ATI RN
psychiatric nurse certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse interviewing a patient with suspected PTSD should be alert to findings indicating the patient (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In assessing a patient for PTSD, it is crucial for the nurse to be attentive to various signs and symptoms. Option A, "avoids people and places that arouse painful memories," is correct because avoidance is a common coping mechanism in PTSD. Patients may actively avoid triggers to prevent distress or anxiety associated with past traumatic events. This behavior can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Option B, "experiences flashbacks or re-experiences the trauma," is a symptom commonly associated with PTSD but is not the only indicator. Not all patients with PTSD experience flashbacks; some may have other predominant symptoms. Option C, "experiences symptoms suggestive of a heart attack," is not typically a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Finally, option D, "feels compelled to repeat selected ritualistic behaviors," is more indicative of conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) rather than PTSD. Educationally, understanding the nuanced presentations of PTSD is essential for psychiatric nurses. By recognizing the diverse manifestations of PTSD, nurses can provide tailored care and support for patients. It is important to differentiate between symptoms of PTSD and other mental health conditions to ensure accurate assessment and appropriate intervention. Effective communication and a thorough understanding of PTSD symptoms are critical skills for nurses working with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Question 2 of 5
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, "Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities." The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) partially successful. This is because the patient is experiencing some improvement in their symptoms and functionality, indicating that the treatment plan is having a positive impact, albeit not fully resolving the issue yet. Option A) marginally successful suggests only a slight improvement, which does not align with the patient's reported experience of noticing less pain and being able to do more activities. Option B) minimally successful implies very limited progress, which again contradicts the patient's report of improved symptom management and increased activity. Option D) totally achieved is incorrect as the patient's ongoing pain indicates that the treatment plan has not completely resolved the issue. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of assessing treatment effectiveness based on the patient's reported outcomes and functional improvements. It emphasizes the need for nurses to carefully evaluate progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly to support patients with somatic symptom disorders effectively. This rationale helps reinforce the concept of measuring success in psychiatric nursing based on the patient's subjective experiences and functional abilities rather than just symptom presence or absence.
Question 3 of 5
A 12-year-old has engaged in bullying for several years. The parents say, "We can't believe anything our child says." Recently this child shot a dog with a pellet gun and set fire to a neighbor's trash bin. The child's behaviors support the diagnosis of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The behaviors mentioned are most consistent with criteria for CD, including aggression against people and animals; destruction of property; deceitfulness; rule violations; and impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Intermittent explosive disorder is a pattern of behavioral outbursts characterized by an inability to control aggressive impulses in adults 18 years and older. The behaviors are not consistent with attention deficit or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Question 4 of 5
A patient comes to the crisis center saying, "I'm in a terrible situation. I don't know what to do." The triage nurse can initially assume that the patient is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) anxious and fearful. The triage nurse can reasonably assume this because the patient's statement indicates distress and a sense of helplessness without any specific mention of self-harm or harm to others. Patients in crisis often present with heightened anxiety and fear, seeking support and guidance to cope with their situation. Option A) suicidal is incorrect because the patient did not explicitly mention thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Option C) misperceiving reality is incorrect as there is no indication in the patient's statement that they are experiencing a distorted perception of reality. Option D) potentially homicidal is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the patient poses a threat to others based on the information provided. In an educational context, it is essential for psychiatric nurses to accurately assess and triage patients in crisis situations. Understanding the nuances of patient communication and behavior is crucial in providing appropriate care and support. By recognizing signs of distress, anxiety, and fear, nurses can effectively intervene and provide the necessary assistance to individuals in need.
Question 5 of 5
Which situation demonstrates use of primary intervention related to crisis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of crisis intervention, the correct answer is B) Teaching stress-reduction techniques to a first-year college student. This option demonstrates primary intervention, which aims to prevent a crisis from occurring by addressing stressors and enhancing coping skills proactively. By teaching stress-reduction techniques, the nurse helps the student build resilience and manage stressors effectively, potentially preventing a crisis. Option A is incorrect as implementing suicide precautions for a depressed patient falls under secondary intervention, which involves preventing further harm once a crisis has occurred. Option C involves assessing coping strategies after a suicide attempt, which is tertiary intervention focused on addressing the aftermath of a crisis. Option D is also incorrect as it involves referring a patient to a partial hospitalization program, which is a form of secondary intervention to provide more intensive support after a crisis. In an educational context, understanding the different levels of crisis intervention is crucial for psychiatric nurses to provide effective care. By recognizing the appropriate interventions for each stage, nurses can tailor their approach to best support individuals in crisis and work towards preventing future crises. This knowledge enhances the nurse's ability to promote mental health and well-being in their patients.