A client who has a major depressive episode tells the nurse that for the past 2 weeks, he has been hearing voices and at times thinks that someone is following him. History reveals that he had these alternating symptoms before along with times when he has experienced neither of these symptoms and has been able to function adequately. The nurse interprets these findings as suggesting which of the following?

Questions 20

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Mental Health Proctored ATI Questions

Question 1 of 5

A client who has a major depressive episode tells the nurse that for the past 2 weeks, he has been hearing voices and at times thinks that someone is following him. History reveals that he had these alternating symptoms before along with times when he has experienced neither of these symptoms and has been able to function adequately. The nurse interprets these findings as suggesting which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Schizoaffective disorder. This is because the client is experiencing both psychotic symptoms (hearing voices, feeling followed) and mood symptoms (major depressive episode). Schizoaffective disorder is characterized by a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms. A: Paranoid schizophrenia is incorrect because the client's symptoms do not solely fit the criteria for paranoid schizophrenia, as there are also depressive symptoms present. B: Undifferentiated schizophrenia is incorrect as the client's symptoms do not fully align with the criteria for schizophrenia and there is a clear mood component present. C: Brief psychotic disorder is incorrect as the client's symptoms have been present for more than the specified duration for this disorder. In summary, the presence of both psychotic and mood symptoms over time points towards the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is discussing sleep enhancing strategies with a client who is experiencing insomnia. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Establish a regular time for going to bed and getting up in the morning. Rationale: Setting a consistent bedtime and wake-up time helps regulate the body's internal clock, promoting better sleep quality. This routine helps synchronize the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Consistency reinforces the body's circadian rhythm, enhancing overall sleep hygiene. Summary: A: Eating right before bed can disrupt sleep by causing indigestion and discomfort. B: Exercising right before bedtime can stimulate the body and mind, making it harder to fall asleep. C: Drinking tea before bed may contain caffeine or disrupt the need to wake up for bathroom trips, affecting sleep quality.

Question 3 of 5

A group of nursing students is reviewing information about age-related changes occurring in cognition and intellectual performance. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a normal cognitive change?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Slowed information processing. As individuals age, it is normal for their cognitive processing speed to decrease. This is a common age-related change in cognition due to factors such as decreased brain processing efficiency. Slowed information processing does not necessarily indicate cognitive impairment but is a normal part of aging. A: Disorientation to time is not a normal cognitive change but rather a sign of cognitive impairment or confusion. C: Diminished executive functioning refers to difficulties in tasks such as planning, problem-solving, and decision-making, and is not a normal age-related change. D: Restricted judgment is not a typical age-related cognitive change but may indicate cognitive decline or impairment.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is giving a public presentation on the topic of forensic psychiatric care at a community center in a community that is considering building a forensic facility. The nurse is explaining about how someone who is found to be unfit to stand trial is subsequently hospitalized in a forensic mental health facility. A member of the audience asks, 'What is the purpose of the hospitalization?' Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Efforts are focused on helping the client become 'fit' to stand trial. This is because when someone is found unfit to stand trial, the goal of hospitalization in a forensic mental health facility is to provide treatment and interventions aimed at restoring the individual's competency to participate in the legal proceedings. This is in line with the legal and ethical principles of ensuring that individuals have the capacity to understand the charges against them and assist in their defense. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the primary purpose of hospitalization for individuals found unfit to stand trial, which is to restore their competency for legal proceedings.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is performing change of shift assessments on 4 clients. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to provider first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because lethargy and confusion in a client with gastroenteritis may indicate dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to serious complications. The nurse should report this finding first to prevent deterioration. Choice A is incorrect because thick productive cough and thirst in a client with cystic fibrosis are common symptoms and may not require immediate provider notification. Choice C is incorrect because a morning fasting blood glucose of 185 mg/dL in a client with diabetes mellitus is elevated but not considered a critical finding that requires immediate reporting. Choice D is incorrect because pain 15 minutes after receiving an oral analgesic is a common occurrence and does not indicate an urgent need for provider notification.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions