ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 5
How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to determine which diagnosis to give a patient. The DSM-5 is a comprehensive manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (AP
A) that outlines specific criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. It aims to ensure accurate and consistent diagnosis and treatment.
Choices B and D provide inaccurate information. Hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association does not provide diagnostic labels for mental disorders.
Choice C, although mentioning the assessment of patients, does not highlight the specific criteria and guidelines provided by the DSM-5 that psychiatrists use to assign diagnoses.
Question 2 of 5
Which intervention would be appropriate for assisting a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Offering family therapy sessions would be the most appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Family therapy can be beneficial as it addresses interpersonal relationships within the family system, which is crucial in managing major depressive disorder effectively. This approach aligns with Sullivan's interpersonal theory, which emphasizes the impact of interpersonal relationships on individual behavior and personality development. In contrast, encouraging discussion of feelings, discussing childhood events, or teaching alternate coping skills may not directly address the interpersonal dynamics contributing to the client's major depressive disorder.
Question 3 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is having nightmares about the event. The client reports difficulty sleeping at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The initial action the nurse should take is to encourage the client to talk about the traumatic event during the day. This approach can assist the client in processing the trauma in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the frequency and intensity of nightmares. It allows for emotional expression and may promote better sleep by addressing the underlying psychological distress associated with PTSD. Encouraging the client to talk about the event during the day promotes therapeutic processing of the trauma and emotional expression, which can lead to improved coping mechanisms and potentially decrease the distressing symptoms like nightmares. Encouraging the client to avoid caffeine and alcohol may be beneficial, but addressing the emotional aspects first is crucial. Administering a sedative should not be the first approach, as it does not address the root cause of the nightmares. Scheduling a follow-up appointment with the therapist is important but should follow addressing the immediate distressing symptoms and promoting coping strategies.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare provider is assessing a client with suspected bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Findings in a client with bipolar disorder typically include periods of elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, and flight of ideas. Anhedonia, characterized by the inability to experience pleasure, is more commonly associated with major depressive disorder.
Therefore, the healthcare provider should not expect anhedonia in a client with suspected bipolar disorder. The other choices are characteristic features of bipolar disorder, such as mania or hypomania.
Question 5 of 5
A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The client's mother states, 'That's not something to be stressed about!' Which is the most appropriate nursing response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response is D: 'Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.' This response acknowledges the psychological aspect of stress and how a perceived threat to self-esteem can be just as stressful as a physiological change.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the client's concerns or provide a therapeutic response to the situation.