriate support and interventions to help the child overcome their communication challenges in specific social contexts. It is important to differentiate between anxiety disorders to provide tailored care and support for individuals experiencing these conditions.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is meeting with a new client at a substance use disorder clinic. During which of the following step of the nursing process should the nurse identify the types of interventions that might produce the best client outcomes?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Planning. The planning phase of the nursing process is where the nurse develops a comprehensive care plan based on the client's assessment data and identified needs. It is during this step that the nurse considers various types of interventions that could best address the client's presenting issues and goals. Option A) Evaluation comes after the interventions have been implemented and is focused on determining the effectiveness of the interventions. Option C) Analysis/diagnosis is where the nurse interprets assessment data to identify the client's health problems and needs, which precedes planning. Option D) Implementation is the phase where the nurse puts the care plan into action. Educationally, understanding the significance of each step in the nursing process is crucial for nurses to provide effective, evidence-based care. By correctly identifying the planning phase as the step where interventions are selected based on client needs, nurses can improve client outcomes and enhance the quality of care provided.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse working in a detoxification unit is reviewing the process of addiction. The nurse should identify that which of the following parts of the brain are implicated in the reward pathway leading to addiction?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Basal ganglia, extended amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Understanding the neurobiology of addiction is crucial in behavioral nursing. The reward pathway involving these brain regions plays a significant role in addiction. The basal ganglia is responsible for reward processing and reinforcement learning, the extended amygdala is involved in stress response and negative emotions linked to addiction, and the prefrontal cortex regulates decision-making and impulse control, both of which are impaired in addiction. Option A) Prefrontal cortex, brain stem, and frontal cortex: While the prefrontal cortex is involved in decision-making and impulse control, the other regions mentioned are not primarily implicated in the reward pathway related to addiction. Option B) Cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata: These brain areas are not typically associated with the reward pathway or addiction. The cerebellum is more related to motor control, while the pons and medulla oblongata are involved in basic life functions like breathing and heart rate. Option D) Midbrain, cerebrum, and temporal lobe: While the midbrain does contain some structures involved in the reward pathway, the cerebrum and temporal lobe are not the primary regions implicated in addiction. Educationally, understanding the neurobiological basis of addiction helps nurses comprehend the behaviors and challenges faced by individuals struggling with substance use disorders. It also informs nursing interventions and treatment strategies aimed at addressing the complex interplay between brain function and addictive behaviors.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who states, 'I have no interest in sexual activity or finding a partner.' The nurse should identify that this statement is consistent with which of the following personality disorders?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C) Schizoid personality disorder. The key characteristic of schizoid personality disorder is a lack of interest in social relationships, including sexual activity and close interpersonal connections. Individuals with this disorder tend to be loners who prefer solitary activities and often feel little desire for intimacy or sexual experiences. Option A) Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others and often involves impulsive and aggressive behavior, rather than a lack of interest in relationships. Option B) Paranoid personality disorder involves pervasive mistrust and suspicion of others, which is not directly related to the lack of interest in sexual activity mentioned in the scenario. Option D) Schizotypal personality disorder is characterized by eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulties in forming close relationships, but it does not specifically align with the lack of interest in sexual activity described in the question. From an educational perspective, understanding personality disorders is crucial for nurses to provide effective care and support to clients. Recognizing the specific traits and behaviors associated with each disorder helps nurses tailor their interventions and approach to meet the unique needs of individuals with these conditions. In this case, identifying the lack of interest in sexual activity as a characteristic of schizoid personality disorder can guide the nurse in providing appropriate care and support for the client's emotional and social well-being.