ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a school-age child who has several visible bruises. The child's parent states, 'My partner got fired today and came home angry. I don't think this will happen again.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is D: 'I'd like to know more about what happened. Let's sit and talk.' This response is appropriate because it demonstrates empathy, active listening, and a non-judgmental approach. The nurse is showing concern for the child's well-being and is seeking to gather more information before taking any further action. It allows the parent to share more details about the situation, which can help in assessing the child's safety and determining the best course of action.
Incorrect Responses:
A: 'I agree with you. I'm sure this will never happen again.' - This response dismisses the seriousness of the situation and does not address the potential risk to the child.
B: 'This is awful. You should file charges against your partner.' - This response is confrontational and may escalate the situation without fully understanding the dynamics at play.
C: 'This is clearly child endangerment. I will have to call the police.' - While child endangerment is a concern,
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide the client with a structured schedule of daily activities. For clients with OCD, having a structured schedule helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of predictability. It helps them feel more in control and lessens the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors. Providing a routine also assists in managing time effectively and promoting a sense of accomplishment.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A detailed explanation might overwhelm the client with OCD rather than help them. Maintaining a stimulating environment could exacerbate anxiety for someone with OCD. Limiting time for rituals to 30 minutes each day is not as effective as providing a structured schedule to manage symptoms throughout the day.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is conducting a child maltreatment screening of a family who has a toddler. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of possible child neglect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The child has had no immunization since birth. This is indicative of possible child neglect because it suggests that the parents have not provided essential healthcare for the child, putting their health and well-being at risk. Failure to immunize can lead to serious preventable diseases and indicates a lack of proper care and attention from the parents.
A: The child has a history of jaw fractures - This is more indicative of physical abuse rather than neglect.
B: The child seems frightened of their parent - While this could be a red flag for possible abuse, it is not specific to neglect.
D: The child rocks back and forth continually - This behavior may indicate a developmental or psychological issue, but it is not directly related to neglect.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse recommend a referral for assertive community treatment (ACT)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A client who has repeated acute care admissions due to schizophrenia. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is designed for individuals with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia who require intensive, community-based support. Clients with repeated acute care admissions due to schizophrenia often face challenges in managing their condition independently, making them suitable candidates for ACT. Referral to ACT can provide comprehensive and coordinated care to help stabilize their condition and prevent further hospitalizations.
Incorrect Answers:
A: A client with a new diagnosis of major depressive disorder typically may benefit from outpatient therapy and medication management rather than ACT.
C: A client requesting family therapy following a family member's death may benefit from grief counseling or family therapy but does not necessarily require the intensive support offered by ACT.
D: A client with physical injuries following partner violence may need medical and psychological support but does not meet the criteria for ACT, which is more appropriate for severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has become violent and is threatening self-harm following a crisis. After ensuring enough staff are available, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acknowledge the client's emotions. This is the first action the nurse should take in this situation because it helps establish a therapeutic relationship and shows empathy towards the client's feelings. Acknowledging the client's emotions can help de-escalate the situation and allow the client to feel heard and understood. Administering a sedative medication (
A) should not be the first action as it may escalate the situation further. Performing a debriefing with staff (
B) is important but should come after ensuring immediate safety. Placing the client in restraints (
D) should be a last resort and only used if all other de-escalation techniques have failed.