ATI RN
Ancc Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A category 5 tornado occurred in a community of 400 people. Many homes and businesses were destroye In the 2 years following the disaster, 140 individuals were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which term best applies to these newly diagnosed cases?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The term that best applies to the newly diagnosed cases of PTSD is "Incidence" (Choice C). Incidence refers to the rate of new cases of a disease within a specific population over a defined period. In this case, the 140 individuals newly diagnosed with PTSD in the 2 years following the tornado represent the occurrence of new cases within the community of 400 people. This term specifically addresses the number of new cases arising from a particular event or exposure. Summary: A: Prevalence refers to the total number of cases (new and existing) within a population at a specific point in time. B: Comorbidity refers to the presence of two or more conditions in an individual at the same time. D: Parity refers to equality or equivalence, which is not relevant to the context of new PTSD diagnoses post-tornado.
Question 2 of 9
The statement"Growth involves resolution of critical tasks through the eight stages of the life cycle" is a concept of which therapeutic model?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Interpersonal. This concept aligns with Erikson's psychosocial theory, which emphasizes the importance of resolving developmental tasks at each stage of life. Interpersonal therapy focuses on relationships and interactions with others, making it the most suitable model for addressing growth through the life cycle. Choice B (Cognitive-behavioral) focuses on thoughts and behaviors, not developmental stages. Choice C (Intrapersonal) refers to self-awareness and understanding, not specifically addressing life stages. Choice D (Psychoanalytic) focuses on unconscious processes and early childhood experiences, not necessarily on resolving tasks through different life stages.
Question 3 of 9
During a therapy session, a patient is asked to rate the intensity of his current issue from 1 to 10 with 1 being complete absence of the issue and 10 being the most intense. The patient is being asked which type of question?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Scaling. Scaling questions involve asking clients to rate the intensity of their issues on a numerical scale, just like in this scenario. This helps therapists understand the perceived severity of the problem and track changes over time. Relationship questions focus on interpersonal dynamics, miracle questions explore ideal outcomes, and exception questions inquire about times when the issue is not present. In this case, the question about rating intensity aligns best with the scaling technique.
Question 4 of 9
A nursing student is assigned to care for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. When talking about this patient in a clinical postconference, the student would use which terminology when referring to the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Person with schizophrenia. This terminology aligns with person-first language, which emphasizes the individuality and humanity of the patient over their diagnosis. It is important to use person-first language to promote respect and reduce stigma. Using terms like "committed patient" (A) can be stigmatizing and inaccurate, as not all patients with schizophrenia are committed involuntarily. "Schizophrenic" (B) and "schizophrenic patient" (C) both label the individual by their diagnosis, which can be dehumanizing and reduce their identity to just their condition. In contrast, "person with schizophrenia" (D) acknowledges the personhood of the individual first and foremost.
Question 5 of 9
A patient states, "I'm not worth anything. I have negative thoughts about myself. I feel anxious and shaky all the time. Sometimes I feel so sad that I want to go to sleep and never wake up." Which nursing intervention should have the highest priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide precautions. The patient's statement indicates suicidal ideation and intent. Priority is to ensure immediate safety. Suicide precautions involve continuous monitoring, removing harmful objects, and providing a safe environment. A: Self-esteem activities, B: Anxiety measures, and C: Sleep enhancement are important, but not the priority when a patient is at risk of self-harm.
Question 6 of 9
A patient is experiencing moderate anxiety. The nurse encourages the patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because verbalizing feelings and concerns can help the patient process and understand their emotions, making them feel less overwhelming. This can facilitate problem-solving by breaking down complex issues into smaller, manageable parts. By talking about their concerns, the patient can also receive support and feedback from the nurse, leading to a sense of relief and empowerment. Incorrect answer explanations: A: Offering hope may be comforting but does not directly address the patient's current anxiety by helping them process and verbalize their feelings. C: Focusing on the environment may not necessarily address the patient's internal feelings and concerns, which are key in managing anxiety. D: While exploring alternatives can increase a sense of control, it may not directly address the immediate need to process and verbalize emotions to reduce anxiety.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is working with a patient whose mobility is impaired secondary to a fall that resulted in a broken hip. In addition, the patient, who has diabetes, is developing problems with vision and hearing. The patient seems increasingly withdrawn and depressed. The nurse determines that the patient is at risk for spiritual distress. Which intervention would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because exploring the impact of the mobility, sight, and hearing changes on the patient allows the nurse to address the patient's holistic needs, including spiritual distress. By understanding the patient's perspective on these changes, the nurse can provide support tailored to the patient's concerns, fostering a sense of connection and understanding. Choice A is incorrect because focusing solely on childhood religious experiences may not address the current issues the patient is facing. Choice B is inappropriate as it imposes the nurse's religious beliefs on the patient. Choice C is also incorrect as it assumes a specific religious approach without considering the patient's individual beliefs and needs.
Question 8 of 9
A patient whose history includes experiences with abusive partners is being treated for major depressive disorder. The patient's care plan includes rape-trauma syndrome among its nursing diagnoses. What goal is directly associated with this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports feeling stronger and having a sense of hopefulness. This goal is directly associated with rape-trauma syndrome as it focuses on the patient's emotional healing and empowerment. By reporting feeling stronger and having hope, the patient is demonstrating progress towards recovery from the trauma. Choice A is incorrect because remaining free from self-harm is more related to monitoring safety rather than addressing the emotional impact of the trauma. Choice B is irrelevant as wearing appropriate clothing does not directly address the emotional healing process. Choice D is incorrect as demonstrating appropriate affect does not specifically target the psychological aspect of overcoming trauma.
Question 9 of 9
A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing mania is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric setting. During the acute phase of mania, which medication would the nurse expect to most likely administer?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Haloperidol lactate (Haldol). In the acute phase of mania, antipsychotic medications like haloperidol are commonly used to manage symptoms such as agitation, hyperactivity, and psychosis. Haloperidol helps to reduce dopamine activity in the brain, which can help stabilize mood and behavior during manic episodes. Lithium (A) is more commonly used for long-term mood stabilization in bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine (C) and Paroxetine (D) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression and not recommended during mania due to the risk of worsening manic symptoms.