ATI RN
Mental Health Practice A ATI Questions
Question 1 of 9
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about factors affecting the pattern and quality of sleep. The students demonstrate a need for additional review when they identify which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because sleep patterns are not constant across the lifespan. Sleep patterns change with age, with newborns sleeping the most and older adults typically experiencing changes in their sleep patterns. This is important for nursing students to understand to provide appropriate care. Choice B is correct because women do tend to report more problems with sleep compared to men due to hormonal fluctuations and other factors. Choice C is correct as working night shifts and sleeping during the day can disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythm, affecting sleep patterns. Choice D is correct as environmental influences on sleep can include factors such as noise, light, temperature, and stress, which can impact the quality of sleep.
Question 2 of 9
Child protective services have removed 10-year-old Christopher from his parents' home due to neglect. Christopher reveals to the nurse that he considers the woman next door his 'nice' mom, that he loves school, and gets above average grades. The strongest explanation of this response is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Resilience. Christopher's ability to form positive relationships, excel in school, and maintain high academic performance despite experiencing neglect indicates resilience. Resilience refers to the ability to adapt positively in the face of adversity. His behavior shows that he is able to overcome his challenging circumstances and thrive. Temperament (A) refers to inherent traits that influence behavior, genetic factors (B) may play a role but do not fully explain his response, and the paradoxical effects of neglect (D) are not the strongest explanation in this context.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse interacts with a newly hospitalized patient. Select the nurse's comment that applies the communication technique of "offering self."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because offering to sit with the patient shows empathy and a willingness to provide support. By expressing a desire to help the patient feel comfortable and open up, the nurse is effectively using the communication technique of "offering self." This approach creates a safe space for the patient to share their feelings and concerns. Choice A is incorrect because sharing personal experiences can shift the focus away from the patient's needs. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on the patient's thoughts without offering support or empathy. Choice C is incorrect because it lacks personal engagement and does not actively offer the nurse's presence for support.
Question 4 of 9
A nurse is planning to delegate to an AP the fasting blood glucose testing for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Assess AP's qualifications: Ensures competency and safety. 2. Delegation based on competence: AP must be capable. 3. Legal and ethical responsibility: Nurse is accountable for delegation. 4. Ensures client safety: Properly trained AP will perform test accurately. Summary: B: Nurse should not perform the test; delegating responsibility is key. C: Asking about medication is not within scope for blood glucose testing. D: Checking prior results is not necessary for performing a current test.
Question 5 of 9
What is a common barrier to recovery from mental illness?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: stigma and discrimination. Stigma and discrimination create significant barriers to recovery from mental illness by affecting self-esteem, access to treatment, and social support. Stigma can lead to feelings of shame and isolation, hindering individuals from seeking help or adhering to treatment. Discrimination can limit opportunities for employment, education, and social integration, further impacting mental health outcomes. Increased social interaction (A) can be beneficial for recovery. Availability of multiple treatment options (C) can support recovery. High levels of self-esteem (D) are important but not the most common barrier.
Question 6 of 9
A community psychiatric nurse is reviewing data to find gaps in the local health-care system. What type of service yields the best outcomes for the acutely ill client?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: wraparound services. This type of service provides comprehensive and individualized care that addresses the multiple needs of acutely ill clients, leading to better outcomes. It includes coordination of various services such as medical, psychological, social, and community support. This approach ensures holistic care and continuity of services, promoting recovery and reducing relapses. Summary: B: Community health services may offer some support but lack the personalized and comprehensive approach of wraparound services. C: Facility mental health services focus on treatment within a specific setting and may not address the broader needs of the client. D: Individual therapy services, while beneficial, may not be sufficient for acutely ill clients who require a more holistic and coordinated approach.
Question 7 of 9
What medication education should the nurse provide to a patient who has expressed an interest in taking St. John's wort?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer C: 1. St. John's wort can interact with antidepressants, reducing their effectiveness. 2. This herb can also lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with antidepressants. 3. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to educate the patient to avoid combining St. John's wort with antidepressants to prevent harmful interactions. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Allergic reactions are not common with St. John's wort, so this information is not relevant to the patient's education. B: While liver toxicity is a concern with St. John's wort, regular liver function tests are not typically required for patients taking this herb. D: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bleeding are not commonly associated with St. John's wort, making this choice incorrect.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is assisting a client with borderline personality disorder in how to manage transient psychotic episodes that involve auditory hallucinations. The teaching is planned for times when the client is free of these symptoms. Which of the following would the nurse instruct the client to do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identify early internal cues of distress. This is the first step because recognizing early signs of distress can help the client intervene before the psychotic episode escalates. By identifying these cues, the client can implement coping strategies and prevent the hallucinations from worsening. Explanation for incorrect choices: A: Using skills to tolerate painful feelings is important, but identifying early cues is crucial for early intervention. B: Deep abdominal breathing can help with relaxation, but it may not address the underlying distress leading to the hallucinations. D: Referring to cards listing symptoms is less effective as it focuses on recognizing symptoms rather than proactively managing distress cues.
Question 9 of 9
Larry, a middle-aged male in a treatment facility, is loudly displaying anger in the day room with a visiting family member. It is obvious to the nurse this pattern has played out before. Violence is often escalated when family members or authority figures:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Engage in a power struggle. Engaging in a power struggle can escalate the situation by challenging the individual's sense of control and leading to increased anger and aggression. This behavior can further provoke the individual and worsen the situation. A: Using a soft tone of voice may not address the underlying issues causing the anger and can be perceived as patronizing. B: Moving away in fear can demonstrate avoidance behavior and may not effectively address the situation. C: Using simple words to communicate may not address the power dynamic at play and may not de-escalate the situation effectively. In summary, engaging in a power struggle can exacerbate the situation, while the other choices may not effectively address the root cause of the anger and aggression displayed by Larry.