In response to the nurse’s statement, “Tell me about your family,” the patient became silent and displayed nonverbally that he is uncomfortable. Which statement by the nurse reflects sensitivity to the patient?

Questions 29

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Kaplan and Sadocks Synopsis of Psychiatry Questions Questions

Question 1 of 9

In response to the nurse’s statement, “Tell me about your family,” the patient became silent and displayed nonverbally that he is uncomfortable. Which statement by the nurse reflects sensitivity to the patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's discomfort without making assumptions or judgments. By recognizing the difficulty the patient is facing and offering to discuss it when they are ready, the nurse shows empathy and respect for the patient's feelings. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the family is a problem for the patient. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on expressing negative feelings rather than addressing the patient's current discomfort. Choice C is incorrect because it deflects the conversation to the physician without addressing the patient's immediate needs.

Question 2 of 9

A teen is grieving the loss of her pet dog. She states to her mother, “I miss my dog so much, but I know that if I start crying, I will never stop.” The teen is expressing a fear of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Losing control over her emotions. The teen's statement indicates a fear of losing control if she starts crying. This fear suggests that she believes crying will lead to an inability to stop, indicating a concern about managing her emotions. This fear of losing control over her emotions aligns with the teen's hesitance to express her grief through tears. A: Appearing emotionally immature - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not directly suggest a fear of appearing emotionally immature. B: Embarrassing herself by crying in public - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not mention a fear of embarrassment. C: Losing the support of her friends and family - This choice is incorrect as the teen's statement does not indicate a fear of losing support from others.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is assessing a child with autism. Which of the following behaviors would the nurse expect to observe?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repeating, milk, milk, milk, milk until given a drink. This behavior is a characteristic of children with autism, known as echolalia. Echolalia is the repetition of words or phrases spoken by others, often used by individuals with autism to communicate or self-soothe. This behavior is a common feature of autism spectrum disorder and is indicative of language difficulties and communication challenges. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not specifically relate to behaviors typically observed in children with autism. Referring to an imaginary friend (A) is not exclusive to autism, asking to telephone friends on weekends (B) is a social behavior that can be seen in children without autism, and insisting on a dim light in the bedroom (D) is a preference that does not directly relate to the core characteristics of autism.

Question 4 of 9

Which statement best defines the nurse’s initial role as the patient’s source of help in addressing interpersonal problems?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it emphasizes the nurse's role in actively working with the patient to address interpersonal problems. The nurse's initial role is to provide support and assistance to the patient in resolving their issues collaboratively. Choice A focuses on medical treatment and collaboration with the doctor, not specifically addressing interpersonal problems. Choice C solely emphasizes the role of medications in improving the patient's well-being, neglecting the interpersonal aspect. Choice D suggests passing off the responsibility to other professionals, which contradicts the nurse's initial role as a source of help for the patient. In summary, choice B is correct because it highlights the nurse's active involvement in solving the patient's interpersonal problems.

Question 5 of 9

An elderly couple who lived in the same home for the past 50 years have moved into an adult retirement center in a nearby town. Changes in lifestyle such as this couple is experiencing should alert the nurse to the possibility of:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adventitious crisis. This type of crisis is triggered by external events such as moving to a retirement center after 50 years in the same home. The sudden change in environment can lead to distress and challenges for the elderly couple, causing an adventitious crisis. Acute grief (A) and traumatic grief (B) are typically associated with the loss of a loved one, not a change in lifestyle. Chronic sorrow (C) refers to ongoing grief related to a chronic illness or disability, which is not the case in this scenario.

Question 6 of 9

Which nursing intervention supports the principles on which the cross-links theory of aging is based?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because selecting foods high in vitamins A, C, and E supports the principles of the cross-links theory of aging, which focuses on the accumulation of damage from oxidative stress. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce the formation of cross-links in tissues. This intervention can potentially slow down the aging process by reducing cellular damage. Choice A is incorrect because applying an elastin-sustaining moisturizer does not directly address the oxidative stress aspect of the cross-links theory of aging. Choice B is incorrect as assessing family history for genetic diseases does not specifically target the mechanisms involved in the cross-links theory of aging. Choice C is incorrect because questioning about exposure to environmental toxins may be important for overall health but is not directly related to the principles of the cross-links theory of aging.

Question 7 of 9

A nurse is using Piaget’s model to assess a child’s developmental stage. Which behaviors would determine that a child is successfully achieving the skills required of the formal operations level of development? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B, D

Rationale: In Piaget's formal operations stage, children develop abstract thinking, planning abilities, and logical reasoning. Planning a trip and selecting appropriate clothing demonstrate these skills. Becoming sad over the pet's death and identifying objects by capacity are more related to emotional and concrete operational stages.

Question 8 of 9

The parents of an 8-year-old are attempting to help their child comprehend new information. Which intervention suggested by the nurse shows an understanding of the cognitive development theory for this age group?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Comparing the child’s experiences to the new material. At the age of 8, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's cognitive development theory. This stage is characterized by the ability to think logically about concrete events and understand the concept of conservation. By comparing the child's experiences to the new material, the parents are helping the child make connections between what they already know and the new information, which facilitates understanding. Drawing and illustrations (choice A) are helpful for visual learners but may not necessarily tap into the child's cognitive development stage. Encouraging the child to talk about new information (choice C) is beneficial for communication skills but may not directly address cognitive development. Asking the child to give a reason for how they feel about new information (choice D) focuses more on emotions rather than cognitive understanding.

Question 9 of 9

Which intervention should the nurse plan to reduce the patient's focus on delusional thinking?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because focusing on the feelings suggested by the delusion can help the patient process and manage their emotions underlying the delusion. By addressing the emotions, the nurse can help the patient gain insight into the delusion and reduce its intensity. Confronting the delusion (A) may lead to resistance and reinforcement. Refuting the delusion with logic (B) may further alienate the patient. Exploring reasons for the delusion (C) may not directly address the emotional component.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days