ATI RN
Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient would be determined to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic event involves sudden and violent loss of a child, which can lead to complicated or dysfunctional grief reactions. The circumstances of the death, involving violence, unexpectedness, and the close relationship with the deceased, can significantly impact the grieving process. The patient may struggle with intense emotions, guilt, anger, and unresolved trauma, making them more vulnerable to experiencing dysfunctional grief. It is essential for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions to help the patient navigate through this complex grieving process.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is experiencing distress with midlife transition. Which statement provides support that the patient is successfully managing this stressor?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of midlife transition, option C, "I’ll never be rich, but I can save enough to live comfortably," provides support that the patient is successfully managing the stressor. This response demonstrates a realistic and adaptive approach to goal-setting, reflecting a healthy adjustment to changing life expectations during midlife. The other options illustrate less adaptive coping mechanisms. Option A reflects denial and stubbornness, which can hinder personal growth and adaptation. Option B shows self-criticism and a lack of self-compassion, which can exacerbate distress. Option D, while insightful, does not directly address the patient's personal coping strategies. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of coping strategies and resilience during life transitions. It emphasizes the need for realistic goal-setting and adaptive responses to change, which are crucial skills in managing stress and promoting mental well-being, especially during significant life stages like midlife transition. Students can learn from this rationale the significance of flexibility, self-awareness, and positive coping mechanisms in navigating life challenges effectively.
Question 3 of 5
According to Piaget, which of the following would the nurse consider normal when assessing a 6-year-old?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In understanding Piaget's theory of cognitive development, it is essential to recognize that children progress through stages that shape their understanding of the world. At the age of 6, children are typically in Piaget's concrete operational stage, characterized by logical thought and understanding of conservation and classification. The correct answer, option C, "Enjoying putting puzzles together," aligns with this stage as it reflects the child's ability to engage in structured, logical activities that require problem-solving skills. Enjoying puzzles indicates the child's developing cognitive abilities in terms of spatial awareness, reasoning, and problem-solving. Option A, "Playing with an imaginary friend," is more characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage, where children engage in symbolic play. While common and developmentally appropriate, it is not the most indicative of a 6-year-old's cognitive abilities in the concrete operational stage. Option B, "Talking about their best friend," pertains more to social and emotional development rather than cognitive development in the context of Piaget's stages. This option focuses on interpersonal relationships rather than cognitive tasks. Option D, "Knowing it's wrong to tell a lie," involves moral development, which is not the primary focus of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. While moral reasoning is important, Piaget's stages primarily address cognitive processes such as problem-solving, classification, and logical thinking. In an educational context, understanding Piaget's stages of cognitive development is crucial for nurses working with children to assess their growth and development accurately. By recognizing the characteristics of each stage, nurses can tailor their interactions and interventions to support children's cognitive abilities effectively.
Question 4 of 5
An advanced practice nurse is qualified to perform which action for patients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and advanced practice nursing in psychiatry, the correct answer is B) Prescribe psychotropic medication. Advanced practice nurses with specialized training and certification are often granted prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including psychotropic drugs, to patients within their scope of practice. This responsibility requires advanced knowledge of pharmacology, understanding of mental health conditions, and the ability to assess, diagnose, and manage patients' medication needs. Option A) Perform mental health assessment interviews is a crucial nursing skill, but it does not specifically pertain to pharmacology or the prescribing of medications, which is the focus of this question. Option C) Establish therapeutic relationships is an essential nursing skill in psychiatric care, but it does not directly relate to the prescribing of psychotropic medications, which is the primary scope of this question. Option D) Individualize nursing care plans is important in providing holistic care to psychiatric patients, but it does not specifically address the advanced practice nurse's role in pharmacology and medication management, as prescribing medications requires a higher level of training and expertise. Understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in psychiatric pharmacology is essential for providing safe and effective care to patients with mental health disorders. By prescribing psychotropic medications, these nurses play a crucial role in managing patients' symptoms, improving their quality of life, and promoting better mental health outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
Before assessing a new patient, a nurse is told by another health care worker, "I know that patient. No matter how hard we work, there isn’t much improvement by the time of discharge." The nurse’s responsibility is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Assess the patient based on data collected from all sources. This is the most appropriate response for the nurse because it upholds the principles of comprehensive assessment and evidence-based practice in pharmacology and psychiatry. By choosing option B, the nurse ensures that the assessment is thorough and objective, taking into account all available information about the patient's condition. This approach allows for a holistic understanding of the patient's situation, which is crucial in psychiatry where accurate diagnosis and treatment are highly dependent on comprehensive assessment. Options A, C, and D are incorrect in this context. Documenting the other worker's assessment (Option A) without conducting an independent assessment may lead to biased conclusions. Validating the worker's impression by contacting the patient's significant other (Option C) introduces a potential for information bias and does not prioritize direct assessment of the patient. Discussing the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview (Option D) can also bias the nurse's perception of the patient before conducting a comprehensive evaluation. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of conducting independent, thorough assessments in pharmacology and psychiatry. It highlights the significance of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and the need to gather information from multiple sources to make informed clinical decisions. It also underscores the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to maintain objectivity and avoid biases in patient care.