ATI RN
Psychological Exam
1. Sandy took part in the April 2013 Boston Marathon, where two bombs were detonated near the finish line, killing three spectators. For approximately 2 weeks after the marathon, Sandy was unable to sleep or concentrate and often found herself reliving the moment she heard the bombs explode. What disorder might Sandy be diagnosed with?
- A. Posttraumatic stress disorder
- B. Phobic disorder
- C. Panic disorder
- D. Acute stress disorder
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Sandy might be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD typically develops after exposure to a traumatic event and is characterized by symptoms such as re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders of the event, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened reactivity. While acute stress disorder can occur shortly after a traumatic event, the duration of symptoms in the scenario suggests a more prolonged impact, aligning with PTSD. Phobic disorder and panic disorder are not as closely related to the described symptoms as PTSD.
2. The child might see an orange and say 'apple' because both objects are round. This is known as ____?
- A. Accommodation
- B. Assimilation
- C. A detailed description of a single culture or context
- D. A study that tests a causal hypothesis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assimilation. Assimilation occurs when a child applies an existing schema (like 'apple' for round objects) to new objects. In this scenario, the child sees the round orange and calls it an 'apple' because they are both round. Choice A, Accommodation, involves modifying an existing schema to fit a new object or situation, which is not the case in the given scenario. Choices C and D are unrelated to the concept being tested in this question.
3. While out for a walk, you come across a ferocious dog. You feel your heart beating faster and your palms begin to sweat. Which part of the peripheral nervous system is activated in this situation?
- A. Autonomic
- B. Sympathetic
- C. Parasympathetic
- D. Somatic
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sympathetic. When encountering a stressful situation like a ferocious dog, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to the 'fight or flight' response. This response triggers physiological changes like increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness to prepare the body to deal with the perceived threat. The autonomic nervous system (Choice A) encompasses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, so it's a broader category. The parasympathetic nervous system (Choice C) is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' functions, which are opposite to the physiological changes seen in a stress response. The somatic nervous system (Choice D) controls voluntary movements and sensory information, not the physiological responses seen in a stress reaction.
4. What does the diathesis-stress model entail?
- A. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stress alone is sufficient to cause a mental disorder.
- B. The diathesis-stress model involves a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stressors.
- C. The diathesis-stress model suggests that genetic factors alone cause mental disorders.
- D. The diathesis-stress model suggests that stressors in the environment do not affect the onset of mental disorders.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The diathesis-stress model proposes that mental disorders develop from a combination of genetic vulnerability (the diathesis) and environmental stressors. Choice A is incorrect because it states that stress alone can cause mental disorders, which is not in line with the model. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the model to genetic factors alone causing mental disorders. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests that environmental stressors do not play a role in the onset of mental disorders, which contradicts the essence of the diathesis-stress model.
5. Scientific research has demonstrated the __________ parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children.
- A. Authoritarian
- B. Permissive
- C. Authoritative
- D. Neglectful
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Scientific research has demonstrated that the authoritative parenting style is most likely to lead to healthy psychological development in children. Authoritative parents are responsive to their children's emotional needs, set clear boundaries, and encourage independence. This balance fosters a positive environment for children to thrive emotionally and psychologically. Authoritarian parenting (choice A) focuses on strict rules without much warmth, which can lead to obedience but may hinder emotional development. Permissive parenting (choice B) lacks structure and rules, potentially resulting in children feeling insecure. Neglectful parenting (choice D) is characterized by a lack of responsiveness and involvement, leading to various negative outcomes for the child's development.
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