ATI RN
Proctored ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information related to drug therapy for mood disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is considered the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder due to its proven efficacy in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapse. It has been used for decades and has a well-established track record. Additionally, lithium has a unique mechanism of action in stabilizing mood by modulating neurotransmitters. Carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine are also used in treating bipolar disorder, but they are not considered the gold standard like lithium. Carbamazepine and valproate are typically used as alternative options or in combination with other medications, while lamotrigine is often used for bipolar depression rather than mania.
Question 2 of 5
A patient's 5-year-old poodle ran in front of a car and was killed. The patient continues to be upset by her pet's death, and she explains to a community counseling center nurse that she can't stop crying because, 'My Precious meant the world to me, and now my world will never be the same!' If the nurse were to determine that the patient was experiencing a crisis, which of the following types of crisis would it most likely be?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Situational crisis. In this scenario, the patient's overwhelming emotional response to her pet's death is due to a specific, unexpected event - the loss of her beloved pet. Situational crises are triggered by external events that disrupt an individual's normal functioning. The patient's distress is directly linked to the situation at hand, which is the sudden death of her poodle. Choice A: Maturational crisis, involves normal life transitions or stages. The patient's response is not related to a typical life event but to a specific incident. Choice C: Traumatic crisis, typically involves a life-threatening or deeply disturbing event. While the loss of a pet can be traumatic, in this case, the patient's distress seems more related to the emotional bond with her pet rather than the traumatic nature of the event. Choice D: Developmental crisis, occurs when an individual struggles to achieve a new developmental stage. The patient's grief is not related to a failure
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to document information obtained from a client diagnosed with a delusional disorder who is experiencing somatic delusions. Which of the following would the nurse most likely document?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Body complaints. Somatic delusions involve false beliefs about one's body, such as having a serious illness or physical defect. The nurse would document the client's body complaints as they are directly related to the somatic delusions. Disorientation (A) and reduced attention span (B) are not specific to somatic delusions. Above average intelligence (C) is unrelated to the client's delusional disorder.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a client with a paranoid personality trait. The nurse integrates knowledge of this condition, anticipating that the client's affect and behavior will most likely be which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angry and hostile. Individuals with paranoid personality traits often exhibit suspiciousness, mistrust, and a tendency to interpret others' actions as hostile or malevolent. This can lead to feelings of anger and hostility towards others. This affect and behavior align with the characteristics commonly seen in individuals with paranoid personality traits. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because paranoid individuals are not typically flirtatious, seductive, fearful, anxious, friendly, or open in their interactions due to their underlying suspicious and mistrustful nature.
Question 5 of 5
The sleep history of a client experiencing sleep problems reveals that the client ingests a significant amount of caffeine each day. When reviewing the effect of caffeine on sleep with the client, which of the following would the nurse incorporate into the discussion as a caffeine effect?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased REM sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with the sleep cycle by reducing the amount of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is crucial for restorative functions. Here's the rationale: 1. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which can disrupt the natural sleep stages, including REM sleep. 2. REM sleep is important for memory consolidation and cognitive function, so a decrease in REM sleep can lead to cognitive impairments. 3. Choices A and B are incorrect because caffeine typically increases sleep latency and decreases total sleep time. 4. Choice D is incorrect because caffeine is known to reduce slow-wave sleep, which is the deep, restorative stage of sleep.