A 25-year-old legal secretary is seeking counseling because she recently lost her job unexpectedly. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in assessing the patient's response to losing her job?

Questions 20

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ATI Final Mental Health Questions

Question 1 of 9

A 25-year-old legal secretary is seeking counseling because she recently lost her job unexpectedly. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in assessing the patient's response to losing her job?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it focuses on the patient's past behavior in response to stress, providing insight into her coping strategies. By understanding how she has dealt with stress before, the nurse can anticipate her current response. Choice A is too focused on the cause of job loss, not the patient's emotional response. Choice B is too narrow, not addressing broader coping mechanisms. Choice C is future-oriented, not addressing the patient's current emotional state.

Question 2 of 9

What action should you take when a female staff member is demonstrating behaviors associated with a substance use disorder?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because confronting the staff member and reporting concerns to a supervisor immediately is crucial for addressing the issue promptly and ensuring patient safety. This approach allows for professional intervention and support. Choice A is incorrect as it may compromise patient care. Choice B may enable the behavior and is not a professional response. Choice C could be appropriate, but immediate action is needed to address the potential risk to patients and the staff member.

Question 3 of 9

The case manager plans to discuss the treatment plan with a patient's family. Select the case manager's first action.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Obtain the patient's permission for the exchange of information. This is the case manager's first action because it ensures the patient's autonomy and right to privacy are respected. It is crucial to obtain the patient's permission before discussing their treatment plan with the family to maintain trust and confidentiality. Without the patient's consent, sharing sensitive information with the family could breach ethical and legal boundaries. In contrast: A: Determining an appropriate location is important but not the first step. B: Supporting the discussion with examples of the patient's behavior is relevant but not as critical as obtaining consent. D: Deciding which family members should participate is premature without the patient's approval.

Question 4 of 9

A son brings his mother to the clinic for an evaluation. The son's mother has moderate Alzheimer's disease without delirium. The nurse assesses the client for which of the following as the priority?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Catastrophic reactions. In a client with Alzheimer's disease, catastrophic reactions can occur when they are overwhelmed or unable to cope with a situation. These reactions can lead to outbursts or extreme emotional responses. It is important to prioritize assessing and managing catastrophic reactions to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and others. Hearing deficits (choice A) may contribute to communication difficulties but are not as urgent as managing catastrophic reactions. Mania (choice B) and strange verbalizations (choice C) are not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease without delirium and are less concerning compared to potential catastrophic reactions.

Question 5 of 9

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a family who is experiencing problems related to their child's chronic illness. The nurse plans to have the family read a group of short stories written by parents of children with chronic illnesses. The nurse will be using which technique?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Bibliotherapy involves using written materials to help individuals understand and cope with emotional issues. 2. In this scenario, having the family read short stories written by parents of children with chronic illnesses can provide emotional support and guidance. 3. Psychoeducation focuses on educating individuals about their condition, not necessarily providing emotional support. 4. Social skills training and assertiveness training focus on developing specific skills, which are not the primary goal in this case.

Question 6 of 9

A nurse is caring for a client recovering from bowel surgery who has a nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction. Which of the following assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that the NG tube may not be functioning properly?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Abdominal rigidity. Abdominal rigidity can indicate a serious issue such as peritonitis, which may be caused by a malfunctioning NG tube allowing leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity. This requires immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of NG tube malfunction. Greenish-yellow drainage is normal post-surgery, an aspirate pH of 3 is within the normal range for gastric contents, and air bubbles in the NG tube are common and do not necessarily indicate malfunction.

Question 7 of 9

A nursing student is presenting a discussion of the history of psychiatric-mental health nursing and its place within nursing history. Which of the following would be most appropriate to include?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because there is a historical link between the first nursing program to admit male students and the first training school for psychiatric nursing. This is important to include in a discussion of the history of psychiatric-mental health nursing as it highlights the progressive nature of nursing education and the integration of male nurses into psychiatric nursing. This connection showcases the evolution of psychiatric nursing training and its significance within the broader history of nursing education. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: A: Certification for the psychiatric-mental health nursing specialty was not first emphasized by Mary Adelaide Nutting. This statement does not align with the historical development of psychiatric nursing education. B: Psychiatric nurses' role in deinstitutionalization and community mental health centers is not directly related to the history of psychiatric-mental health nursing education, making this choice irrelevant. D: The establishment of the first graduate program in psychiatric nursing in response to psychiatric nursing specialty journals is not historically accurate, as the first training school for psychiatric nursing

Question 8 of 9

A patient tells the nurse, "I don't think I'll ever get out of here." Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects active listening and empathy. The nurse acknowledges the patient's feelings and opens the door for further discussion. Choice A dismisses the patient's feelings and may come off as insensitive. Choice B provides positive reinforcement but overlooks the patient's emotional state. Choice D generalizes the patient's feelings without addressing their specific concerns. Overall, choice C encourages the patient to express their thoughts and promotes therapeutic communication.

Question 9 of 9

Which characteristic in an adolescent female is sometimes associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because paranoia and fear of others stealing belongings can be early signs of schizophrenia's prodromal phase. This is known as paranoid ideation, a common symptom in schizophrenia. B is incorrect because an unusual interest in numbers is not typically associated with schizophrenia's prodromal phase. C is incorrect because lack of interest in athletics is not a specific characteristic of the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. D is incorrect because feeling more comfortable among males is not a typical symptom of schizophrenia's prodromal phase.

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