ATI RN
Synopsis of Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The person with the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief is an adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over their lifetime. Losing multiple family members can create a cumulative effect, leading to unresolved grief and complicated bereavement reactions. These repeated losses can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of developing dysfunctional grief patterns. The ongoing experience of loss and grief can make it challenging for the individual to process their emotions effectively and adjust to their new reality, potentially leading to prolonged and complicated mourning.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
A 34-year-old male with catatonic schizophrenia has been mute and motionless for several days. Which nursing intervention would be an initial priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Building trust and rapport is essential when working with patients in a catatonic or withdrawn state.
Question 4 of 9
A novice mental health nurse shares that, “I’ll never get used to playing cards or other games with patients. It seems like a poor use of scarce nursing time.” The best response for the nurse’s mentor would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best response for the nurse’s mentor would be to highlight the importance of activities in mental health nursing. Participating in activities such as playing cards or games with patients is not just about passing time, but it also serves a therapeutic purpose. Engaging in activities helps patients to develop social skills, build relationships, and take small risks in a safe environment. As mental health nurses, it is crucial to understand that these activities are not a waste of time but rather an essential part of the therapeutic process. By participating in activities with patients, nurses can actively support their mental well-being and contribute to their overall treatment and recovery.
Question 5 of 9
The desired outcome for a patient experiencing insomnia is, "Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly within 7 days." At the end of 7 days, review of sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. What is the nurse’s next action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When goals are partially met, the plan of care should be re-evaluated, and adjustments should be made to interventions or timelines.
Question 6 of 9
The treatment team was engaged in planning how group therapy could be included as a part of the structured daily activities of the unit. A new team member asked, “Why is it so important to include group therapy for the patients?” The most accurate response would be based on the assumption that:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Group therapy is important because psychopathology often has its roots in disordered relationships. Many mental health issues are influenced by one's interactions with others, whether it be issues with communication, trust, boundaries, or other relational dynamics. Group therapy provides a structured environment where patients can explore and work through these relational difficulties with the support and feedback of peers. By addressing these relational patterns in a group setting, patients can gain insight into their behavior and develop healthier ways of relating to others. This can be a valuable component of their overall treatment plan and can help facilitate lasting change and growth.
Question 7 of 9
Which person has the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The person with the greatest potential for developing dysfunctional grief is an adult who has dealt with the loss of several family members over their lifetime. Losing multiple family members can create a cumulative effect, leading to unresolved grief and complicated bereavement reactions. These repeated losses can overwhelm an individual's coping mechanisms and increase the risk of developing dysfunctional grief patterns. The ongoing experience of loss and grief can make it challenging for the individual to process their emotions effectively and adjust to their new reality, potentially leading to prolonged and complicated mourning.
Question 8 of 9
A patient returned from attending the service memorializing his wife, who died after a sudden illness. Although those around him were visibly saddened, he smiled and remained in control. He refused support from friends, stating, “I can handle anything that comes my way.” The patient’s behavior is an example of grief.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient's behavior of smiling and remaining in control while refusing support from friends, despite attending a service memorializing his wife's death, is indicative of distorted grief. In distorted grief, individuals may show seemingly inappropriate reactions or behaviors that do not align with the typical grieving process. The patient's avoidance of accepting support and expression of excessive self-reliance in the face of a significant loss suggest a distorted way of coping with grief. In normal grief, individuals may experience a range of emotions and accept support from others as they navigate through the grieving process.
Question 9 of 9
A patient is in a smoking cessation program that encourages self-control therapy interventions. Which intervention would the nurse suggest?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Self-control therapy emphasizes self-monitoring to identify triggers and patterns, enabling the patient to implement strategies for behavioral change.