ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
To plan care for a patient with a psychiatric disorder, the nurse keeps in mind that the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assisting the patient in accomplishing the activity. This is because the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is to support and facilitate the patient in engaging in the activity independently. By assisting the patient, the nurse promotes autonomy and empowerment, which are essential for therapeutic outcomes. Summary: - B: Ensuring that the patient will comply with the rules of the activity is incorrect as it focuses on compliance rather than empowering the patient. - C: Ensuring that the patient can accomplish the activity in a timely manner is incorrect as the focus should be on the patient's ability to engage in the activity, not just the speed. - D: Directing and controlling the activities to minimize patient anxiety and confusion is incorrect as it doesn't promote the patient's independence and may reinforce dependency.
Question 2 of 9
An outcome for a patient experiencing anticipatory grieving for a spouse diagnosed with terminal cancer would be that the patient will:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because anticipatory grieving involves emotional involvement with the dying spouse. This allows the patient to process emotions, express love, and make meaningful connections before the actual loss. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests avoidance of pain through mental mechanisms, which is not conducive to healthy grieving. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on a specific behavior (violence) rather than the emotional process of grieving. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's agreement to care for the spouse is the primary outcome, overlooking the emotional aspect of anticipatory grief.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
An appropriate intervention for a patient with situational low self-esteem would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because engaging the patient in activities designed to permit success helps boost self-esteem by providing opportunities for achievement. This intervention focuses on building the patient's confidence and self-worth through positive experiences. Choice A is incorrect as it addresses stress relief rather than self-esteem. Choice B is irrelevant as it pertains to hallucinations, not self-esteem. Choice D is also incorrect because while verbalizing feelings is important, it may not directly target the underlying issue of low self-esteem.
Question 5 of 9
A teen states, "I miss my dog so much, but if I start crying, I will never stop." This reflects a fear of:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the teen is expressing a fear of losing control over her emotions if she starts crying. This is evident from her belief that she will never stop crying once she starts. Option B (Losing the support of her friends and family) is incorrect as the statement does not suggest concern about losing support. Option C (Embarrassing herself by crying in public) is incorrect as the fear expressed is more about not being able to stop crying rather than embarrassment. Option D (Appearing emotionally immature) is incorrect as there is no indication that the teen is worried about how others perceive her emotional maturity.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is working with a group of older adults attending a seminar on the physical and emotional effects of aging. Which patient statements are good predictors of positive well-being and perceived mortality? (Select all that apply.) “Not having to deal with the stress of any major chronic illnesses.”
Correct Answer: A, C
Rationale: The correct answers are A and C. Statement A indicates a positive attitude towards aging, which is a good predictor of positive well-being. Feeling satisfied with growing older can lead to better emotional health and higher perceived mortality. Statement C suggests that retirement provides opportunities for personal fulfillment, which can contribute to positive well-being. Statements B and D do not directly address attitudes towards aging or well-being, making them less reliable predictors.
Question 7 of 9
What is the primary reason for the nurse to have an understanding of the various types of activity and adjunct therapies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nurses are expected to encourage patients' involvement in therapies to promote holistic care and enhance patient outcomes. By understanding different types of therapies, nurses can educate and motivate patients to participate actively in their treatment plans. This empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary role of the nurse in this context is to support and advocate for the patients' engagement in therapies, rather than focusing on cost-effectiveness, placement, or support of other team members.
Question 8 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 9 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.