ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder who has an elaborate routine for toileting activities would be for the client to refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours. This outcome allows the client to gradually reduce and eventually break the pattern of compulsive behavior associated with toileting activities. It is important to start with small, achievable goals to build the client's confidence and provide a sense of progress in managing the obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Waking early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast (option B) or participating in unit activities by day (option C) may not address the specific issue of refraining from ritualistic behaviors related to toileting activities, which is the primary concern in this scenario.
Question 2 of 5
A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety states, I know the best thing for me to do now is to just forget my worries. How should the nurse evaluate this statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should evaluate this statement as the client having a distorted perception of problem resolution. Generalized anxiety involves excessive worry and difficulty controlling that worry. Merely trying to forget worries is not an effective coping strategy or a realistic approach to managing anxiety. It is important for the nurse to address this perception with the client and work together to develop more effective coping mechanisms that address the root of the worries rather than just attempting to forget them.
Question 3 of 5
A client who has been diagnosed with a phobic disorder asks the nurse if there are any medications that would be beneficial in treating phobic disorders. Which of the following would be accurate responses by the nurse? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct response by the nurse is option A: Some antianxiety agents have been successful in treating social phobias. This is because antianxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety associated with social phobias. These medications work by targeting the neurotransmitters in the brain that are involved in anxiety regulation. Option B is incorrect because while some antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be used in the treatment of phobic disorders like agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder, they are not typically the first-line treatment choice. Antidepressants are more commonly used for conditions like depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Option C is inaccurate as specific phobias can be treated with medication, especially if the phobia significantly impairs the individual's daily functioning. Medications can help reduce the physiological symptoms of anxiety associated with specific phobias. Option D is also incorrect because beta-blockers are more commonly used to treat physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and trembling, rather than the overall anxiety and avoidance behaviors associated with phobic disorders. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the appropriate pharmacological interventions for different mental health conditions like phobic disorders. They should be knowledgeable about the mechanisms of action, side effects, and appropriate use of medications to provide safe and effective care to clients with these disorders.
Question 4 of 5
A nursing instructor is teaching about the etiology of dissociative disorders from a psychoanalytical perspective. What student statement about clients diagnosed with this disorder indicates that learning has occurred?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The student statement that best indicates learning has occurred is option A, "Dissociative behaviors occur when individuals repress distressing mental information from their conscious awareness." This statement reflects an understanding of the psychoanalytical perspective on dissociative disorders, which suggests that these disorders result from the defense mechanism of repression. Repression involves pushing distressing thoughts, memories, or feelings into the unconscious mind to avoid conscious awareness of them. By recognizing this aspect of dissociative disorders, the student demonstrates an understanding of the underlying mechanism from a psychoanalytical perspective.
Question 5 of 5
Which should the nurse recognize as an example of localized amnesia?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Localized amnesia refers to the inability to recall specific events or details within a certain time period, often due to a stressful or traumatic event. In option B, the client can relate family memories but has no recollection of a particular brother, which demonstrates a form of localized amnesia. This indicates a selective memory loss for a specific person, unlike the other options which involve broader memory issues or generalized amnesia.