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
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 3 of 9
A nurse plans a staff education program for employees of a senior living community. Which topic has priority?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Depression and suicide are serious concerns for elderly individuals and should be prioritized in education for caregivers to ensure early identification and intervention.
Question 4 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Rationale: Building trust and rapport is essential when working with patients in a catatonic or withdrawn state.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 5 of 9
An outcome for a patient experiencing anticipatory grieving for a spouse diagnosed with terminal cancer would be that the patient will:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anticipatory grieving involves preparing emotionally for the upcoming loss. The patient may begin to focus on caregiving and emotional preparation. Agreeing to care for the spouse with assistance reflects an adaptive coping mechanism during this period.
Question 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 of 9
Which response is appropriate when a patient’s mother expresses guilt over causing my child to be schizophrenic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Schizophrenia is primarily linked to biological factors, including genetic predispositions, neurochemical imbalances, and brain structure abnormalities. This response helps dispel guilt and provides reassurance to the mother.