ATI RN
RN Mental Health 2023 ATI Proctored Questions
Question 1 of 5
A newly admitted patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder has gained 20 pounds over a few months and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is C: Risk for suicide. This is because the patient's suicidal ideation poses an immediate threat to their safety and needs to be addressed urgently to ensure their well-being. The patient's weight gain and lack of symptom improvement with antidepressants are important factors but do not take precedence over the risk of suicide. Imbalanced nutrition and chronic low self-esteem are not the priority as they are not immediately life-threatening. Hopelessness is also important but addressing the risk for suicide takes precedence in this critical situation.
Question 2 of 5
A nursing student expresses concerns that mental health nurses 'lose all their clinical nursing skills.' Select the best response by the mental health nurse.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because psychiatric nurses require complex communication skills and critical thinking to assess, support, and intervene effectively with patients experiencing mental health issues. This is crucial for building therapeutic relationships and promoting recovery. Choice A is incorrect because the safety of the environment does not determine the need for clinical skills. Choice C is incorrect as mental health nursing typically involves more therapeutic communication than the use of high-tech equipment. Choice D is incorrect because psychiatric nurses often work with individuals experiencing significant emotional pain and distress, requiring a high level of clinical skill and empathy.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to interview a 6-year-old girl and her mother in an outpatient psychiatric setting. To establish a treatment alliance with the child, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Option C is correct as it demonstrates empathy and acknowledges the child's emotions, helping to establish trust and a therapeutic alliance. By recognizing the child's potential fear, the nurse shows understanding and provides reassurance. This approach creates a safe environment for the child to open up and build rapport with the nurse. Summary: A: Incorrect. Sharing personal information might not be relevant or comforting to the child, and it does not focus on the child's feelings. B: Incorrect. Standing and looking down can be intimidating and may not promote a sense of safety and trust in the child. D: Incorrect. Asking to interview the child alone without considering the child's comfort and feelings may lead to distrust and hinder the therapeutic relationship.
Question 4 of 5
A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, "I feel undone." An appropriate response for the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is correct as it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to elaborate on their feelings, promoting therapeutic communication. It acknowledges the patient's emotions and seeks clarification to better understand their experience. This response shows empathy and validates the patient's feelings, fostering trust and rapport. Choices A and D lack empathy and may come off as dismissive or directive. Choice B focuses on the cause of anxiety rather than addressing the immediate emotional distress.
Question 5 of 5
A 20-year-old man arrives at the emergency department by ambulance. He is unconscious, with slow respirations and pinpoint pupils. There are 'tracks' visible on his arms. The friend who came with him reports that the client had just 'shot up' heroin when he became unconscious. Which medication would the nurse most likely expect to administer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Naloxone. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking opioid receptors in the brain. In this case, the man's symptoms of slow respirations and pinpoint pupils are indicative of opioid overdose. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing and consciousness. Naltrexone (B) is used for opioid addiction treatment but not for acute overdose reversal. Bupropion (C) is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, not indicated for opioid overdose. Varenicline (D) is a smoking cessation aid and is not used for opioid overdose reversal.