ATI RN
Virtual ATI Mental Health Assessment Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse influenced by Peplau's interpersonal theory works with an anxious, withdrawn patient. Interventions should focus on
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Peplau's interpersonal theory emphasizes the importance of nurse-patient relationships and therapeutic communication. Using assertive communication helps build trust, address the patient's needs, and promote a therapeutic relationship. Rewarding desired behaviors (A) is behaviorist in nature and does not address the underlying emotional issues. Changing the patient's self-concept (C) is a long-term process that may not be appropriate for immediate care. Administering medications (D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying emotional issues or promote therapeutic communication.
Question 2 of 5
A patient experiencing panic suddenly began running and shouting, "I'm going to explode!" Select the nurse's best action.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it focuses on de-escalation by providing reassurance and support to the patient. By telling the patient to stop running and take a deep breath, the nurse acknowledges the patient's distress and offers assistance. This approach aims to help the patient regain control in a calming manner. Choice A is incorrect because asking for an example may not address the immediate need for de-escalation. Choice B is incorrect as physically restraining the patient could escalate the situation further. Choice D is incorrect as it may provoke feelings of fear or lack of control in the patient by mentioning seclusion.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric-mental health nurse working in a Veteran's Administration Medical Center is meeting with a military wife who is an Asian American. The woman is to be joining a support group for wives of veterans who have posttraumatic stress syndrome. When asking her to describe her husband's mental health problems, which response would the nurse most likely expect?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it highlights a common cultural belief in Asian communities that mental health issues can be attributed to physical causes like vitamin deficiencies. This response indicates the wife's potential perspective and understanding of her husband's mental health problems, which is important for the nurse to consider when providing support. Choice B is incorrect as it perpetuates a negative stereotype about mental health issues being solely caused by war trauma. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests severe symptoms of PTSD without considering the cultural context. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on the husband's behavior rather than his potential mental health issues and lacks cultural sensitivity.
Question 4 of 5
After assessing a patient, the nurse noted the following: he was tearful, he tried to kill himself before coming into the hospital, he had no immediate plan for another suicide attempt, he was unable to concentrate, and he reported having trouble sleeping and having little or no appetite. The nurse also noted that the patient's appearance was unkempt, that he spoke in a low monotone, and that he was unable to establish and maintain eye contact. Based on this information, which nursing diagnoses would be the most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Risk for Suicide. Given the patient's presentation of being tearful, previous suicide attempt, inability to concentrate, sleep disturbances, poor appetite, unkempt appearance, low monotone speech, and lack of eye contact, these are all indicative of suicidal ideation and risk. The nurse should prioritize this nursing diagnosis to ensure the patient's safety. A: Ineffective Role Performance does not address the immediate risk of suicide. B: Risk for Infection is not indicated by the patient's symptoms. D: Risk for Self-Mutilation is not the priority as the patient's immediate risk is suicidal behavior.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is deciding about the size of the group. The nurse determines that a large group would be best based on which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a large group is more effective for dealing with a specific issue due to the diversity of perspectives and experiences that can be shared. In a large group, there are more opportunities for brainstorming, problem-solving, and support. This leads to a richer discussion and more comprehensive exploration of the issue at hand. Choice A is incorrect because transference and countertransference issues can still arise in a large group setting. Choice B is incorrect as group cohesiveness may actually be harder to achieve in a larger group. Choice C is incorrect as a large group offers more potential interactions and relationships, not limited ones.