ATI RN
ATI Practice Questions Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is one difference between family therapy and group therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because family therapy focuses on addressing issues within the family unit, including managing co-occurring problems within the home environment. This type of therapy aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships among family members. Group therapy, on the other hand, involves individuals coming together to address common issues but does not specifically target problems within the family system.
Choices A and D are incorrect because the speed of problem-solving and the setting where therapy is provided do not necessarily differentiate family therapy from group therapy.
Choice B is incorrect because group therapy involves interactions among individuals who may or may not be strangers, not specifically those with common problems.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who has attempted suicide. Which of the following would the nurse identify as relating to a psychological cause?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cluster B personality disorder. This is because personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior that cause distress or impairment. Cluster B includes disorders characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior, such as borderline, narcissistic, histrionic, and antisocial personality disorders. Individuals with Cluster B personality disorders may have underlying psychological issues that contribute to suicidal behavior.
A: While a history of childhood trauma can certainly contribute to suicidal ideation, it is not specifically related to a psychological cause in the context of this question.
C: Social isolation can be a risk factor for suicide, but it is not a direct psychological cause.
D: Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior influences others to attempt suicide. It is not a psychological cause but rather a social factor.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about mental disorders and plans to include how mental disorders are different from medical disorders. Which statement would be most appropriate for the nurse to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because mental disorders are typically diagnosed based on a cluster of observable behaviors, thoughts, and feelings, rather than a specific biological pathology or laboratory tests. This statement is appropriate as it aligns with the current understanding of mental disorders as complex conditions that involve a combination of psychological, behavioral, and emotional symptoms.
Choice A is incorrect because while some mental disorders may have underlying biological components, not all are solely defined by biological pathology.
Choice B is incorrect because laboratory tests are not the primary method for diagnosing mental disorders.
Choice D is incorrect because manifestations of mental disorders often fall outside of normal, expected parameters, which is why they are considered disorders in the first place.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells a nurse, "My best friend is a perfect person. She is kind, considerate, good-looking, and successful with every task. I could have been like her if I had the opportunities, luck, and money she's ha" This patient is demonstrating
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Rationale:
C: Rationalization is when a person justifies their behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasoning that may not be valid. In this case, the patient is rationalizing their shortcomings by attributing them to external factors like opportunities, luck, and money. This defense mechanism helps protect their self-esteem by avoiding taking responsibility for their own traits.
Incorrect choices:
A: Denial is refusing to accept reality, which is not evident in this scenario.
B: Projection is attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, which is not present here.
D: Compensation is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength, which is not demonstrated by the patient's statement.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is planning a presentation for a group of mental health care providers on the topic of co-occurring disorders. The nurse plans to include information about health care providers and their response to these clients. Which of the following would the nurse include as a major reason for these clients being often underserved and undertreated?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Step 1: Individuals with co-occurring disorders have complex needs, requiring providers to prioritize which issue to address first.
Step 2: Difficulty in determining which problem is in most immediate need can lead to undertreatment of one or both disorders.
Step 3: This can result in clients being underserved and not receiving the comprehensive care they require.
Step 4: Option A is incorrect because not all providers focus solely on 12-step programs; Option B is incorrect as underdiagnosing personality disorders is not the main reason for underserving co-occurring clients; Option C is incorrect as providers are aware of concurrent mental health disorders but may struggle with prioritization.
Step 5:
Therefore, the correct answer is D as it highlights the critical issue of determining immediate treatment needs for clients with co-occurring disorders.