ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which documentation is appropriate for a newly admitted patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting signs of catatonia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because catatonia is characterized by a state of unresponsiveness or immobility. In this case, the patient remaining in a fixed position and responding minimally to verbal cues aligns with catatonic symptoms. Option B is incorrect as mood shifts are not typically associated with catatonia. Option C is incorrect as hyperactivity is not a common feature of catatonia. Option D is incorrect as a flat affect and minimal verbal communication are more indicative of other conditions like depression or autism, not catatonia.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient is having difficulty maintaining focus during conversations and displays incoherent speech. Which of the following symptoms is the patient exhibiting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loose associations. The patient's incoherent speech and difficulty maintaining focus during conversations are indicative of loose associations, a common symptom of schizophrenia. In loose associations, the patient's thoughts are not logically connected, leading to disjointed and illogical speech patterns. Neologisms (A) are newly created words, alogia (B) is poverty of speech, and echolalia (C) is the repetition of another person's words or phrases, none of which match the symptoms described.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is beginning psychopharmacology therapy. Which of the following medications is considered first-line treatment for symptoms of PTSD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sertraline. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used as first-line treatment for PTSD due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. It helps stabilize mood and improve overall functioning in individuals with PTSD. Olanzapine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are antipsychotic medications primarily used for psychotic disorders, not first-line treatments for PTSD. Prazosin (D) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances in PTSD but is not considered first-line treatment for overall PTSD symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A patient diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder is receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Which of the following should the nurse reinforce as an important goal of CBT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: To identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. In CBT for anxiety disorders, the main goal is to challenge and modify distorted thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety. By identifying and changing negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to respond to situations in a more adaptive and less anxiety-provoking way. This approach helps to break the cycle of anxiety and improve coping skills. Choices A and D are incorrect because avoiding stress or accepting anxiety as inevitable do not address the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to anxiety. Choice B is also incorrect as gaining insight into unconscious causes is more aligned with psychodynamic therapy rather than CBT, which focuses on changing current thoughts and behaviors.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting delusional thinking. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because distracting the patient and providing non-judgmental communication can help prevent escalating the delusions. Agreeing with the delusions (A) can reinforce them. Telling the patient their delusions are false (B) may cause distress. Encouraging the patient to confront their delusions (D) could lead to increased anxiety and distrust. Thus, C is the most appropriate approach to maintain a therapeutic relationship while keeping the patient safe.