ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is planning care for a client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the client to focus on reality-based topics. This intervention is appropriate because it helps the client ground themselves in reality and potentially reduce the intensity of their delusions. By redirecting the client's focus to reality-based topics, the nurse can help them challenge and eventually overcome their delusions.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Agreeing with delusional beliefs can reinforce them, discussing delusions in detail may exacerbate them, and providing frequent reassurance about safety may not address the underlying issue of delusions.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and engages in excessive handwashing. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow additional time for rituals. This is because abruptly stopping the handwashing rituals can lead to increased anxiety and distress for the client. Allowing additional time for rituals can help the client feel more in control and gradually work towards reducing the behavior. Encouraging the client to stop washing hands (
A) abruptly can be counterproductive. Limiting ritual behaviors immediately (
C) can also increase anxiety. Ignoring the compulsions (
D) may worsen the condition.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client is demonstrating the defense mechanism of Compensation. Compensation involves covering up weaknesses by emphasizing strengths in other areas. In this scenario, the client is compensating for feeling inadequate or unappreciated by becoming angry and defensive when his actions are questioned. This behavior serves to divert attention away from his perceived shortcomings and protect his self-esteem.
Rationalization (
A) involves creating logical explanations to justify behaviors or feelings. Denial (
B) is refusing to acknowledge unpleasant realities. Displacement (
D) is redirecting emotions from the real target to a substitute target. In this case, these defense mechanisms are not as applicable as Compensation, which directly relates to the client's behavior of overcompensating for his perceived lack of attention.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and engages in repeated handwashing. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allow the client additional time to complete rituals. This approach is known as a harm reduction strategy in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder. By allowing the client additional time to complete rituals, the nurse can help reduce the client's anxiety and provide a sense of control. Encouraging the client to stop washing hands (
A) may increase anxiety and worsen symptoms. Setting strict time limits on compulsions (
C) can also increase anxiety and lead to distress. Ignoring the client's compulsive behavior (
D) can be harmful as it may reinforce the behavior. It is important for the nurse to be supportive and understanding of the client's struggles while working towards more effective coping strategies.