ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, I work hard to provide for my family. I dont see why I cant drink to relax. The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies unacceptable behaviors or feelings by providing logical reasons or explanations. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their excessive drinking by stating that they work hard to provide for their family, so they should be able to drink to relax. This rationalization allows the client to avoid confronting the negative consequences of their excessive drinking and the impact it has had on their life, such as multiple DUI arrests. It provides a socially acceptable reason for their behavior, allowing them to continue drinking without feeling guilty or responsible for their actions.
Question 2 of 5
A fourth-grade boy teases and makes jokes about a cute girl in his class. This behavior should be identified by a nurse as indicative of which defense mechanism?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism in which an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this scenario, the fourth-grade boy is teasing and making jokes about the cute girl in his class. By doing so, he may be projecting his own insecurities or feelings of attraction onto the girl by teasing her instead of confronting his own emotions. This behavior allows him to disown his feelings and avoid acknowledging them within himself.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is performing a mental health assessment on an adult client. According to Maslows hierarchy of needs, which client action would demonstrate the highest achievement in terms of mental health?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, self-actualization represents the highest level of human psychological development. It involves achieving personal growth, self-fulfillment, realizing one's full potential, and finding meaning and purpose in life. This level goes beyond basic needs like food, safety, love, or esteem. When a person reaches self-actualization, they are focused on personal growth, creativity, problem-solving, and reaching their fullest potential. Therefore, possessing a feeling of self-fulfillment and realizing full potential would be the highest achievement in terms of mental health according to Maslow's hierarchy.
Question 4 of 5
Which should the nurse recognize as a DSM-5 disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should recognize Generalized anxiety disorder as a DSM-5 disorder. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a widely used classification system for psychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is a specific mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control. It meets the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for diagnosis and classification as a mental disorder. Obesity, hypertension, and grief are not classified as DSM-5 disorders.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who appears to be experiencing moderate anxiety during questioning. Which symptoms might the client demonstrate? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In assessing a client experiencing moderate anxiety, the nurse should observe for manifestations that align with anxiety symptoms. Fidgeting is a common physical manifestation of anxiety and restlessness. In this scenario, the correct answer is A because fidgeting often accompanies anxiety as a way for the individual to release excess energy or nervousness. Laughing inappropriately (option B) can be a defense mechanism or a sign of disconnection from reality, typically seen in severe anxiety or other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, not moderate anxiety. Palpitations (option C) are more commonly associated with panic attacks or higher levels of anxiety rather than moderate anxiety, where physical symptoms may not be as pronounced. Nail biting (option D) can be a sign of nervousness, but it is not specific to anxiety and can also occur in various situations unrelated to anxiety. Educationally, understanding the specific manifestations of anxiety at different levels can help nurses accurately assess and intervene appropriately in mental health settings. Recognizing these symptoms aids in providing effective care and support for clients experiencing anxiety.