ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
Which nurse would qualify as a fact witness in a case dealing with a physically abused young child?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, an emergency room nurse. In cases of physical abuse, an emergency room nurse who directly treated the child and observed the injuries qualifies as a fact witness. They can provide firsthand accounts of the child's condition and the circumstances surrounding the incident. A psychiatric nurse (
A) may not have direct knowledge of the physical abuse, focusing on mental health aspects. A sexual assault nurse examiner (
B) specializes in sexual assault cases, not physical abuse. A pediatric intensive care unit nurse (
D) may have limited interaction with the child and lack direct knowledge of the abuse.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a child's cognitive ability to think logically. The nurse asks the child to count backward from 10 to 0, and the child complies. What cognitive stage is this child in?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The child counting backward from 10 to 0 demonstrates conservation of numbers and reversibility, characteristics of the concrete operational stage. In this stage, children can engage in logical thought processes, manipulate information mentally, and understand conservation. This ability is typically developed around ages 7 to 11.
A: Sensorimotor stage focuses on sensory experiences and object permanence, typically occurring from birth to age 2.
B: Formal operational stage involves abstract thinking and hypothetical reasoning, usually from age 12 and beyond.
D: Preoperational stage includes egocentrism and lack of conservation, typical for children aged 2 to 7.
Therefore, the child counting backward is in the concrete operational stage due to their ability to think logically and understand conservation.
Question 4 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 5 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.