ATI RN
ATI Capstone Mental Health Proctored Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 9
A hospitalized patient diagnosed with depression asks the nurse, 'Should I go home this weekend?' Which response by the nurse uses the technique of reflection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Option A reflects the patient's question back to them without adding any personal interpretation, allowing them to further explore their feelings. Step 2: This technique of reflection demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to delve deeper into their thoughts. Step 3: Option B is a therapeutic technique called clarification, not reflection. Option C is an example of paraphrasing. Option D is a form of confrontation, not reflection. Summary: Choice A is correct as it reflects the patient's question back to them, facilitating self-exploration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent different communication techniques.
Question 2 of 9
Which is an example of the therapeutic communication technique of"voicing doubt"?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, "I find that hard to believe." This statement demonstrates the therapeutic communication technique of voicing doubt by expressing skepticism in a non-confrontational manner. It allows the client to further elaborate on their thoughts and feelings, fostering open communication and exploration of underlying issues. Choice A paraphrases the client's statement, choice C assumes the client's feelings, and choice D shifts the focus to finding a solution rather than exploring the client's perspective.
Question 3 of 9
When assessing a client with depression, the client states, I just feel so sad and hopeless. I just don't care anymore. I don't even enjoy doing the crossword puzzles like I used to. The nurse documents this finding as indicative of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anhedonia. Anhedonia refers to the inability to experience pleasure or joy in activities that were previously enjoyable. In the scenario provided, the client's statement about not enjoying crossword puzzles anymore indicates a loss of pleasure, which is a key symptom of anhedonia commonly seen in depression. A: Dysthymic disorder is a type of chronic mood disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood. The client's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of dysthymic disorder based on the information provided. C: Delusion refers to a fixed false belief that is not based in reality. The client's statement does not involve any delusional beliefs, so this choice is incorrect. D: Psychosis involves a loss of contact with reality, often manifesting as hallucinations or delusions. The client's statement does not indicate a break from reality, so psychosis is not the correct choice.
Question 4 of 9
Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that a patient may be experiencing a mental illness? The patient
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood is a hallmark symptom of many mental illnesses, such as depression. This persistent negative mood is a red flag for potential mental health concerns. A: Reports of occasional sleeplessness and anxiety are common and can be caused by various factors, not solely indicative of mental illness. C: Being able to differentiate between 'as if' and 'for real' is related to cognitive functioning and does not directly point to mental illness. D: Difficulty making decisions can be a symptom of mental illness, but it is not as specific as a consistently sad, discouraged, and hopeless mood in indicating potential mental health issues.
Question 5 of 9
A patient is being treated in an interdisciplinary clinic. During interactions with a patient who is receiving cognitive behavior therapy, which of the following would the nurse concentrate on first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Identifying the underlying beliefs. In cognitive behavior therapy, identifying the underlying beliefs is crucial as they drive the patient's thoughts and behaviors. By focusing on these core beliefs first, the nurse can help the patient understand the root causes of their issues and work towards challenging and modifying them effectively. A: Identifying alternative explanations of an event - This step usually comes after identifying the underlying beliefs. B: Exploring evidence to support or refute the beliefs - This step comes after identifying the beliefs and is not the initial focus. D: Examining the real implications if the beliefs are true - This step is important but is typically addressed after identifying and working on the underlying beliefs.
Question 6 of 9
A bereavement group run by a local hospice includes a woman who is distraught over her supervisor's death. The woman appears severely distressed. She has trouble functioning with activities of daily living and making the simplest of decisions. The group facilitator recognizes that this woman is suffering from disenfranchised grief after learning:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The woman was in love with her married supervisor. This is correct because disenfranchised grief occurs when a person experiences a loss that is not openly acknowledged or socially supported, such as a secret romantic relationship with the deceased. In this case, the woman's profound distress and inability to function suggest a deep emotional connection beyond a professional one, explaining her intense reaction. Incorrect choices: B: She has not taken enough time off work to grieve properly - This choice assumes that time off work is the primary factor in grieving, which may not be relevant to the woman's situation. C: The supervisor died over a year ago - The timeline of the supervisor's death is not necessarily indicative of disenfranchised grief, as the nature of the relationship matters more. D: Her family is not involved enough to support her - While family support is important, disenfranchised grief is more about the nature of the relationship with the deceased rather than familial support.
Question 7 of 9
A patient checks and rechecks electrical cords related to an obsessive thought that the house may burn down. The nurse and patient explore the likelihood of an actual fire. The patient states this event is not likely. This counseling demonstrates principles of
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: cognitive restructuring. This counseling technique involves challenging and changing irrational thoughts, like the fear of the house burning down, by exploring evidence and creating more balanced perspectives. In this scenario, the nurse and patient are addressing the patient's obsessive thought by examining the likelihood of an actual fire, which aligns with cognitive restructuring. A: Flooding involves exposing the patient to the feared stimulus at full intensity, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. B: Desensitization involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared stimulus, not directly challenging irrational thoughts. C: Relaxation techniques aim to reduce anxiety and stress but do not address the underlying irrational thoughts like cognitive restructuring does.
Question 8 of 9
Cabot has multiple symptoms of depression including mood reactivity, social phobia, anxiety, and overeating. With a history of mild hypertension, which classification of antidepressants dispensed as a transdermal patch would be a safe medication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D, Monoamine oxidase inhibitor. MAOIs are safe for patients with mild hypertension as they do not have adverse effects on blood pressure. Additionally, MAOIs are known to be effective in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and overeating, which are present in Cabot's case. Tricyclic antidepressants (A) can have cardiovascular side effects, SSRIs (B) can cause weight gain, and SNRIs (C) may increase blood pressure. MAOIs are the safest option considering Cabot's symptoms and medical history.
Question 9 of 9
A hospitalized patient diagnosed with depression asks the nurse, 'Should I go home this weekend?' Which response by the nurse uses the technique of reflection?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Option A reflects the patient's question back to them without adding any personal interpretation, allowing them to further explore their feelings. Step 2: This technique of reflection demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to delve deeper into their thoughts. Step 3: Option B is a therapeutic technique called clarification, not reflection. Option C is an example of paraphrasing. Option D is a form of confrontation, not reflection. Summary: Choice A is correct as it reflects the patient's question back to them, facilitating self-exploration. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent different communication techniques.