ATI RN
Behavioral Health Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement by a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia demonstrates delusional thinking?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement reflects a clear false belief (delusion) that the television is sending secret messages to the patient. This belief is not based on reality or evidence. In contrast, choices B, C, and D do not demonstrate delusional thinking. Choice B expresses general distrust, choice C suggests a feeling of being watched due to a perceived special status, and choice D indicates auditory hallucinations, not delusional thoughts. Delusions are fixed, false beliefs that are not culturally accepted or based on factual evidence.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has experienced abuse and neglect since early childhood. The nurse should understand that this is an example of which of the following types of trauma?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: Chronic trauma refers to repeated exposure to traumatic events over a prolonged period, such as ongoing abuse and neglect in this case. Step 2: The adolescent has experienced abuse and neglect since early childhood, indicating a long-term and persistent traumatic experience. Step 3: Vicarious trauma involves indirect exposure to trauma through witnessing or hearing about others' experiences. Step 4: Acute trauma refers to a single traumatic event with immediate impact, not a prolonged pattern like chronic trauma. Step 5: Historical trauma relates to collective trauma experienced by a group over generations, not an individual's ongoing abuse and neglect. Summary: Choice C is correct because it best describes the repeated and prolonged nature of the adolescent's traumatic experiences, while the other choices do not align with the specific circumstances presented.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is caring for a client who was admitted for suicidal ideation. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse identify as a continuation of suicidal ideation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the statement "I'm going to give my sister my pottery collection when I get home" indicates future planning, suggesting the client may not see themselves owning the collection in the future due to suicidal ideation. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to suicidal ideation as they focus on positive activities or future plans that do not indicate self-harm intentions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a patient diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Which of the following signs should the nurse monitor for in this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severe weight loss and restriction of food intake. In anorexia nervosa, patients typically exhibit extreme fear of gaining weight, leading to severe restriction of food intake resulting in significant weight loss. Monitoring for this sign is crucial to assess the severity of the disorder and plan appropriate interventions. Incorrect choices: A: Extreme weight gain and bloating - This is not indicative of anorexia nervosa as patients with this disorder typically experience significant weight loss. B: Excessive exercise and compulsive eating - While excessive exercise can be a symptom of anorexia nervosa, compulsive eating is more commonly associated with binge eating disorder. D: Binge eating followed by purging behaviors - This pattern of behavior is characteristic of bulimia nervosa, not anorexia nervosa.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who is exhibiting negative symptoms such as lack of motivation and limited speech. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because providing structure and clear instructions helps manage negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Structure can help the patient overcome lack of motivation and limited speech by providing a framework for engagement. Clear instructions offer guidance and reduce confusion. Encouraging social activities (A) may overwhelm the patient. Frequent reassurance (C) may not address the core issue. Telling the patient to try harder (D) can increase stress and worsen symptoms.