ATI RN
Biological Basis of Behavior Questions
Question 1 of 5
The adult child of a patient diagnosed with major depression asks, Do you think depression and physical illness are connected? Since my fathers death, my mother has had shingles and the flu, but shes usually not one who gets sick. Which answer by the nurse best reflects current knowledge about psychoneuroimmunology?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer best explains the research. Research supports a link between negative emotions and/or prolonged stress and impaired immune system functioning. Activation of the immune system sends proinflammatory cytokines to the brain, and the brain in turn releases its own cytokines that signal the central nervous system to initiate myriad responses to stress. Prolonged stress suppresses the immune system and lowers resistance to infections. Although the adult child may be more aware of issues involving the mother, the pattern of illnesses described may be an increase from the mothers baseline.
Question 2 of 5
A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which division of the autonomic nervous system will be stimulated in response to this experience?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The autonomic nervous system is comprised of the sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation response). In times of stress, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated. A person fearful of heights would experience stress associated with the experience of driving across a high bridge. The peripheral nervous system responds to messages from the sympathetic nervous system. The limbic system processes emotional responses but is not specifically part of the autonomic nervous system.
Question 3 of 5
A patient has talked constantly throughout the group therapy session, often repeating the same comments. Other members were initially attentive then became bored, inattentive, and finally sullen. Which comment by the nurse leader would be most effective?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most effective action the nurse leader can take will be the one that encourages the group to solve its own problem. Pointing out changes in the group and asking members to respond to them lays the foundation for a discussion of group dynamics. Asking members to respond to the talkative patient puts that patient in an awkward position, likely increasing her anxiety. As anxiety increases, monopolizing behavior tends to increase as well, so this response would be self-defeating. Asking members what is going on is a broader opening and might lead to responses unrelated to the issue that bears addressing; narrowing the focus to the group process more directly addresses what is occurring in the group. Focusing on the talkative patient would be less effective and involves the leader addressing the issue instead of members first attempting to do so themselves (giving them a chance to practice skills such as assertive communication).
Question 4 of 5
A group is in the working phase. One member states, That is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a waste of my time. Which initial action by the group leader would be most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Meeting privately with the member can convey interest and help defuse the anger so that it is less disruptive to the group. Removing the member would be a last resort and used only when the behavior is intolerably disruptive to the group process and all other interventions have failed. Decreasing the focus on the hostile member and focusing more on positive members can help soften the anger. Angry members often hide considerable vulnerability by using anger to keep others at a distance and intimidated. Changing the subject fails to respond to the behavior.
Question 5 of 5
Your manic patient is being discharged on lithium. Which of the following would NOT be in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.