which behavior is most characteristic of a patient with agoraphobia
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ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. Which behavior is most characteristic of agoraphobia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Agoraphobia is characterized by the avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. Avoiding crowded places and public transportation aligns with this fear of being in situations where escape might be challenging, making choice A the most characteristic behavior of agoraphobia. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the core feature of agoraphobia, which is the avoidance of situations perceived as difficult to escape from.

2. What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with specific phobia?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with a specific phobia is to help them confront their fear gradually, leading to a reduction in their fear response over time. This gradual exposure helps the individual learn to manage and cope with their phobia, ultimately reducing the intensity of their fear reactions. Choice A is incorrect because while the goal is to reduce the fear response, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on increasing exposure but on gradual confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as the therapy aims for long-term reduction rather than immediate relief.

3. Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents’ home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his “nice” mom, that he loves school, and gets above-average grades. The strongest explanation for this response is:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Resilience is the ability to adapt well despite adversity, which is demonstrated by Christopher's positive relationships and school performance. Despite the challenging situation of being removed from his parents' home, Christopher's ability to form a positive bond with the neighbor, enjoy school, and excel academically showcases his resilience in coping with the circumstances.

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to encourage them to focus on deep breathing exercises. This intervention helps the patient manage the physiological symptoms of a panic attack by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperventilation, which are common during such episodes. Deep breathing exercises can help regulate breathing patterns and alleviate feelings of anxiety and panic.

5. The school staff has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer ‘locking up’ other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The staff recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: This behavior of playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of causing fear may suggest that the child is displaying potential symptoms of traumatization. It could indicate that the child has experienced or witnessed traumatic events, leading to the replication of such scenarios as a coping mechanism or way to process the trauma. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the behavior described is more indicative of a potential trauma response rather than a need to dominate others, invent traumatic events, or develop close relationships.

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