ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with complex somatic symptom disorder is complaining of significant pain in the joints. When providing care to this client, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client's experience of pain is real. In complex somatic symptom disorder, physical symptoms are real to the client even if there is no clear medical explanation. It is crucial for the nurse to validate the client's experience of pain to establish trust and promote therapeutic alliance. This approach can help address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. Incorrect choices: A: Opioid analgesics are not always the primary mode of therapy for somatic symptom disorder as they may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. C: Complementary therapies can be beneficial in managing pain and promoting overall well-being in clients with somatic symptom disorder. D: Outcomes need to consider not only the biologic aspects but also the psychosocial and environmental factors influencing the client's pain experience.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a 76-year-old patient with a hearing deficit caused by presbycusis. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to do when communicating with the patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Use lower pitched tones. Presbycusis causes difficulty in hearing high-frequency sounds, so using lower pitched tones can help the patient hear better. Higher volume (choice A) may distort the sound and not necessarily improve understanding. Addressing family members (choice B) does not directly address the patient's hearing deficit. Asking about sign language (choice C) assumes the patient knows sign language, which may not be the case. Thus, using lower pitched tones is the most appropriate approach for effective communication with a patient with presbycusis.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client's condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness. Delirium is an acute condition that manifests quickly, unlike dementia which is more gradual. The sudden change in consciousness is a key factor in diagnosing delirium. Choice A is incorrect as talking normally is not a primary diagnostic criterion for delirium. Choice B is incorrect as gradual confusion over time is more indicative of dementia rather than delirium. Choice D is incorrect as exposure to an infectious agent is not a primary cause for delirium, although it could contribute in some cases.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is presenting a program to a church group about domestic violence. During the presentation, a member of the audience asks the nurse to explain what intergenerational transmission of violence means because he has seen that phrase used in the media. Which of the following responses by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because intergenerational transmission of violence refers to the cycle where individuals who grow up in violent households are more likely to perpetuate domestic violence in their own relationships. This response directly addresses the concept by highlighting the link between childhood exposure to violence and adult behavior. Choice A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue by attributing violence solely to neurochemical imbalances, ignoring the impact of environmental factors like upbringing. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests violence is solely genetic, which is not supported by research that shows the influence of learned behavior. Choice D is incorrect as it presents an inaccurate statement about domestic violence skipping generations, which is not a recognized pattern in the transmission of violence.
Question 5 of 5
A group of nurses who have recently been hired to work in the mental health division of a large federal prison system are undergoing orientation. A nurse is discussing medication administration for the clients. Which statement would the nurse most likely include in this presentation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because dissolving oral medications in water before handing them to the prisoner ensures that they are taking the medication as prescribed. This method helps in monitoring medication ingestion and compliance. Explanation: 1. Choice A directly addresses the issue of medication administration and compliance by ensuring that the medications are taken as intended. 2. Choice B is incorrect because patient safety is a priority, and administering medications may be necessary to prevent harm. 3. Choice C is incorrect because coercive methods like routine injections violate ethical principles and patient rights. 4. Choice D is incorrect as obtaining a court order may not always be feasible or necessary for routine medication administration in a prison setting.