ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client presents in the emergency department with complaints of overwhelming anxiety. Which of the following is a priority for the nurse to assess?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client presents with overwhelming anxiety, assessing the risk for suicide is a top priority for the nurse. Severe anxiety can lead to a heightened risk of suicidal ideation or behavior. It is crucial to assess the client's current mental state, thoughts of self-harm, and any past history of suicide attempts to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented promptly. Assessing for suicide risk allows for the implementation of safety measures and the initiation of further mental health evaluation and support as needed. While assessing cardiac status, current stressors, and substance use history are important aspects of care, in this situation, the immediate concern is to assess and address the client's risk for suicide to ensure their safety and well-being.
Question 2 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 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following somatic symptom and dissociative disorders are identified with known effective pharmacological treatments for that disorder? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Antidepressants have been used effectively in treating pain associated with somatic symptom disorder. This is a correct statement. The use of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, has been shown to be effective in managing the pain symptoms experienced by individuals with somatic symptom disorder. These medications can help alleviate both physical pain and any associated psychological distress.