ATI RN
2019 ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client has made multiple visits to the clinic. The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing complex somatic symptom disorder based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Reports of the same symptoms repeatedly. In complex somatic symptom disorder, individuals often report persistent physical symptoms with no clear medical explanation. By repeatedly reporting the same symptoms, the client demonstrates a key characteristic of this disorder. Choices A, B, and D do not directly align with the diagnostic criteria for complex somatic symptom disorder. Expressions of concern about psychological problems (A) could indicate other mental health conditions. Indications that parents were always in 'good health' (B) and evidence of a need for social support from friends (D) are not specific to complex somatic symptom disorder.
Question 2 of 9
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is working with a patient who is being treated for depression. Which patient statement would indicate that her spirituality is intact?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's statement reflects a sense of acceptance and inner peace despite challenging circumstances, indicating a belief in a higher power or spirituality. This indicates that her spirituality is intact. Choice A implies social support but does not necessarily indicate spirituality. Choice B expresses hopelessness and suicidal ideation, which are not indicative of intact spirituality. Choice D reflects feelings of guilt and punishment, which do not align with a sense of spiritual well-being.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly." This statement reflects positive self-talk by acknowledging the anxiety but also affirming the client's ability to cope and that the situation is temporary. This empowers the client to manage the panic attack effectively. Incorrect Choices: A: "I am feeling very nervous right now." This choice focuses only on acknowledging the feeling without providing a positive coping strategy. C: "I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms." This choice relies solely on medication and does not address the client's ability to cope with the panic attack. D: "Relax your muscles, relax your muscles." This choice provides a relaxation technique but lacks the empowering and affirming aspect of positive self-talk.
Question 4 of 9
While leading a group, a nurse leader says to a patient, 'This is the fourth time that you've changed the subject when we have talked about child abuse. Is something going on?' The nurse is using which technique?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Confrontation. In this scenario, the nurse leader directly addresses the patient's behavior of changing the subject, which is a key aspect of confrontation technique. Confrontation is used to address discrepancies or inconsistencies in a nonjudgmental manner to promote self-awareness and insight. This technique encourages the patient to explore their thoughts and behaviors. Incorrect Choices: A: Support - Support involves providing empathy, understanding, and validation to the patient. The nurse in the scenario is not offering support, but rather challenging the patient's behavior. C: Summarizing - Summarizing involves restating key points to ensure understanding and facilitate communication. The nurse's statement does not summarize but rather confronts the patient's behavior. D: Clarification - Clarification is used to ensure mutual understanding by seeking clarification on unclear statements. The nurse's statement is not seeking clarification but rather addressing a specific behavior pattern.
Question 5 of 9
When describing the relapse cycle to a group of families of clients experiencing co-occurring disorders, which of the following would the nurse identify as occurring first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decompensation. In the relapse cycle of co-occurring disorders, decompensation typically occurs first. Decompensation refers to a deterioration in mental health symptoms or functioning. This phase often precedes hospitalization, stabilization, and discharge. It signifies a worsening of symptoms and coping mechanisms, leading to a need for increased support and intervention. Hospitalization (choice A), stabilization (choice C), and discharge (choice D) usually occur after decompensation as steps in the treatment process to address the relapse.
Question 6 of 9
A client on a psychiatric unit is telling the nurse about anger toward the airline after losing an only child in a plane crash. In which situation is the nurse demonstrating active listening?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because assuming a relaxed posture and leaning toward the client demonstrates active listening by showing empathy and interest in what the client is saying. This nonverbal behavior encourages the client to continue expressing their feelings. A: Agreeing with the client can shut down communication and invalidate the client's emotions. B: Repeating everything the client says may come across as robotic and not conducive to building rapport. D: Expressing sorrow and sadness, while empathetic, may shift the focus from the client to the nurse's emotions. In summary, actively listening involves nonverbal cues that show understanding and support without interjecting personal opinions or emotions.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for an elderly client who has been taking an antipsychotic medication for 1 week. The nurse notifies the physician when he observes that the client has muscle rigidity that resembles Parkinson's disease. Which agent would the nurse expect the physician to prescribe?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anticholinergic. Antipsychotic medications can cause extrapyramidal symptoms like muscle rigidity resembling Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics are used to manage these symptoms by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, which helps alleviate muscle rigidity. Anxiolytics (B), benzodiazepines (C), and beta-blockers (D) are not typically used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic medications. Anxiolytics are for anxiety, benzodiazepines are for sedation or anxiety, and beta-blockers are for conditions like hypertension or heart-related issues.
Question 8 of 9
Johnny is twelve-year-old boy who has had an increase in aggressive behaviors, picking fights with other students at his school. Johnny's mother calls his doctor's office to ask if there is medication to help decrease these behaviors. After gathering more information about the recent increase in Johnny's outbursts, what is the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medication may not be indicated right away; there are other options. Rationale: 1. Medication should not be the first line of intervention for behavior issues in children. 2. It is important to explore other options such as therapy, counseling, behavior modification techniques. 3. Understanding the root cause of Johnny's behavior is crucial before considering medication. 4. Rushing into medication without exploring other avenues may not address the underlying issues. Summary: A: Allowing more freedom at home could potentially worsen Johnny's behavior by reinforcing the negative actions. C: Telling Johnny his behavior is unacceptable without addressing the underlying cause may not effectively reduce his aggression. D: Allowing Johnny to skip school is not a solution; addressing the behavior and providing appropriate support is essential.
Question 9 of 9
In the emergency department, the nurse assesses a client who is aggressive and experiencing auditory hallucinations. The client states,"The CIA is plotting to kill me." To which mental health setting would the nurse expect this client to be admitted?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Short-term, inpatient, locked unit. This setting is appropriate because the client is exhibiting acute symptoms of aggression and auditory hallucinations, indicating a need for close monitoring and safety precautions in a secure environment. Long-term inpatient facility (choice A) is not suitable for acute episodes. Day treatment (choice B) may not provide the level of supervision needed. Psychiatric case management (choice D) focuses on community-based care, not acute inpatient care. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate for managing the client's current symptoms.