ATI RN
Mental Health Proctored ATI Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client who has a major depressive episode tells the nurse that for the past 2 weeks, he has been hearing voices and at times thinks that someone is following him. History reveals that he had these alternating symptoms before along with times when he has experienced neither of these symptoms and has been able to function adequately. The nurse interprets these findings as suggesting which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Schizoaffective disorder. This is because the client is experiencing both psychotic symptoms (hearing voices, feeling followed) and mood symptoms (major depressive episode). Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms.
A: Paranoid schizophrenia is incorrect because the client's symptoms do not solely fit the criteria for paranoid schizophrenia, as there are also depressive symptoms present.
B: Undifferentiated schizophrenia is incorrect as the client's symptoms do not fully align with the criteria for schizophrenia and there is a clear mood component present.
C: Brief psychotic disorder is incorrect as the client's symptoms have been present for more than the specified duration for this disorder.
In summary, the presence of both psychotic and mood symptoms over time points towards the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.
Question 2 of 5
A patient has a history of impulsively acting-out anger by striking others. Select the most appropriate intervention for avoiding similar incidents.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because helping the patient identify incidents that trigger impulsive anger addresses the root cause of the behavior. By understanding triggers, the patient can learn to anticipate and manage their anger more effectively. This intervention promotes self-awareness and empowers the patient to develop coping strategies.
Choice A is incorrect because herbal preparations may not address the underlying causes of the impulsive anger.
Choice C is inappropriate as using restraint and seclusion should be a last resort and not the primary intervention.
Choice D is not as effective as helping the patient identify triggers, as one-on-one supervision does not necessarily address the root cause of the behavior.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following would be a priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nutrition patterns. Priority in assessing a client with borderline personality disorder is to ensure basic needs are met. Nutrition patterns impact physical and mental health. Personal hygiene (
B), physical functioning (
C), and somatic complaints (
D) are important but addressing nutrition patterns takes precedence in ensuring overall well-being and stability for the client.
Question 4 of 5
Which behavior shows that a nurse values autonomy? The nurse
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because discussing options and helping the patient weigh consequences promotes autonomy by involving the patient in decision-making. This empowers the patient to make informed choices about their care. A is incorrect as it limits the patient's autonomy. B restricts the patient's support system. D focuses on setting boundaries rather than promoting autonomous decision-making.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is performing change of shift assessments on 4 clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to provider first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because lethargy and confusion in a client with gastroenteritis may indicate dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to serious complications. The nurse should report this finding first to prevent deterioration.
Choice A is incorrect because thick productive cough and thirst in a client with cystic fibrosis are common symptoms and may not require immediate provider notification.
Choice C is incorrect because a morning fasting blood glucose of 185 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is elevated but not considered a critical finding that requires immediate reporting.
Choice D is incorrect because pain 15 minutes after receiving an oral analgesic is a common occurrence and does not indicate an urgent need for provider notification.