ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
For a patient experiencing panic, which nursing intervention should be implemented first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, providing calm, brief, directive communication, as it is the most immediate and effective intervention to address the patient's panic. This approach helps to quickly establish rapport, provide reassurance, and guide the patient towards a sense of control. Teaching relaxation techniques (A) may be helpful, but it is not the first priority in a crisis situation. Administering an anxiolytic medication (B) should only be done if deemed necessary by a healthcare provider and is not the initial nursing intervention. Preparing to implement physical controls (C) may be important for safety, but it is not the first step in managing panic.
Question 2 of 5
A soldier in a combat zone tells the nurse, "I saw a child get blown up over a year ago, and I still keep seeing bits of flesh everywhere. I see something red, and the visions race back to my mind." Which phenomenon associated with PTSD is the soldier describing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reexperiencing. The soldier's description aligns with the reexperiencing symptom of PTSD, where traumatic memories intrude into consciousness causing distress. This is evident as the soldier vividly recalls the traumatic event and experiences flashbacks triggered by red objects. Hyperarousal (B) involves heightened sensitivity to potential threats, not the vivid recall of traumatic events. Avoidance (C) refers to efforts to avoid reminders of the trauma, which is not the case here. Psychosis (D) involves a loss of touch with reality, such as hallucinations or delusions, which are not described in the scenario. In summary, the soldier's experience of intrusive memories and flashbacks corresponds to the reexperiencing symptom of PTSD.
Question 3 of 5
Which assessment data would help the health care team distinguish symptoms of conversion (functional neurological) disorder from symptoms of illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: - Choice B is correct as the style of presentation can help differentiate between conversion disorder (physical symptoms unconsciously manifested) and illness anxiety disorder (excessive health concerns). - Choice A (voluntary control) is incorrect as both conditions involve involuntary symptoms. - Choice C (diagnostic testing) is not definitive for differentiation as both disorders can have normal test results. - Choice D (secondary gains) is not specific to differentiating symptoms but rather focuses on potential motivations.
Question 4 of 5
Which comment by a patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction indicates use of maladaptive, ineffective coping strategies?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement reflects a sense of entitlement or external locus of control, indicating maladaptive coping. The patient is placing blame on the employer instead of taking personal responsibility. Choice B shows reliance on family support, a healthy coping mechanism. Choice C demonstrates acceptance of the situation and willingness to make positive lifestyle changes. Choice D reflects acknowledgment of the condition and a decision-making process, which are adaptive coping strategies.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment findings suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder, imposed on self-type? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct as it indicates a pattern of multiple hospitalizations without any physical illness findings, which aligns with factitious disorder imposed on self. This behavior is characterized by feigning or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are more indicative of malingering, seeking secondary gains, or seeking attention, rather than factitious disorder.