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
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 3 of 9
An appropriate intervention for a patient with situational low self-esteem would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because engaging the patient in activities designed to permit success helps boost self-esteem by providing opportunities for achievement. This intervention focuses on building the patient's confidence and self-worth through positive experiences. Choice A is incorrect as it addresses stress relief rather than self-esteem. Choice B is irrelevant as it pertains to hallucinations, not self-esteem. Choice D is also incorrect because while verbalizing feelings is important, it may not directly target the underlying issue of low self-esteem.
Question 4 of 9
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions. Summary: Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Question 5 of 9
Which intervention will the nurse implement in the first half hour after the patient has received ECT?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because reorienting the patient to time, place, and person is crucial in the immediate post-ECT period to help the patient regain orientation as consciousness improves. This intervention helps prevent confusion and disorientation commonly experienced after ECT. A: Continually stimulating the patient may be overwhelming and unnecessary. B: Continuing bagging is not relevant after ECT as the patient's respiratory function should have stabilized. D: Encouraging walking and eating can be unsafe immediately post-ECT due to potential disorientation and muscle weakness.
Question 6 of 9
What is the primary reason for the nurse to have an understanding of the various types of activity and adjunct therapies?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because nurses are expected to encourage patients' involvement in therapies to promote holistic care and enhance patient outcomes. By understanding different types of therapies, nurses can educate and motivate patients to participate actively in their treatment plans. This empowers patients to take control of their health and improve their overall well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the primary role of the nurse in this context is to support and advocate for the patients' engagement in therapies, rather than focusing on cost-effectiveness, placement, or support of other team members.
Question 7 of 9
Which physical disturbance is commonly assessed in patients experiencing acute grief?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tightness in the chest. This physical disturbance is commonly associated with acute grief due to the emotional pain experienced. It is a manifestation of the intense feelings of sadness and loss that accompany grief. Tightness in the chest can be a result of the stress response triggered by grief, leading to physical symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Summary: B: Hypersomnia and C: Increased appetite are more commonly associated with conditions like depression, while D: Cardiovascular problems may be a long-term consequence of chronic stress but are not typically assessed as a primary physical disturbance in acute grief.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
By the end of the orientation phase, which outcome can be identified for a newly admittedpatient? The patient will demonstrate:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because positive transference with a staff member in the orientation phase indicates a developing therapeutic relationship, which is crucial for effective treatment. This outcome shows the patient is beginning to trust and feel safe with a staff member, enhancing their engagement in therapy. Choice B is incorrect because the ability to ask for help in meeting needs may not be fully developed by the end of the orientation phase. Choice C is incorrect as commitment to long-term therapy is usually not established this early in the process. Choice D is incorrect because the ability to manage symptoms independently typically requires more time and therapy progress.