ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of nursing students is reviewing information about the changing family structure and its effect on mental health and illness. The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because in stepfamilies, caring for the children can be a primary stressor to the marital partners due to the complexities of blending different family dynamics. This can lead to increased tension and challenges in the relationship, impacting mental health. Explanation: 1. Stepfamilies involve integrating individuals from previous relationships, leading to potential conflicts and adjustments. 2. Caring for children from previous relationships can create additional stress and strain on the marital partners. 3. Balancing different parenting styles and expectations can lead to disagreements and increased stress levels. 4. These stressors can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts within stepfamilies. Summary: Choice A is incorrect as it generalizes about middle-aged childless adults without considering individual circumstances. Choice C is incorrect as separation due to relocation may not always result in additional support from extended family. Choice D is incorrect as mental health outcomes in same-sex families can vary and may not always demonstrate lower rates of depression
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is providing care to a client just recently diagnosed with schizophrenia during an inpatient hospital stay. Throughout the day, the nurse observes the client drinking from the water fountain quite frequently as well as carrying cans of soda and bottles of water with him wherever he goes. Upon entering the client's room, the nurse sees numerous empty cups that had been filled with fluids on his table and in the trash can. The room has an odor of urine. The nurse suspects which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Disordered water balance. The client's excessive fluid intake, frequent use of the water fountain, carrying cans of soda and bottles of water, and presence of numerous empty cups suggest polydipsia, a common symptom in schizophrenia due to disordered water balance. This can lead to dilutional hyponatremia and subsequent urinary incontinence, explaining the odor of urine in the room. A: Diabetes mellitus is unlikely as there are no symptoms of hyperglycemia mentioned. C: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder associated with long-term antipsychotic use, not related to excessive fluid intake. D: Orthostatic hypotension is characterized by a drop in blood pressure upon standing, not related to the client's symptoms. In summary, the client's behavior and symptoms point towards disordered water balance, specifically polydipsia, as the likely cause.
Question 3 of 5
A group of students is reviewing information about the etiology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following as representing the psychoanalytic theory for this disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Unresolved unconscious conflicts. According to the psychoanalytic theory, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) stems from unresolved unconscious conflicts that manifest as excessive worry and anxiety. Sigmund Freud proposed that anxiety is a result of repressed emotions and unresolved conflicts from childhood. Individuals with GAD may be experiencing inner conflicts or unresolved issues that are causing them to feel anxious. The other choices are incorrect because they do not align with the psychoanalytic perspective, which focuses on internal conflicts rather than external stressors or neurological explanations like kindling.
Question 4 of 5
The husband of a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder asks the nurse, 'What causes this condition?' Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (C): The nurse should explain that the symptoms of complex somatic symptom disorder can be manifestations of emotions that the client is unable to express verbally. This response addresses the psychological aspect of the disorder, which is a key component of somatic symptom disorders. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Genetic link is not the primary cause of complex somatic symptom disorder. B: Chronic stress leading to hypoarousal is not the typical explanation for this disorder. D: Internal preoccupation with events may be a feature of the disorder but does not explain the underlying cause related to emotional expression.
Question 5 of 5
The parents of a child with ADHD bring the child for a follow-up visit. During the visit, they tell the nurse that the child receives his first dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) at about 7:30 AM every morning before leaving for school. The teacher and school nurse have noticed a return in the child's overactivity and distractibility just before lunch. The child's second dose is scheduled for about 12 noon. Which of the following might the nurse suggest as a possible solution to control the child's symptoms a bit more effectively?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Switching to a longer acting preparation. By switching to a longer-acting preparation of methylphenidate, the child will receive a sustained release of the medication throughout the day, which can help control symptoms more effectively. This would prevent the dip in medication effectiveness before lunch. A: Giving the second dose at 1 PM or later may not be as effective in maintaining symptom control throughout the school day. C: Splitting the early morning dose in half may not provide consistent symptom control throughout the day. D: Switching to another class of medication is not necessary if the child is responding well to methylphenidate, and a longer-acting preparation of the same medication can be a more appropriate solution.