ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
Johnny is twelve-year-old boy who has had an increase in aggressive behaviors, picking fights with other students at his school. Johnny's mother calls his doctor's office to ask if there is medication to help decrease these behaviors. After gathering more information about the recent increase in Johnny's outbursts, what is the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medication may not be indicated right away; there are other options.
Rationale:
1. Medication should not be the first line of intervention for behavior issues in children.
2. It is important to explore other options such as therapy, counseling, behavior modification techniques.
3. Understanding the root cause of Johnny's behavior is crucial before considering medication.
4. Rushing into medication without exploring other avenues may not address the underlying issues.
Summary:
A: Allowing more freedom at home could potentially worsen Johnny's behavior by reinforcing the negative actions.
C: Telling Johnny his behavior is unacceptable without addressing the underlying cause may not effectively reduce his aggression.
D: Allowing Johnny to skip school is not a solution; addressing the behavior and providing appropriate support is essential.
Question 2 of 5
Taylor, a psychiatric registered nurse, orients Regina, a patient with anorexia nervosa, to the room where she will be assigned during her stay. After getting Regina settled, the nurse informs Regina:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because as a psychiatric nurse, it is important to ensure the safety of the patient, especially those with anorexia nervosa who may have harmful items in their belongings. Going through the patient's belongings allows the nurse to assess and remove any potential risks. This action aligns with the duty of care and ensures the patient's well-being.
Choice B is incorrect because using a scale can trigger anxiety and reinforce unhealthy behaviors related to weight monitoring in patients with anorexia nervosa.
Choice C is incorrect as stating a specific number of meals may not be suitable for every individual and could create unnecessary pressure on the patient.
Choice D is incorrect because the structure of care should be based on evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines, not solely on the patient’s desire to eat.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is counseling a parent whose child has a communication disorder. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize when teaching the parent about this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Initiating conversations with the child frequently. This is important as it helps the child practice communication skills and improves their confidence. By engaging in regular conversations, the child gets more opportunities to develop their speech and language abilities. Option A is incorrect as solely focusing on nonverbal activities may neglect the child's speech development. Option C is incorrect as stopping the child's conversation when stuttering begins can lead to frustration and hinder progress. Option D is incorrect as medication is not typically the primary treatment for communication disorders in children.
Question 4 of 5
In the emergency department, the nurse assesses a client who is aggressive and experiencing auditory hallucinations. The client states,"The CIA is plotting to kill me." To which mental health setting would the nurse expect this client to be admitted?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Short-term, inpatient, locked unit. This setting is appropriate because the client is exhibiting acute symptoms of aggression and auditory hallucinations, indicating a need for close monitoring and safety precautions in a secure environment. Long-term inpatient facility (choice
A) is not suitable for acute episodes. Day treatment (choice
B) may not provide the level of supervision needed. Psychiatric case management (choice
D) focuses on community-based care, not acute inpatient care.
Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate for managing the client's current symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse documents: "Patient is mute despite repeated efforts to elicit speech. Makes no eye contact. Inattentive to staff. Gazes off to the side or looks upward rather than at speaker." Which nursing diagnosis should be considered?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Impaired verbal communication. The patient's inability to speak, make eye contact, and focus on the speaker indicates a communication issue. Impaired verbal communication relates to difficulty expressing thoughts, feelings, or needs. The patient's behavior aligns with this diagnosis as they are mute, inattentive, and not making eye contact. Defensive coping (
A) involves protecting oneself from emotional pain. Decisional conflict (
B) pertains to uncertainty about choices. Risk for other-directed violence (
C) involves potential harm to others, which is not evident in the scenario. Thus, D is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis.