ATI RN
Behavioral Theory of Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The parents of a young man with schizophrenia express feelings of responsibility and guilt for their son's problems. How can the nurse best educate the family?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Explain the biological nature of schizophrenia. This option educates the family about the genetic and neurological factors contributing to schizophrenia, reducing feelings of guilt and responsibility. It promotes understanding that the disorder is not caused by parenting. Choice A is incorrect because acknowledging the parents' responsibility can exacerbate their guilt. Choice C is incorrect as solely referring to a support group may not address the underlying issue of guilt. Choice D is incorrect as it may imply that the parents are at fault and need to change, perpetuating feelings of guilt.
Question 2 of 5
A mother rescues two of her four children from a house fire. In the emergency department, she cries, "I should have gone back in to get them. I should have died, not them." What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it acknowledges the mother's feelings of guilt and validates her emotions. By stating, "You're feeling guilty because you weren't able to save your children," the nurse shows empathy and understanding towards the mother's distress. This response helps the mother process her emotions and begin to cope with the traumatic event. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on physical barriers rather than the mother's emotional state. Choice C does not address the mother's feelings of guilt and instead redirects her attention to a different aspect of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the mother's emotions and suggests avoidance rather than confronting her feelings.
Question 3 of 5
Which communication strategy would be most effective for a nurse to use during an assessment interview with an adult Native American patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it aligns with effective communication strategies in Native American culture. Soft voice respects the patient's preference for calm and gentle interactions. Breaking eye contact occasionally shows respect and humility, as prolonged eye contact can be interpreted as confrontational. General leads and reflective techniques promote a more holistic and patient-centered conversation. In Native American culture, indirect communication is valued, and reflective techniques encourage the patient to share their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. Overall, choice C prioritizes building rapport, demonstrating respect, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive conversation.
Question 4 of 5
An experienced psychiatric nurse plans to begin a new job in a community-based medication clinic. The clinic sees culturally diverse patients. Which action should the nurse take first to prepare for this position?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Investigate cultural differences in patients' responses to psychotropic medications. This is the first step the nurse should take to prepare for the new position. Understanding cultural differences in medication responses is crucial for providing safe and effective care. By researching this information, the nurse can tailor treatment plans to individual patients, minimizing risks of adverse reactions and improving outcomes. The other choices are incorrect because: B: Contacting the clinical nurse specialist for guidelines is helpful but not the first step. It is important to have a foundational understanding of cultural differences first. C: Examining literature on health beliefs is valuable but may not directly address medication responses. D: Completing an online course on psychopharmacology is beneficial but does not specifically focus on cultural considerations.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse administers medications to a culturally diverse group of patients on a psychiatric unit. What expectation should the nurse have about pharmacokinetics?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Pharmacokinetics refers to how the body processes medications, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Step 2: Cultural factors such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle can influence how individuals metabolize medications. Step 3: Different cultural groups may have variations in enzyme activity and genetic polymorphisms affecting drug metabolism. Step 4: Therefore, patients of different cultural groups may indeed metabolize medications at different rates. Summary: Choice A is correct because cultural diversity can impact pharmacokinetics. Choice B is incorrect as metabolism can vary among cultural groups. Choice C is incorrect as hepatic enzyme differences may not always be solely based on cultural factors. Choice D is irrelevant to the pharmacokinetics of medications.