ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Assessment Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is discharging a client who was admitted for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following resources should the nurse recommend to the client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: A 12-step program. This option is the most appropriate resource for clients dealing with alcohol withdrawal as it provides a structured approach to recovery, support from peers who have gone through similar experiences, and a spiritual component for healing. The other options are incorrect because:
A) Reach to Recovery is a program for breast cancer patients, not alcohol withdrawal;
C) Al-Anon is for family members of individuals with alcohol use disorder, not the client themselves;
D) Light therapy is used for seasonal affective disorder, not alcohol withdrawal.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and insists that a doll is their infant child. Which of the following behavioral management techniques should the nurse use when interacting with the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Validation therapy. This technique involves acknowledging and validating the client's feelings and beliefs, such as accepting the doll as their infant child. It helps build trust and connection with the client, reducing distress and improving their emotional well-being. Cognitive reframing (
A) focuses on changing negative thought patterns, not suitable for this situation. Thought stopping (
B) aims to interrupt and replace negative thoughts, not addressing the client's belief. Operant conditioning (
D) involves reinforcing desired behaviors through rewards or punishments, not applicable here.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse in an acute care facility is assessing a client who has schizophrenia. The client states, 'Walk tall broom short dog bell.' The nurse should document the client's speech as which of the following speech patterns?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Word salad. This speech pattern is characterized by jumbled and incoherent words that lack logical connections. In this case, the client's speech is disorganized and lacks coherence, resembling a mix of random words ("walk," "tall," "broom," "short," "dog," "bell"). This is a hallmark feature of word salad in schizophrenia.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because flight of ideas involves rapid, continuous, and fragmented speech; neologisms are newly created words; and clang associations involve words that are linked by sound rather than meaning.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
A nurse is conducting an admission assessment for a client who is experiencing a manic episode of bipolar disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: The correct answers are A, B, and D. Grandiosity is a common behavior in manic episodes, where individuals may have an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Flight of ideas refers to rapid and disorganized thoughts. Hyperactivity is also typical, characterized by increased energy levels and restlessness. Splitting involves seeing things in black and white, which is more common in borderline personality disorder than bipolar disorder. Withdrawal is not a typical behavior in manic episodes as individuals are usually more active and engaging.