ATI RN
Mental Health Nursing ATI Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A group of students are reviewing the events associated with the fight-or-flight response. They demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following results from sympathetic nervous stimulation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tachycardia. Sympathetic nervous stimulation in the fight-or-flight response leads to increased heart rate to pump more blood to the muscles. This helps prepare the body for physical activity during stress. A: Hypoglycemia is incorrect because sympathetic stimulation actually leads to increased blood sugar levels for energy. C: Hypotension is incorrect as sympathetic activation causes vasoconstriction, raising blood pressure, not lowering it. D: Hypercoagulability is incorrect as sympathetic activation can lead to increased blood clotting but is not a direct result of sympathetic nervous stimulation.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a class about the biochemical theories associated with panic disorder, the instructor determines a need for additional teaching when the students identify which neurotransmitter as being implicated?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dopamine. In the context of panic disorder, serotonin and norepinephrine are typically implicated due to their roles in regulating mood and anxiety. GABA is involved in inhibiting neurotransmission, thus helping to reduce anxiety. Dopamine, however, is not directly associated with panic disorder and its dysregulation is more commonly linked to disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, if students identify dopamine as being implicated in panic disorder, it indicates a need for additional teaching to correct this misconception and emphasize the roles of serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA instead.
Question 3 of 5
A client is admitted to the mental health unit because she was found trying to inject diluted feces into her hospitalized child's intravenous line. The client has a history of similar attempts of harming the child. The nurse would most likely suspect which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Munchausen's syndrome by proxy. This is a form of abuse where the caregiver fabricates or induces illness in someone under their care to gain attention or sympathy. In this scenario, the client's repeated attempts to harm the child for attention align with this syndrome. The other options do not fit the situation: A (Schizoid personality traits) doesn't involve intentional harm, C (Functional neurologic symptoms) is not related to fabricating illness in another, and D (Borderline personality disorder) doesn't typically involve this specific type of behavior.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing to initiate a behavioral treatment program for a child with encopresis. Which of the following would the nurse most likely implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bowel cleansing. This would most likely be implemented first because it helps to clear the colon of retained stool, which is essential in managing encopresis. By cleansing the bowel, it can help reset the child's bowel habits and reduce the likelihood of accidents. Administering mineral oil (choice A) may be used as a lubricant, but it does not address the underlying issue of fecal impaction. A low-fiber diet (choice C) is not recommended as it can exacerbate constipation. Toilet sitting after each meal (choice D) is important but may not be as effective if the colon is impacted with stool.
Question 5 of 5
A female client has been admitted to the inpatient psychiatric facility with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder after a history of violence by her boyfriend. During the initial assessment interview, which assessment would be the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicide risk. This is the priority assessment because individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder, especially those who have experienced violence, are at increased risk for suicidal ideation and behaviors. Assessing suicide risk is crucial for ensuring the client's safety and implementing appropriate interventions. Nutritional status (A), hydration status (B), and sleep patterns (C) are also important assessments, but in this case, addressing the immediate risk of suicide takes precedence in order to prevent harm to the client.