ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
You realize that your patient who is being treated for a major depressive disorder requires more teaching when she makes the following statement:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: B is the correct answer because the patient's statement indicates a dangerous decision to switch from an SSRI (Prozac) to a MAOI without consulting a healthcare provider. MAOIs have significant interactions with certain foods and other medications that can lead to serious side effects such as hypertensive crisis. This decision shows a lack of understanding of the importance of proper medication management and the potential risks involved.
Choices A, C, and D all demonstrate a reasonable understanding of antidepressant therapy and do not indicate immediate safety concerns.
Question 2 of 5
Which activity is most appropriate for a child with ADHD?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tennis. Physical activities like tennis are beneficial for children with ADHD as they help release excess energy and improve focus. Tennis involves physical movement, coordination, and strategy, which can enhance concentration and self-regulation skills. Reading an adventure novel (
A) may be too sedentary for a child with ADHD, limiting their ability to focus. Monopoly (
B) and Checkers (
C) are good for cognitive development but may not provide enough physical activity to help manage ADHD symptoms effectively. Tennis, on the other hand, offers a combination of physical exercise and mental engagement, making it the most appropriate choice for a child with ADHD.
Question 3 of 5
Personality disorders often co-occur with mood and eating disorders. A young woman is undergoing treatment at an eating disorders clinic and her nurse suspects the patient may also have a Cluster B personality disorder due to the young woman's:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dramatic response to frustration. This is indicative of a Cluster B personality disorder, which includes traits such as emotional instability and impulsivity. People with Cluster B personality disorders often display intense and exaggerated emotional responses to situations like frustration.
Choices A, C, and D do not specifically align with the characteristics of Cluster B personality disorders, making them incorrect. A reflects symptoms of an eating disorder, C is related to compulsive behavior, and D describes traits more commonly associated with mood disorders.
Question 4 of 5
Tommy, a 12-year-old boy admitted to the pediatric psychiatric unit, has recently been diagnosed with conduct disorder. In the activity room, the games he wanted to play were already in use. He responded by threatening to throw furniture and to hurt his peers who had the game he wanted. Nancy, a registered nurse, recognizes that Tommy's therapy must include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consistency in implementing the consequences of breaking rules. This is essential in managing conduct disorder as it helps establish clear boundaries and expectations for behavior. By consistently applying consequences when rules are broken,
Tommy will learn that his actions have repercussions, promoting accountability and potentially reducing future outbursts.
Choice B is incorrect because while empathy is important in understanding
Tommy's emotions, it alone is not sufficient to address the underlying behavior.
Choice C is incorrect as simply teaching the benefits of socializing does not directly address
Tommy's behavior and the root causes of his conduct disorder.
Choice D is incorrect as solitary time may not effectively address the need for structure, consequences, and social skill development that
Tommy requires in his therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Which statement by an older patient with a mild neurocognitive disorder demonstrates a safe response to beginning a new medication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having a family member present during appointments ensures accurate information retention and understanding, especially for older patients with mild neurocognitive disorders who may have difficulty remembering or processing information independently. This support system can help clarify any confusion, address concerns, and monitor medication adherence.
A: While reading the information provided by the pharmacist is helpful, it may not be sufficient for patients with cognitive impairments.
C: While knowing they can call the doctor is important, relying solely on this may not provide immediate or real-time support when needed.
D: Following instructions on the medication bottle is essential, but older patients with cognitive disorders may need additional assistance to ensure proper medication management.