ATI RN
Mental Health Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
A client is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and is prescribed medication therapy. Which agent would the nurse expect to administer to the client to obtain the quickest relief from anxiety symptoms?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that works quickly to alleviate anxiety symptoms due to its rapid onset of action. It enhances the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, providing immediate relief. Buspirone (A) may take weeks to reach full effect. Venlafaxine (B) is an SNRI that also takes time to show efficacy. Imipramine (D) is a tricyclic antidepressant with delayed onset of action and is not typically used as a first-line treatment for anxiety.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client with borderline personality disorder. Which question would be most appropriate to assess the client's level of impulsivity?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Have you ever felt sorry after acting as you did on the spur of the moment?" This question directly assesses the client's level of impulsivity by probing into their past impulsive actions and their subsequent feelings of regret. Impulsivity is characterized by acting without thinking of the consequences, often leading to regret afterwards. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address impulsivity but instead focus on the client's emotions, views on others, and dissociative experiences respectively, which are not specifically related to impulsivity.
Question 4 of 5
A client with complex somatic symptom disorder is complaining of significant pain in the joints. When providing care to this client, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client's experience of pain is real. In complex somatic symptom disorder, physical symptoms are real to the client even if there is no clear medical explanation. It is crucial for the nurse to validate the client's experience of pain to establish trust and promote therapeutic alliance. This approach can help address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. Incorrect choices: A: Opioid analgesics are not always the primary mode of therapy for somatic symptom disorder as they may not address the underlying psychological factors contributing to the pain. C: Complementary therapies can be beneficial in managing pain and promoting overall well-being in clients with somatic symptom disorder. D: Outcomes need to consider not only the biologic aspects but also the psychosocial and environmental factors influencing the client's pain experience.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with insomnia. When developing a teaching plan for the client, which sleep promotion intervention would the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because maintaining regular bedtimes and rising times helps establish a consistent sleep schedule, which is crucial for managing insomnia. This intervention promotes the client's natural sleep-wake cycle and overall sleep quality. Encouraging the client to consider stopping smoking (Choice A) is important for overall health but may not directly address the immediate sleep issue. Taking frequent naps (Choice C) can disrupt the client's ability to fall asleep at night. Administering sleep medications (Choice D) should be a last resort and not the initial intervention.