ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2019 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Which is an appropriate short-term goal for the client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Setting a goal for the client to report a decrease in depressive symptoms is appropriate as it is specific, measurable, and achievable in the short term. Monitoring changes in depressive symptoms provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the treatment plan. While establishing a sleep routine, improving social interactions, and setting realistic goals for the future are important aspects of recovery, they are more suitable as intermediate or long-term goals. In the context of short-term goals, focusing on symptom reduction can provide immediate feedback on the client's progress and help adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Question 2 of 5
A healthcare provider is evaluating a client who is taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression. Which symptom should the healthcare provider identify as an adverse effect that requires immediate attention?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Suicidal thoughts are a serious adverse effect associated with SSRIs and require immediate attention. This symptom is critical as it can increase the risk of self-harm or suicide in individuals taking these medications. Increased appetite and weight gain are common side effects of SSRIs but do not require immediate attention. Blurred vision is not a typical adverse effect of SSRIs, making it an incorrect choice. Healthcare providers must promptly recognize and address suicidal thoughts to ensure the safety and well-being of the client.
Question 3 of 5
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is being cared for by a nurse. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client manage compulsive behaviors?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform compulsive behaviors with limits is a therapeutic intervention for managing OCD. This approach grants the client some autonomy while ensuring that the behaviors do not excessively disrupt daily life. Setting boundaries helps structure the behaviors, decreasing anxiety and distress associated with OCD. Encouraging the client to suppress compulsive behaviors (choice A) may lead to increased anxiety and potential worsening of symptoms. Teaching relaxation techniques (choice C) is beneficial for managing anxiety in general but may not directly address the compulsive behaviors. Discouraging the client from performing compulsive behaviors (choice D) without providing alternative strategies or support may increase distress and resistance.
Question 4 of 5
A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement to address this symptom?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client experiencing auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia is to provide reality-based feedback about the hallucinations. By providing reality-based feedback, the nurse helps the client differentiate between what is real and what is not, which can help decrease the distress and impact of the hallucinations on the client's perception of reality. Encouraging the client to express feelings (Choice A) may not directly address the hallucinations. Distracting the client (Choice B) may temporarily alleviate the symptoms but does not help the client differentiate reality from hallucinations. Encouraging the client to ignore the hallucinations (Choice D) may not be effective as the client may struggle to do so without appropriate guidance.
Question 5 of 5
When assessing a client experiencing severe anxiety, which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is experiencing severe anxiety, a rapid heart rate is a common physiological response. This increased heart rate is due to the body's fight-or-flight response, where adrenaline is released, causing the heart to beat faster. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial in assessing and managing their anxiety. Restlessness (choice A) can also be present in anxiety but is more of a behavioral manifestation rather than a physiological symptom. Sweating (choice C) can occur in anxiety, but it is not as specific or consistent as a rapid heart rate. Dry mouth (choice D) is associated with anxiety but is not as immediate or directly linked to the body's physiological response to stress as a rapid heart rate.