ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 4-year-old child is unable to consider another child's ideas about playing house. This situation is an example of which concept of Piaget's theory of cognitive development?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Egocentrism. At the preoperational stage (2-7 years) in Piaget's theory, children struggle with understanding others' perspectives, known as egocentrism. In this case, the 4-year-old child's inability to consider another child's ideas about playing house reflects egocentrism. The child is only able to see things from their own point of view and struggles to understand that others may have different thoughts or viewpoints. This lack of perspective-taking is a key characteristic of egocentrism at this stage of cognitive development. Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect: A: Object permanence - This concept is related to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not seen. It is typically developed in the sensorimotor stage (0-2 years), not in the preoperational stage where the child in the question falls. B: Reversibility and spatiality - Reversibility
Question 2 of 5
The spouse of a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, 'I don't understand how events from childhood have anything to do with this disabling illness.' Which response by the nurse will best help the spouse understand the cause of this disorder?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because schizophrenia is widely believed to have a biological basis, supported by research showing genetic and neurological factors. This response helps the spouse understand that the disorder is not solely caused by childhood events but rather by underlying biological mechanisms. The other choices are incorrect because A oversimplifies the cause of mental disorders, B does not address the biological aspect of schizophrenia, and D does not provide relevant information about the disorder's cause.
Question 3 of 5
A patient presents to the emergency department with mixed psychiatric symptoms. The admission nurse suspects the symptoms may be the result of a medical problem. Lab results show elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. What is the nurse's next best action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the patient for a history of renal problems. Elevated BUN and creatinine levels indicate possible renal dysfunction, which can manifest as psychiatric symptoms. By assessing the patient for a history of renal problems, the nurse can gather important information to help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. This step is crucial in identifying and addressing any potential medical issues contributing to the psychiatric presentation. Incorrect choices: A: Reporting the findings to the health care provider is important, but assessing the patient for a history of renal problems should be done first. C: Assessing the patient's family history for cardiac problems is not relevant to the elevated BUN and creatinine levels. D: Hospitalization on the psychiatric unit may not address the underlying medical issue causing the symptoms; assessing for renal problems is more appropriate.
Question 4 of 5
A patient preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because presenting information in a calm manner using simple language helps the patient with moderate anxiety better understand preoperative information. This approach acknowledges the patient's anxiety and promotes effective communication. Choice A is incorrect because it addresses postoperative care rather than preoperative information. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on recovery rather than addressing the patient's anxiety and understanding of preoperative information. Choice D is incorrect because it encourages expression of feelings rather than directly addressing the patient's understanding of preoperative information.
Question 5 of 5
A group of students are reviewing the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR. The students demonstrate understanding of the axes when they identify that each axis represents which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: A domain of information. In the multiaxial diagnostic system of the DSM-IV-TR, each axis represents a specific domain of information for assessing an individual's mental health. Axis I represents clinical disorders, Axis II represents personality disorders and mental retardation, Axis III represents general medical conditions, Axis IV represents psychosocial and environmental stressors, and Axis V represents global assessment of functioning. The other choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose of the axes in the multiaxial diagnostic system. A does not align with the purpose of the axes being domains of information, B is not relevant as the axes are not experimental designs, and D is incorrect as the axes do not represent laboratory test findings.