ATI RN
ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam 2024 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse has completed an assessment of a patient who is experiencing significant stress. The assessment revealed intense anger and acting out behaviors along with statements of negative emotions. Which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ineffective coping. The patient is exhibiting intense anger, acting out behaviors, and expressing negative emotions, indicating a maladaptive response to stress. Ineffective coping addresses the inability to manage stressors and emotions effectively. A: Disturbed thought processes typically involve cognitive impairments or disorganized thinking, which is not the primary issue presented here. B: Low self-esteem focuses on negative self-perception, which may not be the root cause of the patient's current distress. C: Hopelessness pertains to a sense of despair and pessimism about the future, which may not be the main concern in this case. In summary, the patient's behaviors and statements suggest a lack of effective coping mechanisms, making "Ineffective coping" the most appropriate nursing diagnosis.
Question 2 of 5
A group of students is reviewing information about the etiology of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The students demonstrate understanding of this information when they identify which of the following as representing the psychoanalytic theory for this disorder?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Unresolved unconscious conflicts. According to the psychoanalytic theory, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) stems from unresolved unconscious conflicts that manifest as excessive worry and anxiety. Sigmund Freud proposed that anxiety is a result of repressed emotions and unresolved conflicts from childhood. Individuals with GAD may be experiencing inner conflicts or unresolved issues that are causing them to feel anxious. The other choices are incorrect because they do not align with the psychoanalytic perspective, which focuses on internal conflicts rather than external stressors or neurological explanations like kindling.
Question 3 of 5
The husband of a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder asks the nurse, 'What causes this condition?' Which response by the nurse would be most accurate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale for correct answer (C): The nurse should explain that the symptoms of complex somatic symptom disorder can be manifestations of emotions that the client is unable to express verbally. This response addresses the psychological aspect of the disorder, which is a key component of somatic symptom disorders. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Genetic link is not the primary cause of complex somatic symptom disorder. B: Chronic stress leading to hypoarousal is not the typical explanation for this disorder. D: Internal preoccupation with events may be a feature of the disorder but does not explain the underlying cause related to emotional expression.
Question 4 of 5
The parents of a child with ADHD bring the child for a follow-up visit. During the visit, they tell the nurse that the child receives his first dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) at about 7:30 AM every morning before leaving for school. The teacher and school nurse have noticed a return in the child's overactivity and distractibility just before lunch. The child's second dose is scheduled for about 12 noon. Which of the following might the nurse suggest as a possible solution to control the child's symptoms a bit more effectively?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Switching to a longer acting preparation. By switching to a longer-acting preparation of methylphenidate, the child will receive a sustained release of the medication throughout the day, which can help control symptoms more effectively. This would prevent the dip in medication effectiveness before lunch. A: Giving the second dose at 1 PM or later may not be as effective in maintaining symptom control throughout the school day. C: Splitting the early morning dose in half may not provide consistent symptom control throughout the day. D: Switching to another class of medication is not necessary if the child is responding well to methylphenidate, and a longer-acting preparation of the same medication can be a more appropriate solution.
Question 5 of 5
The school nurse is aware that a student has requested aspirin three times during the past week because his back hurts. The nurse has noticed that he often wears long-sleeved sweaters and sweatshirts even in warm weather. The nurse suspects that the student may be the victim of physical abuse. The nurse is preparing to ask the child about his ongoing backache. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate being reported by the child if he was being abused?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a victim of physical abuse may give a far-fetched explanation not logically connected to their injuries to protect their abuser or out of fear. In this scenario, the student requesting aspirin for back pain could potentially provide a vague or unrelated reason to explain the injuries if he is being abused. Choice A is incorrect because most victims of abuse are hesitant to report their abusers directly. Choice C is incorrect because it assumes the sister would give a similar explanation, which may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect because it presents a rationalization for abuse rather than a potential indicator of abuse. In summary, the correct answer, B, aligns with the behavior of abuse victims who may give inconsistent or illogical explanations to conceal the abuse.