ATI RN
Mental Health 6 Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A distraught mother brings her ten-year-old-son to the pediatrician and explains that no matter how much she tries to encourage her son to read books, he shows no interest and gets really upset when she pushes him to have reading time. In school, he gets average grades and explains that he gets frustrated because the schoolwork makes no sense. What diagnosis would the nurse suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects reading and related language-based processing skills. In this case, the child's lack of interest in reading, frustration with schoolwork, and difficulty understanding the material points towards dyslexia. Dysphagia (choice A) is difficulty swallowing, not related to reading. Dyscalculia (choice B) is a learning disability related to math, not reading. Dysgraphia (choice C) is a learning disability related to writing, not reading. Therefore, based on the symptoms described, dyslexia is the most likely diagnosis.
Question 2 of 9
The use of a patient-centered interview technique works well for gathering information about abusive situations. It is a good use of clinical time to sit near the patient and:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Establish trust and rapport. Patient-centered interview techniques focus on building a trusting relationship with the patient, which is crucial when discussing sensitive topics like abuse. Sitting near the patient helps create a sense of closeness and comfort, facilitating open communication. Trust and rapport are essential for the patient to feel safe enough to disclose abuse. Asking lots of questions (B) may feel intrusive and overwhelming for the patient. Interrupting the patient's story (C) can disrupt the flow and hinder the patient's ability to express themselves fully. Utilizing closed-ended questions (D) may limit the information shared and inhibit a deeper understanding of the patient's situation.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse is interviewing a client diagnosed with bulimia nervosa about her family and her relationship with her mother. Which statement by the client would the nurse least likely associate with bulimia nervosa?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because in bulimia nervosa, individuals often have enmeshed relationships with their mothers, feeling overly dependent or fused with them. Choice D suggests a healthy boundary between the client and her mother, indicating a level of independence not typically associated with bulimia nervosa. Choices A, B, and C all align with common themes seen in individuals with bulimia nervosa, such as seeking emotional support from the mother, feeling responsible for the mother's emotions, and experiencing a lack of structure or rules within the family dynamic.
Question 4 of 9
An instructor overhears the nursing student ask a client,"This is your third admission. Why did you stop taking your medications?" Which would be the most appropriate instructor response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the instructor's response highlights the potential negative impact of the student's question on the client. By pointing out that the question implied criticism, the instructor is guiding the student to be more mindful of their language and approach with clients. This response promotes patient-centered care and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive environment for clients. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on the positive aspect of the student's question without addressing its potential harm. Choice C is incorrect because it assumes the student's question was appropriate when it may have been insensitive. Choice D is incorrect because it only mentions the student's focus on the topic without addressing the underlying issue of possible criticism.
Question 5 of 9
A patient is suspicious and frequently manipulates others. To which psychosexual stage do these traits relate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Oral. Suspicion and manipulation are traits associated with fixation at the oral stage, according to Freud's psychosexual development theory. At this stage, the primary focus is on oral activities such as sucking and biting. Fixation can lead to traits like suspicion and manipulation. The other choices are incorrect because they correspond to different stages: B) Anal relates to issues with control and orderliness, C) Phallic relates to Oedipus complex and gender identity, and D) Genital is the mature stage where healthy relationships are formed.
Question 6 of 9
A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel very alert and a little restless." The nurse can correctly assess the student's experience as
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: mild anxiety. Feeling alert and restless before a test indicates a state of arousal that is common in mild anxiety. This level of anxiety is normal and can even enhance performance. It is not culturally influenced (A), as anxiety responses can occur universally. It is not displacement (B), which is a defense mechanism involving redirecting emotions. It is also not trait anxiety (C), which refers to a stable personality characteristic of experiencing anxiety across various situations. In this case, the student's experience is temporary and specific to the test-taking situation.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse is performing an assessment interview with a patient. The patient tells the nurse that he has a type A personality. Based on the nurse's interpretation, the nurse would expect which behavior by the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because individuals with type A personalities are typically characterized by impatience, time urgency, and a desire for efficiency. Wanting the interview to be over as quickly as possible aligns with these traits. Choice A is incorrect as type A personalities are often characterized by being competitive and high-strung rather than relaxed. Choice C is incorrect as type A personalities tend to be impatient and may not be pleased with the pace of the interview. Choice D is incorrect as type A personalities are known for being quick to respond rather than speaking slowly.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is preparing a presentation about mental health problems associated with specific cultural groups. When describing mental health problems associated with Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders, the nurse would address high rates of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide. In Asian American, Polynesian, and Pacific Islander cultures, there are high rates of suicide due to various factors such as stigma around mental health, cultural norms, and social pressures. Suicide prevention efforts are crucial in these communities. Incorrect choices: A: Schizophrenia - While schizophrenia can affect individuals in any cultural group, it is not specifically associated with higher rates in Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders. B: Manic disorders - Manic disorders are not typically identified as being prevalent in these cultural groups. C: Dementia - Dementia is not culturally specific and does not have higher rates in Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Pacific Islanders compared to other groups.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse is planning a presentation to a group of nursing students on the topic of anxiety disorders. Which of the following would the nurse include when describing panic disorder?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Individuals with panic disorder often experience sudden and intense physical symptoms mimicking a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, leading them to believe they are having a heart attack. This is known as a panic attack. It is crucial for the nurse to include this information in the presentation to accurately describe panic disorder. Summary: - Option B is incorrect because agoraphobia is a separate anxiety disorder and does not necessarily reduce the frequency of panic attacks. - Option C is incorrect as panic disorder can onset at any age, not just after 30 years. - Option D is incorrect as depression is a common comorbid condition with panic disorder.