ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
When leading a therapeutic group, the nurse demonstrates an understanding of the need to act as the group’s executive when:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When leading a therapeutic group, the nurse's role as the group's executive involves setting and maintaining boundaries, ensuring adherence to the group's rules, and creating a safe and structured environment for all members. Restating rules when a new member joins helps to establish expectations and maintain consistency within the group. It allows the nurse to assert authority and guide the group in a direction that is conducive to therapeutic progress. By upholding the rules and boundaries of the group, the nurse helps to create a sense of safety and trust among the members, allowing for open and productive communication and shared growth.
Question 2 of 9
When asked, the nurse explains that grief work refers to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Grief work involves actively processing emotions, integrating the loss, and adapting to life without the deceased. It is not solely about stress coping or progress evaluation.
Question 3 of 9
The physician has ordered atropine 5 mg intramuscularly (IM) for a patient to be administered 30 minutes prior to ECT. The rationale for use of this medication is that it reduces secretions and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rationale for using atropine 5 mg IM prior to ECT is to protect against vagal bradycardia, not to improve the scope of convulsive activity, reduce the need for recovery room staff, or prevent incontinence of bladder and bowel. Atropine is a muscarinic antagonist that blocks the effects of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to an increase in heart rate and protection against bradycardia that can occur during ECT.
Question 4 of 9
Which complaint is representative of anxiety in a 6-year-old child?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Children often express anxiety through physical complaints like stomachaches, especially in situations that cause distress or discomfort, such as visiting a noncustodial parent.
Question 5 of 9
An advance directive gives legally binding direction for health care interventions when a patient:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An advance directive is used when a patient is unable to make their own healthcare decisions, typically due to a serious illness or injury. This legal document outlines the patient’s wishes for treatment and care.
Question 6 of 9
A 76-year-old is regressed, indifferent, and responds to others only when they initiate an interaction. What form of group therapy would be most useful to promote resocialization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Remotivation therapy focuses on stimulating engagement and interaction in patients who are socially withdrawn or have limited emotional responses. It helps the individual reconnect with their environment and others.
Question 7 of 9
Which older adult patient’s medical conditions support the hypothesis upon which the immunologic theory of aging is based?
Correct Answer: B, C
Rationale: he immunologic theory of aging suggests that aging is associated with increased autoimmunity. Conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Graves’ disease reflect immune dysfunction.
Question 8 of 9
Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient who insists on being called "Your Highness" and demonstrates loosely associated thoughts?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: nsisting on being called "Your Highness" and demonstrating loose associations suggests a disturbance in thought processing typical of schizophrenia.
Question 9 of 9
In the elderly, administering medication is a great concern for the nurse since these patients are more prone to side effects. The primary cause of this is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Aging causes decreased renal and hepatic function, leading to slower metabolism and clearance of drugs, making older adults more vulnerable to drug toxicity and side effects. Other options, such as accelerated gastrointestinal function, are incorrect as GI motility often slows with age.