ATI RN
Psychiatry Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement best explains how a mother of several children should prepare to help them cope with the loss of a dear aunt?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Each child will grieve in a unique way and on their own timetable. It is essential for the mother to acknowledge and understand that each of her children will process the loss of their dear aunt differently. Some children might show their emotions openly and seek comfort, while others might prefer to process their feelings more privately. By recognizing and respecting these individual differences, the mother can provide the necessary support tailored to each child's specific needs. This approach helps create a supportive environment where each child feels understood and cared for as they navigate their grief journey.
Question 2 of 5
According to Piaget, which of the following would the nurse consider normal when assessing a 6-year-old?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In understanding Piaget's theory of cognitive development, it is essential to recognize that children progress through stages that shape their understanding of the world. At the age of 6, children are typically in Piaget's concrete operational stage, characterized by logical thought and understanding of conservation and classification. The correct answer, option C, "Enjoying putting puzzles together," aligns with this stage as it reflects the child's ability to engage in structured, logical activities that require problem-solving skills. Enjoying puzzles indicates the child's developing cognitive abilities in terms of spatial awareness, reasoning, and problem-solving. Option A, "Playing with an imaginary friend," is more characteristic of Piaget's preoperational stage, where children engage in symbolic play. While common and developmentally appropriate, it is not the most indicative of a 6-year-old's cognitive abilities in the concrete operational stage. Option B, "Talking about their best friend," pertains more to social and emotional development rather than cognitive development in the context of Piaget's stages. This option focuses on interpersonal relationships rather than cognitive tasks. Option D, "Knowing it's wrong to tell a lie," involves moral development, which is not the primary focus of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. While moral reasoning is important, Piaget's stages primarily address cognitive processes such as problem-solving, classification, and logical thinking. In an educational context, understanding Piaget's stages of cognitive development is crucial for nurses working with children to assess their growth and development accurately. By recognizing the characteristics of each stage, nurses can tailor their interactions and interventions to support children's cognitive abilities effectively.
Question 3 of 5
An advanced practice nurse is qualified to perform which action for patients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and advanced practice nursing in psychiatry, the correct answer is B) Prescribe psychotropic medication. Advanced practice nurses with specialized training and certification are often granted prescriptive authority, allowing them to prescribe medications, including psychotropic drugs, to patients within their scope of practice. This responsibility requires advanced knowledge of pharmacology, understanding of mental health conditions, and the ability to assess, diagnose, and manage patients' medication needs. Option A) Perform mental health assessment interviews is a crucial nursing skill, but it does not specifically pertain to pharmacology or the prescribing of medications, which is the focus of this question. Option C) Establish therapeutic relationships is an essential nursing skill in psychiatric care, but it does not directly relate to the prescribing of psychotropic medications, which is the primary scope of this question. Option D) Individualize nursing care plans is important in providing holistic care to psychiatric patients, but it does not specifically address the advanced practice nurse's role in pharmacology and medication management, as prescribing medications requires a higher level of training and expertise. Understanding the role of advanced practice nurses in psychiatric pharmacology is essential for providing safe and effective care to patients with mental health disorders. By prescribing psychotropic medications, these nurses play a crucial role in managing patients' symptoms, improving their quality of life, and promoting better mental health outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Before assessing a new patient, a nurse is told by another health care worker, "I know that patient. No matter how hard we work, there isn’t much improvement by the time of discharge." The nurse’s responsibility is to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Assess the patient based on data collected from all sources. This is the most appropriate response for the nurse because it upholds the principles of comprehensive assessment and evidence-based practice in pharmacology and psychiatry. By choosing option B, the nurse ensures that the assessment is thorough and objective, taking into account all available information about the patient's condition. This approach allows for a holistic understanding of the patient's situation, which is crucial in psychiatry where accurate diagnosis and treatment are highly dependent on comprehensive assessment. Options A, C, and D are incorrect in this context. Documenting the other worker's assessment (Option A) without conducting an independent assessment may lead to biased conclusions. Validating the worker's impression by contacting the patient's significant other (Option C) introduces a potential for information bias and does not prioritize direct assessment of the patient. Discussing the worker's impression with the patient during the assessment interview (Option D) can also bias the nurse's perception of the patient before conducting a comprehensive evaluation. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of conducting independent, thorough assessments in pharmacology and psychiatry. It highlights the significance of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and the need to gather information from multiple sources to make informed clinical decisions. It also underscores the ethical responsibility of healthcare professionals to maintain objectivity and avoid biases in patient care.
Question 5 of 5
By discharge, which outcome is appropriate for a patient who hears voices telling them they are evil?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and psychiatry, the correct answer to the question is option C) Identify events that increase anxiety and promote hallucinations. This answer is appropriate because it focuses on addressing the underlying factors contributing to the patient's hallucinations, which is crucial in managing psychotic symptoms in psychiatric patients. Option A) Respond verbally to the voices may not be the best course of action as it does not address the root cause of the hallucinations and may even reinforce the patient's belief in the voices. Option B) Verbalize the reason the voices say they are evil does not address the need to manage the anxiety and hallucinations that the patient is experiencing. Understanding the reason behind the voices may not necessarily lead to effective symptom management. Option D) Integrate the voices into their personality structure in a positive manner can be a risky approach as it may lead to further entrenchment of the hallucinations and could potentially worsen the patient's condition. In an educational context, it is essential for healthcare providers to understand the importance of addressing underlying factors contributing to psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations. By identifying and addressing triggers for hallucinations, healthcare providers can help patients better manage their symptoms and improve overall outcomes. This rationale highlights the significance of a holistic approach to psychiatric care that goes beyond just symptom management.