ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice B Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select the one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant should include several key instructions. Firstly, it's important to inform the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, so they should be patient. Secondly, they should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking the medication as it can interact negatively with antidepressants. Additionally, abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided. Lastly, clients may experience an increase in energy before their mood improves, which is a common effect of some antidepressants. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants, but adherence to the prescribed regimen and reporting any concerning side effects to the healthcare provider are crucial.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following are symptoms of a panic attack? Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms of a panic attack can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and hot flashes. Normal breathing is not a symptom of a panic attack; instead, individuals experiencing a panic attack may often exhibit rapid or shallow breathing patterns. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are typical symptoms associated with panic attacks, making them incorrect answers.
Question 3 of 5
What intervention should the nurse implement for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performing ritualistic handwashing?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a client with OCD performing ritualistic handwashing, the nurse should initially allow the client to continue the behavior. Abruptly stopping the behavior or providing a distraction can heighten the client's anxiety. Encouraging the client to perform the ritual more quickly does not address the underlying issue of OCD and may exacerbate their anxiety. Providing a distraction to interrupt the ritual may not be effective in the long term and could lead to increased distress. Gradual limits should be established over time to help the client manage and reduce the ritualistic behavior effectively.
Question 4 of 5
A healthcare professional is assessing a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing a depressive episode. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect? Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In bipolar disorder, depressive episodes are characterized by symptoms that mirror those of major depressive disorder, including low mood, anhedonia (loss of interest in activities), and significant changes in sleep, appetite, and energy levels. The correct answer is **A (High energy)** because it is inconsistent with the typical presentation of a depressive episode in bipolar disorder. Depressive episodes involve **low energy or fatigue**, not high energy, which is instead a hallmark of manic or hypomanic episodes. High energy would suggest a shift toward mania, not depression. **B (Feelings of hopelessness)** is a classic symptom of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder. Patients often experience pervasive sadness, guilt, worthlessness, or pessimism about the future. These emotional symptoms are central to the diagnostic criteria for a depressive episode, making this choice expected in this context. **C (Insomnia or hypersomnia)** is also a common feature of depressive episodes. Sleep disturbances are a key diagnostic criterion—some individuals struggle with insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), while others experience hypersomnia (excessive sleep). Both reflect dysregulation in sleep patterns that frequently accompany depression. **D (Decreased appetite)** is another expected finding in depressive episodes. Many individuals report reduced interest in food, leading to weight loss. While some may experience increased appetite (particularly in atypical depression), decreased appetite is a well-documented symptom in standard depressive presentations, including those in bipolar disorder. The question asks for the finding that **does not apply**, and **A (High energy)** is the clear outlier. It represents a contradiction to the expected symptomatology of depression, aligning instead with manic states where energy, activity, and mood are elevated. The other options (B, C, D) are all consistent with depressive episodes, reinforcing that high energy is the inappropriate choice in this clinical scenario. Understanding these distinctions is critical for accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention in bipolar disorder.
Question 5 of 5
A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Interventions for a client with OCD should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Allowing the client to perform rituals is an essential part of managing OCD and should not be restricted in the initial stages of care. Setting limits on the time for rituals helps prevent excessive engagement in them. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings promotes emotional expression and processing. Providing a structured schedule of activities helps establish routine and predictability, which can be beneficial for individuals with OCD.