ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, 'Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days.' At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. The nurse will document the outcome as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: never demonstrated. This is because the patient did not meet the desired outcome of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days. Despite taking a 2-hour afternoon nap, the average nightly sleep is still below the target. Choice A, B, and C are incorrect because the patient did not consistently, often, or sometimes demonstrate the desired outcome as specified in the question. The key factor in determining the correct answer is comparing the actual outcome (4 hours of sleep) to the desired outcome (minimum of 5 hours of sleep).
Question 2 of 5
A patient newly diagnosed as HIV-positive seeks the nurse's advice on how to reduce the risk of infections. The patient says, 'I went to church years ago and I was in my best health then. Maybe I should start going to church again.' Which response will the nurse offer?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because research indicates that spiritual practices can positively impact immune system function and coping abilities, which can help reduce the risk of infections in HIV-positive individuals. This response acknowledges the potential benefits of spiritual practices on health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the potential influence of spiritual practices on health and instead attributes the patient's previous good health to youth and strength. Choice B is incorrect because it acknowledges the benefit of social support but does not directly address the potential health benefits of spiritual practices. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses solely on the risk of infections from attending church without considering the potential positive effects of spiritual practices on health.
Question 3 of 5
A person with a fear of heights drives across a high bridge. Which structure will stimulate a response from the autonomic nervous system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary responses like fear reactions. When the person with acrophobia (fear of heights) drives across the high bridge, the hypothalamus will be stimulated to trigger the autonomic nervous system's fight-or-flight response. The thalamus (A) is involved in sensory processing, the parietal lobe (B) in spatial awareness, and the pituitary gland (D) in hormone regulation - none of which directly relate to the autonomic nervous system's response to fear stimuli.
Question 4 of 5
A patient in the emergency department shows disorganized behavior and incoherence after a friend suggested a homosexual encounter. In which room should the nurse place the patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: An interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs. This room provides a private and calm environment for the patient to express themselves openly. It allows for a therapeutic conversation and assessment of the patient's mental status. Choice B is incorrect as it does not provide a suitable environment for patient care or communication. Choice C is more appropriate for a physical examination rather than a mental health assessment. Choice D is not ideal as it may not offer the privacy needed for the patient to discuss sensitive issues.
Question 5 of 5
A cruel and abusive person often uses rationalization to explain the behavior. Which comment demonstrates use of this defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C is the correct answer as it demonstrates rationalization by shifting blame to the provoked person. This deflects responsibility from the abuser's actions by justifying them based on the other person's actions. A admits lack of awareness, B cites personal struggle, and D shows self-awareness, but they do not involve rationalization as in C.