ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client diagnosed with schizophrenia is receiving discharge teaching. Which of the following instructions should the nurse exclude?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should exclude the instruction to 'Avoid all social interactions' when providing discharge teaching to a client with schizophrenia. It's important for individuals with schizophrenia to continue taking medications as prescribed, report any medication side effects to the healthcare provider, and develop a daily routine to promote stability. Social interactions, albeit with appropriate boundaries, can be beneficial for the client's well-being and integration into the community.
Question 2 of 5
A client with bipolar disorder is experiencing a manic episode. Which of the following interventions should the nurse avoid implementing?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: During a manic episode in bipolar disorder, interventions should focus on providing a structured environment, encouraging rest periods, and setting limits on inappropriate behaviors. Allowing the client to engage in stimulating activities may exacerbate the symptoms of mania, such as increased energy, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviors. Therefore, it is important to avoid encouraging such activities to prevent worsening of manic symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is not a common side effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. While effective, they are associated with a range of side effects, primarily gastrointestinal, neurological, and sexual in nature. To determine which option is not a common side effect, we evaluate each choice based on established pharmacological profiles and clinical data from sources like the FDA and medical literature. Starting with option A: Nausea. This is a very common side effect of SSRIs, occurring in up to 20-30% of patients, especially during the initial weeks of treatment. It results from serotonin's influence on the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating 5-HT3 receptors in the gut, which can trigger vomiting centers in the brain. Nausea often diminishes over time as the body adjusts, but it's one of the most frequently reported complaints, leading many patients to take medications with food or use antiemetics. Option B: Insomnia. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, are also common with SSRIs, affecting about 10-20% of users. This stems from increased serotonin activity, which can heighten arousal and disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, particularly with stimulating SSRIs like fluoxetine or sertraline. Conversely, some SSRIs may cause somnolence, but insomnia is a well-documented issue, often managed by timing doses earlier in the day or switching medications. Option C: Weight loss. This is not a common side effect of SSRIs; in fact, the opposite is typically observed. Most SSRIs, such as paroxetine and citalopram, are linked to weight gain in 10-25% of long-term users, due to appetite stimulation, metabolic changes, or improved mood leading to increased caloric intake. Weight loss is rare and usually transient if it occurs at all, often only in the early stages from nausea or reduced appetite. Clinical trials and meta-analyses, like those in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, consistently show net weight gain as the predominant effect, making weight loss an uncommon or atypical outcome not representative of standard SSRI use. Option D: Sexual dysfunction. This is among the most prevalent side effects, impacting 40-70% of patients on SSRIs. It manifests as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, delayed orgasm, or anorgasmia, primarily because excess serotonin inhibits dopamine pathways involved in sexual arousal and reward. This is a leading cause of treatment discontinuation, and management may involve dose adjustments, adjunctive therapies like bupropion, or switching to non-SSRI antidepressants. In summary, while nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction align with the serotonergic mechanism of SSRIs and are frequently encountered in clinical practice, weight loss does not—it contradicts the typical profile of metabolic side effects. Understanding these distinctions helps patients and providers weigh benefits against risks, often through monitoring and personalized adjustments.
Question 4 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse exclude from the teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should not include the instruction to discourage the client from washing her hands in the teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant. This instruction is not relevant to the medication regimen. Instead, the nurse should educate the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, to avoid alcohol, not to discontinue the medication abruptly, and that there may be an increase in energy before mood improves. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants.
Question 5 of 5
A client has generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse avoid implementing?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it is important to encourage the client to express their feelings, promote regular physical activity, and discourage the use of caffeine. Addressing weight and caloric intake monitoring may exacerbate anxiety related to body image, and focusing on these aspects can be distressing for the client. Therefore, monitoring daily caloric intake and weight should be avoided in this scenario.