ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Practice A 2023 Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse explains to the family of a mentally ill patient how a nurse–patient relationship differs from social relationships. Which is the best explanation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights the key difference in a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship: the focus on the patient's needs and active participation in problem-solving. The nurse facilitates discussion but empowers the patient to make decisions and implement solutions, promoting autonomy and self-efficacy. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests a more equal exchange of advice and implementation of solutions, which can blur professional boundaries and hinder the patient's growth. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes socialization and meeting mutual needs, which are more characteristic of social relationships rather than therapeutic ones focused on the patient's mental health needs. Choice D is incorrect because it describes a partnership focused on mutual growth and satisfaction, which may not always align with the therapeutic goals of addressing the patient's mental health issues effectively.
Question 2 of 9
A nurse is assessing a survivor of intimate partner violence. During the interview, the nurse determines that the survivor's partner is using power and control over the client through coercion and threats. Which client statement would lead the nurse to suspect this?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the statement indicates that the partner is using coercion and threats to control the survivor by threatening to report her to child services, which demonstrates an abuse of power and control. This behavior is a clear indication of domestic violence dynamics, where the abuser exerts authority over the survivor through manipulation and intimidation. Choice A is incorrect because denying the abuse is not necessarily an indicator of power and control. Choice B, while concerning, does not specifically demonstrate coercion or threats. Choice D, while also indicating a power dynamic, does not involve explicit threats or coercion like choice C. Thus, choice C is the most indicative of power and control tactics commonly seen in intimate partner violence situations.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is employed by a long-term residential treatment center that provides care to a variety of patients with chronic mental disorders. Which role would the nurse primarily assume when working with these patients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Educator. In a long-term residential treatment center for patients with chronic mental disorders, the nurse primarily assumes the role of an educator. The nurse educates patients about their conditions, treatment plans, medications, coping strategies, and self-care techniques. This helps empower patients to actively participate in their own care and improve their overall well-being. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Therapist - While nurses may provide therapeutic communication and support, their primary focus is not to provide therapy which is typically done by mental health professionals such as psychologists or counselors. B: Medication administrator - While nurses do administer medications, it is not their primary role in working with patients with chronic mental disorders. C: Mediator - While nurses may help facilitate communication and resolve conflicts, mediating is not their primary role in providing care to patients with chronic mental disorders.
Question 4 of 9
Which statement reflects the ethical principle of utilitarianism?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "The end justifies the means." This statement aligns with the ethical principle of utilitarianism, which focuses on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In utilitarianism, the consequences of an action determine its morality, and if the end result benefits the majority, then the means used to achieve it are justified. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: B: "If you mean well, you will be justified." - This statement reflects more of an intention-based ethical principle rather than utilitarianism that prioritizes outcomes over intentions. C: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." - This reflects the Golden Rule principle of reciprocity, not utilitarianism which emphasizes maximizing overall happiness. D: "What is right is what is best for me." - This choice is more aligned with ethical egoism, which prioritizes self-interest rather than the greater good for the majority.
Question 5 of 9
When assessing a client for possible disordered water balance, the nurse checks the client's urine specific gravity. Which result would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing severe disordered water balance?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D (1.002). A urine specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, suggesting the client may be experiencing severe water imbalance, such as overhydration or excessive fluid intake. In contrast, choices A, B, and C represent more concentrated urine, which would typically be seen in conditions like dehydration or fluid retention. Therefore, D is the correct answer as it indicates a significant deviation from the normal range, signaling a severe water balance issue.
Question 6 of 9
Assessment of a family reveals that the youngest child has moved out of the family home to live by herself. One of the other two children is married, and the other child has just gotten engaged. The nurse interprets this family to be in which stage of the family life cycle?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Launching children and moving on. This stage typically occurs when children leave the family home to live independently, get married, or become engaged. In this scenario, the youngest child has already moved out to live by herself, and one of the other children is married while the remaining child has just gotten engaged. These events indicate that the family is transitioning into the stage of launching children and moving on, where parents adjust to an empty nest and focus on their own pursuits. Choices analysis: A: Families with adolescents - This stage typically involves children still living at home during their teenage years, which does not align with the information provided in the question. C: Families in later life - This stage occurs later in the family life cycle when children have grown up and left the family home, usually after retirement. The events in the question do not indicate this stage. D: Leaving home: single young adults - This stage involves young adults leaving the family home for the first time to
Question 7 of 9
What is a risk of alcohol intake in an older adult that is not as high of a risk in a younger adult?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: risk for osteoporosis. Older adults are at a higher risk for osteoporosis due to alcohol consumption as it can further weaken bones, leading to fractures. This risk is not as prevalent in younger adults whose bones are typically stronger. Choice B: risk of car accidents is not age-dependent; alcohol impairs driving skills regardless of age. Choice C: risk for hallucinations can occur in both older and younger adults with alcohol intake, depending on individual susceptibility. Choice D: risk for vomiting is a common side effect of excessive alcohol consumption, which can affect individuals of all ages.
Question 8 of 9
A client with body dysmorphic disorder is admitted to the inpatient unit. Based on the nurse's understanding about this disorder, the nurse would assess this client closely for which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Suicidal ideation. Clients with body dysmorphic disorder often experience severe distress and preoccupation with perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to significant emotional and psychological distress. This can increase the risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm. Assessing for suicidal ideation is crucial to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate interventions. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Escalating violence - While individuals with body dysmorphic disorder may experience distress and frustration, there is no direct correlation between the disorder and escalating violence. C: Anorexia - Body dysmorphic disorder and anorexia are separate disorders, although they may co-occur. Anorexia focuses on distorted body image related to weight and shape, while body dysmorphic disorder focuses on specific perceived flaws in appearance. D: Psychosis - Body dysmorphic disorder is not typically associated with psychosis, which involves a loss of touch with reality. Clients with body
Question 9 of 9
The nurse working with patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is aware of the need to intervene early in order to de-escalate a patient's increasing anxiety level. Which patient behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Talking rapidly. This behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety because rapid speech can reflect heightened arousal and internal distress. When a person starts talking rapidly, it can indicate a sense of urgency or agitation, which are common signs of increasing anxiety levels. In contrast, pacing around the unit (B) may indicate restlessness or agitation but not necessarily escalating anxiety. Staring out the window (C) could suggest dissociation or introspection rather than escalating anxiety. Refusing to go to therapy (D) might indicate resistance or avoidance but does not directly correlate with escalating anxiety levels.