ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
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.
Question 2 of 9
A patient who was responding to auditory hallucinations earlier in the morning now approaches the nurse shaking a fist and shouts, 'Back off!' and then goes to the dayroom. While following the patient into the dayroom, the nurse should
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, as it prioritizes safety by ensuring physical space between the nurse and the patient, reducing the risk of potential harm. By creating distance, the nurse can prevent escalation and maintain a safe environment for both parties. This approach allows for de-escalation and assessment of the situation without provoking further agitation. Choice B is incorrect as it may trap the patient and limit their options, potentially increasing their distress. Choice C is incorrect as maintaining a fixed distance may not be sufficient if the patient becomes physically aggressive. Choice D is incorrect as immediately engaging in conversation may exacerbate the situation and lead to further agitation.
Question 3 of 9
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 4 of 9
Personality disorders often co-occur with mood and eating disorders. A young woman is undergoing treatment at an eating disorders clinic and her nurse suspects the patient may also have a Cluster B personality disorder due to the young woman's:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Dramatic response to frustration. This is indicative of a Cluster B personality disorder, which includes traits such as emotional instability and impulsivity. People with Cluster B personality disorders often display intense and exaggerated emotional responses to situations like frustration. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically align with the characteristics of Cluster B personality disorders, making them incorrect. A reflects symptoms of an eating disorder, C is related to compulsive behavior, and D describes traits more commonly associated with mood disorders.
Question 5 of 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing the various theories related to the etiology of schizophrenia. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which neurotransmitter as being responsible for hallucinations and delusions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why A (Dopamine) is the correct answer: 1. Dopamine hypothesis: Excess dopamine activity is linked to schizophrenia symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. 2. Studies show antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine receptors effectively alleviate these symptoms. 3. Dopamine dysregulation theory: Suggests abnormalities in dopamine transmission contribute to schizophrenia. 4. Serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA are not directly implicated in hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse providing discharge teaching to the client who has schizophrenia and is starting therapy with clozapine. Which of the following is the highest priority for the client to report to the provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. This is the highest priority for the client to report because fever can indicate a serious side effect called agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition associated with clozapine therapy. Agranulocytosis can lead to severe infections due to low white blood cell count. It is crucial to monitor for fever as an early sign of this condition to prevent complications. A: Constipation - While constipation can be a side effect of clozapine, it is not as urgent as fever in this context. B: Blurred vision - Blurred vision is a common side effect of clozapine but is not typically considered a medical emergency. D: Dry mouth - Dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including clozapine, and is not as concerning as fever in this scenario.
Question 7 of 9
Which patient is the best candidate for brief psychodynamic therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because brief psychodynamic therapy is typically suitable for individuals with specific, time-limited issues like the aftermath of an extramarital affair. This type of therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and patterns related to the specific problem. Choices B, C, and D present more complex and severe issues that would likely require longer-term or more intensive therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or medical interventions. It is important to match the therapy approach to the individual's needs and presenting concerns.
Question 8 of 9
A nursing instructor is teaching a class on the pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications. The instructor determines that additional teaching is needed when the students identify which of the following as a site of action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neurotransmitters. In pharmacodynamics, the site of action refers to where a drug exerts its effects in the body. Neurotransmitters are not a site of action; they are the chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons. Drugs act on receptors, ion channels, and enzymes to produce their pharmacological effects. Receptors are proteins on cell surfaces or within cells that bind to specific drugs and initiate a response. Ion channels are proteins that regulate the flow of ions across cell membranes, affecting cell function. Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions. Therefore, neurotransmitters do not serve as the primary site of action for psychiatric medications.
Question 9 of 9
What are the three types of delirium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: hyperactive, hypoactive, and mixed. Hyperactive delirium involves agitation and restlessness, hypoactive delirium is characterized by reduced activity and lethargy, and mixed delirium includes features of both hyperactive and hypoactive states. Choice A is incorrect as depression is not a type of delirium. Choice B is incorrect as confusion is a symptom found in all types of delirium, not a distinct type. Choice C is incorrect as dementia is a separate condition from delirium.