ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about counseling interventions. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify counseling interventions as involving which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Goal of regaining functional abilities. Counseling interventions typically focus on emotional and psychological support rather than physical rehabilitation or regaining functional abilities. This choice is incorrect because counseling is not aimed at improving physical abilities but rather at addressing emotional and mental health issues.
Choices A, B, and D are correct as they align with common counseling interventions, which are often specific, time-limited, focus on coping improvement, and aim to prevent disability by addressing mental health concerns.
Question 2 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Step-by-step rationale for why A (Dopamine) is the correct answer:
1. Dopamine hypothesis: Excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
2. Studies show antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine receptors effectively alleviate these symptoms.
3. Dopamine dysregulation theory: Suggests abnormalities in dopamine transmission contribute to schizophrenia.
4. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are not directly implicated in hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse providing discharge teaching to the client who has schizophrenia and is starting therapy with clozapine. Which of the following is the highest priority for the client to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. This is the highest priority for the client to report because fever can indicate a serious side effect called agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine therapy. Agranulocytosis can lead to severe infections due to low white blood cell count. It is crucial to monitor for fever as an early sign of this condition to prevent complications.
A: Constipation - While constipation can be a side effect of clozapine, it is not as urgent as fever in this context.
B: Blurred vision - Blurred vision is a common side effect of clozapine but is not typically considered a medical emergency.
D: Dry mouth - Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including clozapine, and is not as concerning as fever in this scenario.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse helps a client practice various techniques of assertive communication by giving positive feedback for improvement of passive-aggressive interactions. This intervention would occur in which phase of the nurse-client relationship?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the working phase of the nurse-client relationship, the focus is on implementing interventions to address the client's issues. In this scenario, the nurse is actively helping the client practice assertive communication techniques and providing positive feedback for improvement. This phase involves collaboration and active problem-solving to achieve therapeutic goals.
A: Pre-interaction phase is about gathering information before meeting the client.
B: Orientation phase is about establishing rapport and setting goals.
D: Termination phase is about summarizing progress and preparing for closure.
Therefore, the correct answer is C because it aligns with the active intervention and problem-solving nature of the working phase.
Question 5 of 5
Which patient is the best candidate for brief psychodynamic therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because brief psychodynamic therapy is typically suitable for individuals with specific, time-limited issues like the aftermath of an extramarital affair. This type of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and patterns related to the specific problem.
Choices B, C, and D present more complex and severe issues that would likely require longer-term or more intensive therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or medical interventions. It is important to match the therapy approach to the individual's needs and presenting concerns.