ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse who is counseling a patient with dissociative identity disorder should understand that the assessment of highest priority is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: risk for self-harm. This is the highest priority because individuals with dissociative identity disorder may experience suicidal ideation or engage in self-harming behaviors. Assessing for self-harm risk allows for immediate intervention to ensure the patient's safety. Summary of other choices: B: Cognitive function - While important, assessing cognitive function is not the highest priority compared to ensuring the patient's safety from self-harm. C: Memory impairment - Although memory impairment is common in dissociative identity disorder, it is not as urgent as addressing the risk of self-harm. D: Condition of self-esteem - While self-esteem may be a factor in the patient's well-being, addressing self-harm risk takes precedence in ensuring immediate safety.
Question 2 of 5
Which assessment data would help the health care team distinguish symptoms of conversion (functional neurological) disorder from symptoms of illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: - Choice B is correct as the style of presentation can help differentiate between conversion disorder (physical symptoms unconsciously manifested) and illness anxiety disorder (excessive health concerns). - Choice A (voluntary control) is incorrect as both conditions involve involuntary symptoms. - Choice C (diagnostic testing) is not definitive for differentiation as both disorders can have normal test results. - Choice D (secondary gains) is not specific to differentiating symptoms but rather focuses on potential motivations.
Question 3 of 5
Which comment by a patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction indicates use of maladaptive, ineffective coping strategies?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement reflects a sense of entitlement or external locus of control, indicating maladaptive coping. The patient is placing blame on the employer instead of taking personal responsibility. Choice B shows reliance on family support, a healthy coping mechanism. Choice C demonstrates acceptance of the situation and willingness to make positive lifestyle changes. Choice D reflects acknowledgment of the condition and a decision-making process, which are adaptive coping strategies.
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment findings suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder, imposed on self-type? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct as it indicates a pattern of multiple hospitalizations without any physical illness findings, which aligns with factitious disorder imposed on self. This behavior is characterized by feigning or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are more indicative of malingering, seeking secondary gains, or seeking attention, rather than factitious disorder.
Question 5 of 5
An adolescent diagnosed with CD has aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms. The treatment team believes this adolescent may benefit from medication. The nurse anticipates the health care provider will prescribe which type of medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Second-generation antipsychotic. For an adolescent with CD exhibiting aggression, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and mood symptoms, second-generation antipsychotics are often prescribed due to their efficacy in managing these symptoms. These medications target multiple symptom domains commonly seen in CD, including aggression and mood dysregulation. Other choices such as antianxiety medication (B), calcium channel blocker (C), and β-blocker (D) are not typically indicated for the core symptoms of CD and may not address the specific symptoms presented in this case.