ATI RN
Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which person would the nurse assess as experiencing chronic sorrow?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because chronic sorrow is a continuous feeling of grief or sadness that occurs when there is a discrepancy between the reality of a situation and the individual's expectations or hopes. In this case, the father of an adult son who is schizophrenic is likely to experience chronic sorrow due to the ongoing challenges and difficulties associated with his son's mental illness. This long-term impact on his emotional well-being aligns with the concept of chronic sorrow. Choices A, C, and D do not necessarily imply a long-term or continuous feeling of grief. The mother of a child with asthma may experience anxiety or distress during asthma attacks, but it may not necessarily lead to chronic sorrow. The daughter whose father had a hip replacement may experience temporary worry or concern but not chronic sorrow. The wife whose husband requested a trial separation may experience sadness and distress, but it is not a situation that inherently leads to chronic sorrow.
Question 2 of 9
When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medications the patient has recently taken. This is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. Step 1: Evaluate recent medication history. Step 2: Identify medications known to cause delirium. Step 3: Determine if the patient has taken any of these medications. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity is more related to neuromuscular conditions. C: Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms is not specific to delirium assessment. D: The patient’s level of motor activity is not a key factor in distinguishing delirium from other problems.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is collecting the paintings from the patients after the art session is over. After art therapy, a patient hands the nurse a paper that consists of several black scribbles. Which statement demonstrates the nurse understands the goals and objectives of the therapy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows empathy and encouragement for the patient to express their feelings. By asking what prompted the artwork, the nurse demonstrates understanding and willingness to explore the patient's emotions. Choice A is judgmental and dismissive, not fostering a therapeutic relationship. Choice C is directive and may pressure the patient. Choice D makes an assumption about the patient's emotions without allowing them to share their perspective.
Question 4 of 9
To plan care for a patient with a psychiatric disorder, the nurse keeps in mind that the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assisting the patient in accomplishing the activity. This is because the primary nursing role related to therapeutic activities is to support and facilitate the patient in engaging in the activity independently. By assisting the patient, the nurse promotes autonomy and empowerment, which are essential for therapeutic outcomes. Summary: - B: Ensuring that the patient will comply with the rules of the activity is incorrect as it focuses on compliance rather than empowering the patient. - C: Ensuring that the patient can accomplish the activity in a timely manner is incorrect as the focus should be on the patient's ability to engage in the activity, not just the speed. - D: Directing and controlling the activities to minimize patient anxiety and confusion is incorrect as it doesn't promote the patient's independence and may reinforce dependency.
Question 5 of 9
According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which nursing strategies would assist in meeting self-esteem needs of elderly patients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice D is correct: 1. Maslow's hierarchy of needs places self-esteem as a fundamental psychological need. 2. Patient hygiene and dress contribute to self-esteem by promoting a sense of dignity and self-worth. 3. Attending to hygiene and dress before spousal visits shows respect for the patient's self-esteem. 4. This strategy directly addresses the self-esteem needs of elderly patients by enhancing their sense of self-worth and respect. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: A: Providing privacy for spouses does not directly address the patient's self-esteem needs. B: Arranging dining with spouses may enhance social needs but not directly address self-esteem. C: Including patients and spouses in educational sessions may promote social interaction but does not directly target self-esteem needs.
Question 6 of 9
An older adult patient was diagnosed with schizophrenia at age 18. A nurse at the outpatient medication clinic interviews this patient. Which communication strategy will be most helpful?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ask clear, simple questions using concrete language. This strategy is most helpful because older adults with schizophrenia may have cognitive impairments that affect their ability to process complex information. Clear and simple questions using concrete language can help the patient understand and respond effectively. Choice A (Ask questions that can be answered with yes or no) limits communication and may not provide enough information for the nurse to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. Choice B (Use silence often and let the patient take the lead) may not be effective as the patient may struggle to communicate effectively due to cognitive impairments. Choice C (Use open-ended, indirect questions) may lead to confusion or misinterpretation for a patient with cognitive challenges.
Question 7 of 9
A new nurse asks, “My elderly patient has Lewy body disease. What should I do about assessing for pain?” Select the best response from the nurse manager.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because Lewy body disease can affect a patient's ability to communicate pain, making specialized pain assessment tools crucial. Special scales designed for patients with dementia can help in accurately assessing pain levels. These tools consider non-verbal cues and behavioral changes that may indicate pain. Asking the patient's family (A) may not always provide an accurate assessment of pain perception. Using a visual analog scale (B) may be challenging for a patient with cognitive impairment. Focusing solely on mental status (D) may overlook important indicators of pain in patients with Lewy body disease.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse administers pure oxygen to a client during and after electroconvulsive therapy. What is the nurse’s rationale for this procedure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To prevent anoxia due to medication-induced paralysis of respiratory muscles. During electroconvulsive therapy, muscle relaxants are often used to prevent injury during the seizure. These medications can lead to paralysis of respiratory muscles, causing potential anoxia if oxygen is not administered. Providing pure oxygen ensures adequate oxygenation despite muscle paralysis. Incorrect Choices: A: Preventing increased intracranial pressure is not the primary rationale for administering oxygen during ECT. C: Hypotension, bradycardia, and bradypnea are potential side effects of ECT itself, but oxygen administration is not primarily to prevent these. D: Oxygen is not administered to prevent a blocked airway but rather to ensure adequate oxygenation during muscle paralysis.
Question 9 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: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because anticipatory grieving involves emotional involvement with the dying spouse. This allows the patient to process emotions, express love, and make meaningful connections before the actual loss. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests avoidance of pain through mental mechanisms, which is not conducive to healthy grieving. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on a specific behavior (violence) rather than the emotional process of grieving. Choice D is incorrect as it assumes the patient's agreement to care for the spouse is the primary outcome, overlooking the emotional aspect of anticipatory grief.