ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nurse Certification Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which scenario is an example of a tort?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because giving an as-needed dose of an antipsychotic drug without proper assessment or authorization can be considered a tort, specifically the tort of battery. This is because the nurse is administering medication without consent, which violates the patient's right to autonomy and bodily integrity. It can also result in harm or adverse effects to the patient. Choice A is not a tort as it relates to a delay in completing a plan of care, which may be a violation of hospital policies but not a legal tort. Choice B involves appropriate care and assessment based on the patient's history and symptoms, so it is not a tort. Choice C is related to changes in patient status based on improvement in symptoms, which is not a tort as long as it is done following proper protocols and procedures.
Question 2 of 5
Which documentation is appropriate for a newly admitted patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting signs of catatonia?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because catatonia is characterized by a state of unresponsiveness or immobility. In this case, the patient remaining in a fixed position and responding minimally to verbal cues aligns with catatonic symptoms. Option B is incorrect as mood shifts are not typically associated with catatonia. Option C is incorrect as hyperactivity is not a common feature of catatonia. Option D is incorrect as a flat affect and minimal verbal communication are more indicative of other conditions like depression or autism, not catatonia.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who expresses a desire to commit suicide. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ensure that the patient is in a safe environment and is not alone. This is the first intervention that should be implemented because safety is the top priority when a patient expresses suicidal ideation. Ensuring the patient is in a safe environment and not alone helps prevent immediate harm. Providing a quiet space (A) may not address the safety concern. Discussing feelings (C) and engaging in physical activity (D) can be important interventions, but safety must be addressed first.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The patient is having difficulty maintaining focus during conversations and displays incoherent speech. Which of the following symptoms is the patient exhibiting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Loose associations. The patient's incoherent speech and difficulty maintaining focus during conversations are indicative of loose associations, a common symptom of schizophrenia. In loose associations, the patient's thoughts are not logically connected, leading to disjointed and illogical speech patterns. Neologisms (A) are newly created words, alogia (B) is poverty of speech, and echolalia (C) is the repetition of another person's words or phrases, none of which match the symptoms described.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is beginning psychopharmacology therapy. Which of the following medications is considered first-line treatment for symptoms of PTSD?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sertraline. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used as first-line treatment for PTSD due to its effectiveness in reducing symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. It helps stabilize mood and improve overall functioning in individuals with PTSD. Olanzapine (B) and Haloperidol (C) are antipsychotic medications primarily used for psychotic disorders, not first-line treatments for PTSD. Prazosin (D) is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances in PTSD but is not considered first-line treatment for overall PTSD symptoms.