ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in a psychiatric facility is planning care for a client who has depression and is at risk for suicide. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assign the same staff to the client each shift. Consistency in staff helps build trust and rapport, crucial for clients with depression and suicide risk. This continuity allows staff to better monitor the client's behavior, mood changes, and suicide risk factors. The familiarity also helps in identifying early warning signs and implementing appropriate interventions promptly.
Choice B is incorrect because while keeping the room well-lit may help prevent self-harm, it does not address the underlying need for consistent support and monitoring.
Choice C is incorrect as constant privacy may hinder the nurse's ability to assess the client's safety and intervene effectively.
Choice D is incorrect as providing access to sharp objects increases the client's risk of self-harm.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Restlessness. In generalized anxiety disorder, clients often experience restlessness due to excessive worry and fear. This can manifest as fidgeting, inability to relax, and feeling on edge. Restlessness is a common symptom seen in individuals with this disorder. Increased energy (choice
A) is less likely as anxiety tends to deplete energy. Depersonalization (choice
C) is more commonly associated with dissociative disorders, not generalized anxiety disorder. Euphoric mood (choice
D) is not typically seen in clients with generalized anxiety disorder, as they are more likely to feel tense and worried.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for a client who has been taking lithium for 6 months. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL. This finding should be reported because an elevated creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can lead to lithium toxicity. Lithium is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can result in lithium accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of adverse effects. Reporting this finding promptly will allow the provider to adjust the dosage of lithium to prevent toxicity.
Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly indicate lithium toxicity. A lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L). Sodium level of 130 mEq/L is also within normal limits. WBC count of 8,000/mm³ is normal and not directly related to lithium toxicity.
Therefore, these findings do not require immediate reporting compared to the elevated creatinine level.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a school-aged child who has conduct disorder and is being physically aggressive toward other children in the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place the child in seclusion. The first step in managing physically aggressive behavior in a child with conduct disorder is to ensure the safety of the child and others. Placing the child in seclusion helps prevent harm to others while allowing the child to calm down in a controlled environment. Using therapeutic hold technique (
B) or applying wrist restraints (
C) may escalate the situation and increase the risk of harm. Administering risperidone (
D) is a medication intervention that should be considered only after addressing the immediate safety concerns.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following diagnosis procedures should the nurse anticipate the provider should describe during the medical evaluation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: ECG. A provider may order an ECG during the medical evaluation of a client with bulimia nervosa to assess for any potential cardiac complications, such as electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmias due to purging behaviors. This test helps in evaluating the overall cardiac health of the client. Chest x-ray (
A) is not typically indicated in the evaluation of bulimia nervosa unless there are specific respiratory symptoms. Coagulation studies (
C) are not directly related to the diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. Liver function test (
D) is not a common diagnostic procedure for bulimia nervosa unless there are specific concerns about liver function due to other factors.