ATI RN
Mental Health ATI Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which therapeutic communication statement might a psychiatric-mental health registered nurse use when a patient's nursing diagnosis is altered thought processes?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's experience without judgment and encourages further exploration of the hallucinations.
Choice A dismisses the patient's experience, choice B invalidates their reality, and choice D does not address the patient's experience or encourage further discussion. Using open-ended questions like in choice C promotes trust and allows the patient to express their thoughts and feelings.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is presenting with symptoms of hallucinations and delusions. They have had these symptoms for a week. The client does not have a history of a mood disorder; they do not have any medical conditions or history of substance misuse. What is the client's most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: brief psychotic disorder. This diagnosis is most likely because the client is experiencing hallucinations and delusions for less than a month with no history of mood disorder, medical conditions, or substance misuse. Brief psychotic disorder is characterized by a sudden onset of psychotic symptoms lasting less than a month. Schizophrenia (
A) requires symptoms to be present for at least six months. Schizoaffective disorder (
B) involves a combination of mood disorder symptoms along with psychotic symptoms. Catatonia (
D) is a symptom seen in various psychiatric disorders but is not a primary diagnosis.
Therefore, based on the client's presentation and history, brief psychotic disorder is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing a presentation about the current status of mental health services in the United States. Which statement would the nurse include as the most reflective of this status?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Mental health care services are inadequate and fragmented. This is the most reflective statement of the current status of mental health services in the United States.
1. Inadequate services: Many individuals face barriers in accessing mental health care due to factors such as cost, stigma, and lack of providers.
2. Fragmented services: The mental health care system in the U.S. is often disjointed, with gaps in service provision and coordination between different providers and agencies.
3. Lack of resources: There is a shortage of mental health professionals and funding for mental health services, further contributing to the inadequacy and fragmentation of care.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Mental health care is not equally accessible, as there are disparities in access based on factors like income and location.
B: While mental illness is a significant cause of disability, this statement does not address the current status of mental health services.
C: Mental health care focuses on a range of interventions, including
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with HAND resulting from AIDS. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to assess?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cognitive impairment. For a client with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAN
D), assessing cognitive impairment is crucial as it directly impacts their ability to perform daily activities and make informed decisions. Cognitive assessment helps in determining the extent of cognitive decline and planning appropriate interventions. Sensory impairment (choice
A) may be important but is not the priority in HAND. Social behaviors (choice
C) and anxiety state (choice
D) are also important but assessing cognitive impairment takes precedence due to its direct impact on the client's overall functioning.
Question 5 of 5
Maxwell is a 30-year-old male who arrives at the emergency department stating, 'I feel like I am having a stroke.' During the intake assessment, the nurse discovers that Maxwell has been working for 36 hours straight without eating and has consumed eight double espresso drinks and 12 caffeinated sodas. The nurse suspects:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dehydration and caffeine overdose. Maxwell's symptoms of feeling like having a stroke are likely due to severe dehydration and excessive caffeine consumption. Dehydration can cause dizziness, confusion, and weakness, mimicking stroke symptoms. Caffeine overdose can lead to increased heart rate, tremors, and anxiety, exacerbating these symptoms. Working for 36 hours straight without eating also contributes to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as there are no indications of fluid overload, benzodiazepine overdose, or sleep deprivation syndrome in this scenario.