ATI RN
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During an assessment of a client with suspected substance use disorder, which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select one that doesn't apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In clients with substance use disorder, common findings include increased tolerance to the substance, withdrawal symptoms when not using it, and unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use. Feelings of hopelessness are not typically a direct manifestation of substance use disorder. Instead, feelings of hopelessness may be associated with other mental health conditions or situational factors.
Therefore, the correct answer is A.
Choices B, C, and D are all expected findings in clients with substance use disorder.
Question 2 of 5
A healthcare professional is planning care for a client with borderline personality disorder. Which of the following interventions should not be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In caring for a client with borderline personality disorder, it is essential to set clear and consistent boundaries, use a firm, authoritative approach, and provide opportunities for the client to express feelings. Encouraging dependency can reinforce maladaptive behaviors, while avoiding discussing feelings can hinder therapeutic progress in addressing underlying issues. Building a sense of dependency may exacerbate the client's difficulties in developing autonomy and self-reliance, which are crucial for their progress and recovery.
Therefore, encouraging dependency is not a recommended intervention in the plan of care for clients with borderline personality disorder.
Question 3 of 5
While assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her parents can't afford horseback riding lessons, how should the nurse interpret the student's reaction to her perceived problem?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the student being overly concerned about not being able to afford horseback riding lessons indicates that the problem is personally relevant to her. Psychological stressors related to self-esteem and self-image are influenced by how an individual perceives a situation or event. Adolescents, in particular, place significance on self-image and feeling entitled to experiences that other adolescents have, which can lead to distress when such desires are not met.
Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication that the student's physical well-being is at risk.
Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the issue by attributing it solely to immaturity.
Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence provided that the problem is beyond the student's coping abilities.
Question 4 of 5
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the nurse to help the client assess their coping mechanisms and perspective on the situation. Questions A and B focus on exploring the client's coping resources and past experiences to guide them towards effective stress management. Asking who is to blame (choice
C) is not conducive to evaluating coping abilities; instead, it might elicit a blame-focused response, which can impede progress.
Choice D, inquiring about the reason for being fired, is a nontherapeutic approach that does not promote a constructive appraisal of the situation.
Question 5 of 5
When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should recognize the client's statement 'I don't drink too much!' as the use of the defense mechanism of denial. This response indicates the client's refusal to acknowledge the reality of excessive alcohol consumption, which is a key characteristic of denial. By denying the problem, the client avoids facing the negative consequences and feelings associated with their alcohol abuse.
Choices A, B, and C do not exhibit denial but rather represent different defense mechanisms. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet might indicate the defense mechanism of concealment, yelling at their son for slouching in his chair could reflect displacement, and burning dinner on purpose might suggest passive-aggressive behavior.