ATI RN
Psychiatric Nursing Practice Test Questions with Answer Key PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female patient was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, and in the course of her treatment, it was determined that she was experiencing alcohol dependence because she began experiencing alcohol withdrawal while she was in the hospital. When the psychiatrist who was called in as a consultant documented the patient’s mental disorder, he identified her alcohol dependence on which axis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Axis I. Alcohol dependence is classified as a mental disorder and is considered part of Axis I in the DSM-IV-TR system. Axis I includes clinical disorders, such as substance use disorders, that are the primary focus of clinical attention. In this case, the patient's alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms are the main reason for her admission and treatment. Explanation of incorrect choices: B: Axis II focuses on personality disorders and mental retardation, which are not the primary concern in this scenario. C: Axis III pertains to general medical conditions that are relevant to the patient's mental health, but not the primary mental disorder itself. D: Axis IV involves psychosocial and environmental stressors, such as life events or problems, which are not the primary focus in this case of alcohol dependence.
Question 2 of 5
A college-aged student and his friend arrive at the student health center. The friend reports that the patient has been having difficulties concentrating, remembering, and thinking. `He’s had quite a few research papers due this past week. After ruling out other problems, the nurse determines that the patient is experiencing a culture-bound syndrome. Which of the following would the nurse most likely suspect?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shenjing shuairo. The given scenario describes symptoms related to cognitive difficulties due to stress from research papers. Shenjing shuairo is a culture-bound syndrome in Chinese culture that manifests as physical and cognitive symptoms due to stress or emotional distress. It aligns with the student's symptoms and stress from academic work. A: Ataque de nervios is a syndrome in Latino cultures characterized by a sudden outburst of emotion, not related to the cognitive difficulties described. B: Brain fog is a general term for cognitive symptoms like memory issues and lack of clarity, not specific to any culture-bound syndrome. C: Mal de ojo is a folk illness in Latino cultures related to the belief in the evil eye, not matching the cognitive symptoms in the scenario.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is teaching a class about social factors associated with mental illness at a community health center. When describing the influence of poverty and effects of the downward economic spiral on mental health, which population would the nurse identify as being the most at risk?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Homeless individuals. Homeless individuals are the most at risk due to the severe impact of poverty and the downward economic spiral on mental health. Homelessness is often directly linked to poverty and lack of resources, leading to increased stress, trauma, and mental health issues. Homeless individuals face constant instability, lack of access to basic necessities, and higher rates of trauma and violence, all of which significantly contribute to mental health problems. Other choices are less directly associated with the severe impact of poverty and homelessness on mental health. Older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and single-parent families can also be at risk, but homeless individuals are the most vulnerable due to the extreme conditions they face on a daily basis.
Question 4 of 5
During an interview, a patient states, `God does not exist for me. The nurse interprets this statement as reflecting which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Atheism. This is because atheism is the belief that there is no God or gods. When the patient states "God does not exist for me," it aligns with the definition of atheism. Animism (A) is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. Agnosticism (B) is the belief that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable, not a denial of God's existence. Polytheism (D) is the belief in multiple gods, which is not reflected in the patient's statement. In this case, the patient's statement directly corresponds to atheism, making it the correct choice.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing care to a male patient who is hospitalized with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Which of the following would be appropriate for the nurse to include in the patient’s medical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it accurately reflects a symptom commonly associated with schizophrenia, which is auditory hallucinations (hearing voices). This information is important for monitoring the patient's condition and adjusting treatment plans. Choice A is incorrect because it does not provide any relevant information about the patient's schizophrenia symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as it does not mention any specific symptoms related to schizophrenia. Choice D is incorrect as the term "acted crazily" is stigmatizing and unprofessional, and does not provide a clear description of the patient's symptoms.