ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The common element seen in every type of bereavement is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it captures the essence of bereavement - the experience of loss. This choice acknowledges that bereavement involves losing something significant, which is a universal aspect of grieving. Other choices are incorrect - A is not always predictable, C is not always acute depression, and D focuses on a specific aspect of grief rather than the core element of loss. Therefore, B is the most comprehensive and inclusive choice.
Question 2 of 9
A patient begins a new program to assist with building social skills. In which part of the plan of care should a nurse record the item, "Encourage patient to attend one psychoeducational group daily"?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Implementation. In the nursing process, implementation involves carrying out the plan of care. Encouraging the patient to attend a psychoeducational group daily is an action that is part of implementing the care plan to improve social skills. This step focuses on putting the plan into action and actively supporting the patient in achieving the desired outcomes. A: Assessment is incorrect because assessment involves collecting data and information about the patient's condition, not actively implementing interventions. C: Analysis is incorrect as it involves interpreting and making sense of the assessment data to identify problems and strengths, not implementing interventions. D: Evaluation is incorrect because it involves assessing the effectiveness of the interventions implemented, not actively carrying out the interventions themselves.
Question 3 of 9
Which patient would the group co-leaders determine is demonstrating Yalom’s therapeutic factor termed universality?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because universality in Yalom's therapeutic factors refers to the recognition that one is not alone in their struggles. Patient A demonstrates this by acknowledging that others also face loneliness, fostering a sense of commonality and reducing feelings of isolation. In contrast, patient B's dysfunctional patterns do not relate to universality. Patient C's sense of belonging is related to group cohesion, not universality. Patient D's anger expression is not directly linked to recognizing shared experiences.
Question 4 of 9
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Question 5 of 9
What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a catatonic patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a catatonic patient is Risk for deficient fluid volume (C) because catatonic patients are at risk for dehydration due to decreased fluid intake or inability to meet fluid needs. This diagnosis takes precedence over others as dehydration can lead to serious complications. Ineffective coping (A) may be secondary to the catatonic state but addressing fluid volume is more urgent. Impaired physical mobility (B) and Impaired social interaction (D) are important but not as critical as addressing the risk of dehydration in a catatonic patient.
Question 6 of 9
When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medications the patient has recently taken. This is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. Step 1: Evaluate recent medication history. Step 2: Identify medications known to cause delirium. Step 3: Determine if the patient has taken any of these medications. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity is more related to neuromuscular conditions. C: Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms is not specific to delirium assessment. D: The patient’s level of motor activity is not a key factor in distinguishing delirium from other problems.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse assesses four patients between the ages of 70 and 80. Which patient has the highest risk for alcohol abuse? The patient who:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient who started drinking daily after retirement as a coping mechanism for arthritis has the highest risk for alcohol abuse. This behavior indicates a potential dependence on alcohol to manage physical and emotional discomfort, leading to increased consumption and potential addiction. Choice A is not the correct answer because consuming 1 glass of wine nightly with dinner is generally considered moderate drinking and does not necessarily indicate alcohol abuse. Choice B is also not the correct answer as social drinking throughout adult life, even if justified as a reward, does not inherently suggest alcohol abuse without further evidence of problematic drinking patterns. Choice D is incorrect as the patient has a history of alcohol abuse but currently abstains and seeks support through AA, indicating active efforts to maintain sobriety and reduce the risk of alcohol abuse.
Question 8 of 9
An older adult patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. A nurse at the outpatient medication clinic interviews this patient. Which communication strategy will be most helpful?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language. This strategy is most helpful because older adults with schizophrenia may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to process complex information. Clear and simple questions using concrete language can help the patient understand and respond effectively. Choice A (Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no) limits communication and may not provide enough information for the nurse to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. Choice B (Use silence often and let the patient take the lead) may not be effective as the patient may struggle to communicate effectively due to cognitive impairments. Choice C (Use open-ended, indirect questions) may lead to confusion or misinterpretation for a patient with cognitive challenges.
Question 9 of 9
Planning for a patient with Asperger's disorder will be facilitated if the nurse understands that this disorder is different from autism. The nurse will base care on knowledge that Asperger's disorder is characterized by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Age-appropriate language development. Asperger's disorder is characterized by normal to above-average language development, whereas autism typically presents with delays or impairments in language skills. This is important for planning care as it influences communication strategies and interventions for individuals with Asperger's. A: Repetitive patterns of behavior are more indicative of autism, not specific to Asperger's. C: Stereotypic movements and speech patterns are also more associated with autism and not a defining feature of Asperger's. D: Obsession with objects that move in a spinning motion is a specific behavior that may be seen in some individuals with autism, but it is not a defining characteristic of Asperger's disorder.