ATI RN
psychiatric nurse certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, the nurse should understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At the unconscious level, the patient's primary gain from the symptoms is anxiety relief. Considering that the symptoms actually make the patient more psychologically comfortable and may also provide secondary gain, patients frequently fiercely cling to the symptoms. The symptoms tend to be chronic, but that does not explain why they are difficult to give up. The symptoms are not under voluntary control or physiologically based.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
At the last contracted visit in the crisis intervention clinic, an adult says, "I've emerged from this a stronger person. You helped me get my life back in balance." The nurse responds, "I think we should have two more sessions to explore why your reactions were so intense." Which analysis applies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Termination is indicated; however, the nurse's remark is clearly an invitation to work on other problems and prolong contact with the patient. The focus of crisis intervention is the problem that precipitated the crisis, not other issues. The scenario does not describe transference. The patient shows no need for continuing support. The scenario does not describe dependency needs.