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
A nursing instructor is teaching a class on the pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications. The instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a site of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neurotransmitters. In pharmacodynamics, the site of action refers to where a drug exerts its effects in the body. Neurotransmitters are not a site of action; they are the chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons. Drugs act on receptors, ion channels, and enzymes to produce their pharmacological effects. Receptors are proteins on cell surfaces or within cells that bind to specific drugs and initiate a response. Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, affecting cell function. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions.
Therefore, neurotransmitters do not serve as the primary site of action for psychiatric medications.
Question 3 of 5
After working with a patient who has a history of violent behavior to identify possible clues that suggest that his behavior is escalating, the nurse and patient develop a plan for prevention. Which strategy would they be least likely to include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turning up the music loud. This strategy would be least likely to be included because it does not directly address the escalation of violent behavior. Counting to 10 and taking slow deep breaths are both commonly used techniques to help manage anger and prevent escalation. Taking a voluntary time out is also effective in creating a safe space to de-escalate. Turning up the music loud may serve as a distraction, but it does not actively address the underlying issues or help the patient stay in control of their emotions.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is presenting a program to a church group about domestic violence. During the presentation, a member of the audience asks the nurse to explain what intergenerational transmission of violence means because he has seen that phrase used in the media. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because intergenerational transmission of violence refers to the cycle where individuals who grow up in violent households are more likely to perpetuate domestic violence in their own relationships. This response directly addresses the concept by highlighting the link between childhood exposure to violence and adult behavior.
Choice A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue by attributing violence solely to neurochemical imbalances, ignoring the impact of environmental factors like upbringing.
Choice C is incorrect as it suggests violence is solely genetic, which is not supported by research that shows the influence of learned behavior.
Choice D is incorrect as it presents an inaccurate statement about domestic violence skipping generations, which is not a recognized pattern in the transmission of violence.
Question 5 of 5
A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia tells the nurse, "The Central Intelligence Agency is monitoring us through the fluorescent lights in this room. The CIA is everywhere, so be careful what you say." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it validates the patient's feelings without directly challenging their delusion. By acknowledging the patient's concern about privacy, the nurse shows empathy and maintains a therapeutic relationship.
Choice A avoids addressing the patient's underlying fear and may be dismissive.
Choice C provides factual information but does not address the patient's emotional needs.
Choice D uses confrontational language and may increase the patient's distress by labeling their belief as a symptom of illness. Overall, option B demonstrates empathy and builds rapport with the patient, which is crucial in providing effective care for individuals with schizophrenia.