ATI RN
ATI Active Learning Template Basic Concept Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is one reason why personality disorders can be difficult to diagnose?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because individuals with personality disorders often lack insight into their condition and may not seek help. This can lead to underreporting of symptoms and reluctance to engage in treatment. Maladaptive behaviors (B) are a symptom of personality disorders, not a reason for difficulty in diagnosis. Lack of reliable health history (C) may hinder diagnosis but is not specific to personality disorders. Lack of emotional response (D) from the client may be a symptom of certain personality disorders but is not the main reason for difficulty in diagnosis.
Question 2 of 5
After several therapeutic encounters with a patient who recently attempted suicide, which occurrence should cause the nurse to consider the possibility of countertransference?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because feeling unusually happy when the patient's mood improves could indicate countertransference. Countertransference occurs when the nurse projects their own emotions onto the patient, potentially interfering with therapeutic boundaries. In this scenario, the nurse's emotional response may be a sign of unresolved issues or a personal connection to the patient's situation, which could impact the therapeutic relationship. A: The patient's reactions being realistic and appropriate does not necessarily indicate countertransference. B: The patient comparing the nurse to their parents may trigger personal feelings but does not directly suggest countertransference. D: Developing a trusting relationship is a positive aspect of therapeutic communication and does not inherently indicate countertransference.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the assessment findings of several patients. Which patient would the nurse identify as having a type D personality?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Identify Type D personality - Type D personality is characterized by negative emotions, social inhibition, and a tendency to suppress emotions. Step 2: Analyze the choices - Option D fits the criteria as the man reacts negatively to almost everything and does not discuss his feelings with anyone, demonstrating social inhibition and negative emotions. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect choices - Option A displays aggression, not social inhibition. Option B shows introverted behavior, not necessarily negative emotions. Option C involves peer pressure and poor decision-making, not social inhibition or negative emotions. Summary: Choice D is correct as it aligns with the characteristics of a Type D personality - negative emotions and social inhibition. Choices A, B, and C do not exhibit these specific traits.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated in the emergency department for a panic attack. Which of the following nursing interventions would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because staying with the client and emphasizing safety helps establish trust and security, which are crucial during a panic attack. This intervention provides reassurance and support, reducing the client's anxiety and promoting a sense of safety. A: Demonstrating empathy is important, but trying to mimic the client's anxiety may escalate the situation. B: Leaving the client alone may increase feelings of abandonment and worsen the panic attack. C: Providing false reassurance by stating a positive prognosis may invalidate the client's feelings and minimize the seriousness of their experience. In summary, choice D is the most appropriate as it focuses on providing immediate support and safety to help the client through the panic attack.
Question 5 of 5
A patient says to the nurse, "My father has been dead for over 10 years, but talking to you is almost as comforting as the talks he and I had when I was a chil" Which term applies to the patient's comment?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Transference. This term refers to the patient projecting feelings or emotions they have towards someone else, typically a significant figure from their past, onto the nurse. In this scenario, the patient is expressing comfort in talking to the nurse similar to the comfort they felt when talking to their deceased father, indicating a transference of emotions. A: Superego pertains to the internalized moral standards and values of an individual, not relevant in this context. C: Reality testing involves distinguishing between internal thoughts and external reality, which is not the focus of the patient's comment. D: Counter-transference refers to the nurse's emotional response towards the patient, not the patient's feelings towards the nurse.