ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Visual hallucinations. During alcohol withdrawal, the client may experience hallucinations due to the central nervous system's hyperexcitability. This symptom is typically seen within 12-24 hours of the last drink. Bradycardia (
A) and hypotension (
C) are less common in alcohol withdrawal; tachycardia and hypertension are more typical. Hyperactivity (
D) is not a common symptom and is more likely to be seen in stimulant withdrawal.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-mutilation. Individuals with borderline personality disorder often engage in self-harming behaviors as a way to cope with intense emotions or distress. This behavior is a common manifestation of the disorder and requires careful monitoring and intervention by the nurse.
Incorrect
Choices:
B: Pacing back and forth - This behavior is more commonly associated with anxiety or agitation rather than specifically with borderline personality disorder.
C: Preoccupation with details - While individuals with borderline personality disorder may display perfectionistic tendencies, preoccupation with details is not a defining characteristic of the disorder.
D: Disorganized speech - Disorganized speech is more commonly seen in conditions such as schizophrenia, rather than borderline personality disorder.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is giving a presentation about intimate partner abuse for a community group. Which of the following statements by a group member indicates understanding of the teaching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Correct
Answer: A: Survivors of abuse often feel guilty
Rationale: This statement indicates understanding of the psychological impact of intimate partner abuse. Guilt is a common emotion experienced by survivors due to manipulation and blame from the abuser. It reflects the internalized self-blame and shame that many survivors struggle with.
Summary of other choices:
B: Abusers often have high self-esteem - Incorrect. Abusers typically have low self-esteem and use abuse as a way to exert power and control.
C: The honeymoon stage of violence usually gets longer over time - Incorrect. The honeymoon phase tends to decrease over time as abuse cycles escalate.
D: As abuse continues, victims become more determined to be independent - Incorrect. Victims often experience increased isolation and dependency on the abuser.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder related to military service. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assign the same staff to care for the client each day. Consistency in care providers helps establish trust and a sense of safety for clients with PTSD. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and improve therapeutic rapport. Encouraging the client to suppress feelings of trauma (
A) can be harmful as it may worsen symptoms. Addressing the client in an authoritative manner (
C) can trigger feelings of threat. Limiting time spent with the client (
D) can hinder the development of a therapeutic relationship.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who has bipolar disorder and a prescription for lithium. Which of the following laboratory results places the client at risk for lithium toxicity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Sodium 130 mEq/L. Low sodium levels increase the risk of lithium toxicity as lithium competes with sodium for reabsorption in the kidneys. This can lead to higher lithium levels in the bloodstream, putting the client at risk for toxicity. The other choices (A, C,
D) are within normal ranges and do not directly impact lithium toxicity.
Therefore, the client with low sodium levels is at the highest risk for lithium toxicity.