ATI RN
Psychological Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Sandy took part in the April 2013 Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators. For approximately 2 weeks after the marathon, Sandy was unable to sleep or concentrate and often found herself reliving the moment she heard the bombs explode. What disorder might Sandy be diagnosed with?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sandy might be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened reactivity. While acute stress disorder can occur shortly after a traumatic event, the duration of symptoms in the scenario suggests a more prolonged impact, aligning with PTSD. Phobic disorder and panic disorder are not as closely related to the described symptoms as PTSD.
Question 2 of 5
Latresha is not hungry, is extremely tired, and doesn't feel like doing much of anything. She often feels that life is just hopeless. These symptoms have been going on for 2 months now. She probably is suffering from which mood disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Major Depressive Disorder. Latresha's symptoms of prolonged sadness, fatigue, and lack of interest in activities lasting for 2 months indicate a major depressive episode. Generalized anxiety disorder (A) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety, not necessarily prolonged sadness. Bipolar disorder (B) involves episodes of both mania and depression, not solely prolonged sadness. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (D) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions, not the symptoms described in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
Dr. Haldol has several patients with schizophrenia who appear to exhibit excessive or distorted characteristics in relation to what one might consider normal functioning. Specific symptoms include varied hallucinations and multiple delusions. According to the DSM-5, these are referred to as?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Positive symptoms. Positive symptoms in schizophrenia are behaviors or experiences that are added to normal functioning, such as hallucinations and delusions. These symptoms are considered 'positive' because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Flat affect refers to a reduction in emotional expression, negative symptoms involve deficits in normal functioning such as reduced emotional expression or motivation, and catatonia is a state of unresponsiveness.
Question 4 of 5
_______ memory stores information about facts, whereas _______ memory stores information about our personal experiences.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Semantic, episodic." Semantic memory is responsible for storing factual information, such as concepts and general knowledge. Episodic memory, on the other hand, stores personal experiences and events. Choice A is incorrect because declarative memory is an umbrella term that includes both semantic and episodic memory, so it is not a direct contrast. Choice B is incorrect as it switches the definitions of episodic and semantic memory. Choice C is incorrect because nondeclarative memory refers to implicit or procedural memory, which is different from episodic memory.
Question 5 of 5
Dr. Kali works with clients to help them learn deep relaxation. Next, he has them list their fears from least to most anxiety-provoking. Finally, Dr. Kali slowly exposes his clients to each of their fears and assists them in gaining control of their anxiety. His approach is best known as?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, systematic desensitization. This therapy involves a step-by-step exposure to feared stimuli, helping individuals manage and reduce their anxiety. In this case, Dr. Kali's method of listing fears from least to most anxiety-provoking and gradually exposing clients to them aligns with the principles of systematic desensitization. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Aversion therapy involves associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant stimulus, flooding involves immediate and intense exposure to feared stimuli, and 'fear therapy' is a broad term that does not specifically describe the systematic exposure and relaxation techniques used in systematic desensitization.