ATI RN
Psychobiologic Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
Two staff nurses applied for promotion to nurse manager. The nurse not promoted initially had feelings of loss but then became supportive of the new manager by helping make the transition smooth and encouraging others. Which term best describes the nurses response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Altruism is the mechanism by which an individual deals with emotional conflict by meeting the needs of others and receiving gratification vicariously or from the responses of others. The nurses reaction is conscious rather than unconscious. There is no evidence of suppression. Intellectualization is a process in which events are analyzed based on remote, cold facts and without passion, rather than incorporating feeling and emotion into the processing. Reaction formation is when unacceptable feelings or behaviors are controlled and kept out of awareness by developing the opposite behavior or emotion.
Question 2 of 5
A store clerk was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who has a long history of schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient is expressing feelings related to the loss, and this is an expected and healthy behavior. This patient is at risk for a maladaptive response because of the history of a serious mental illness, but the nurse's priority intervention is to form a therapeutic alliance and support the patient's expression of feelings. Crying at 2 weeks after his death is expected and normal.
Question 3 of 5
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) says to the nurse, 'That patient with amnesia looks fine, but when I talk to her, she seems vague. What should I be doing for her?' Select the nurse's best reply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Disruptions in ability to perform activities of daily living, confusion, and anxiety are often apparent in patients with amnesia. Offering simple directions to promote activities of daily living and reduce confusion helps increase feelings of safety and security. A calm, secure, predictable, protective environment is also helpful when a person is dealing with a great deal of uncertainty. Recollection of memories should proceed at its own pace, and the patient should only gradually be given information about her past. Asking questions that require recall that the patient does not possess will only add frustration. Quiet, undemanding activities should be provided as the patient tolerates them and should be balanced with rest periods; the patient's time should not be loaded with demanding or stimulating activities.
Question 4 of 5
A soldier returns to the United States from active duty in a combat zone in Afghanistan. The soldier is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse's highest priority is to screen this soldier for:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority is to screen the soldier for depression (Option C) because individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience co-occurring depression. It is crucial to screen for depression as it is a common comorbidity with PTSD and can significantly impact the individual's overall well-being and quality of life. Bipolar disorder (Option A) and schizophrenia (Option B) are serious mental health conditions, but they are not typically the primary focus when a soldier returns from a combat zone with symptoms of PTSD. While PTSD and these disorders can coexist, depression is more commonly associated with PTSD in this context. Dementia (Option D) is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a decline in memory and other cognitive abilities. It is not typically a primary concern when a soldier returns from combat with PTSD. Screening for dementia would not be the highest priority in this situation compared to screening for depression given the known links between PTSD and depression. Educationally, understanding the common comorbidities of PTSD is essential for healthcare providers working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of associated conditions allows for timely intervention and holistic care to address the individual's mental health needs comprehensively.
Question 5 of 5
A soldier served in combat zones in Iraq during 2010 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013. When is it most important for the nurse to screen for signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of psychobiologic disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is crucial for the nurse to conduct ongoing screenings for signs and symptoms. The correct answer, option D, emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring due to the delayed onset of PTSD symptoms. Screening immediately upon return to the U.S. from Afghanistan (Option A) may not capture all potential symptoms as PTSD can manifest over time. Conducting screenings before departing Afghanistan (Option B) may be premature as symptoms might not be fully developed. Screening one year after returning (Option C) could miss early signs and prevent timely intervention. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of PTSD development in individuals exposed to traumatic events. It underscores the need for healthcare providers, particularly nurses, to maintain vigilance and offer continuous support to individuals at risk for psychobiologic disorders like PTSD. Regular screenings can aid in early detection, intervention, and improved outcomes for those experiencing PTSD.